Chocolate Hazelnut Bites

By Patsy Catsos, MS, RDN, LD
Updated September 27, 2018
Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician
Chocolate Hazelnut Bites
Patsy Catsos, MS, RDN, LD

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

Calories 168
Fat 10g
Carbs 19g
Protein 4g
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving  
Calories 168
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 61mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 8g  
Includes 7g Added Sugars 14%
Protein 4g  
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
Calcium 44mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 156mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Total Time 15 min
Prep 15 min, Cook 0 min
Servings 12

These treats taste similar to that well known, addictive chocolate hazelnut spread everyone loves (and that may be off limits if you are lactose intolerant or are on a low-FODMAP diet). This dairy-free snack does not contain lactose, but does provide nutritious fiber and healthy fat from oats, chia seeds, and nuts.

Some of the ingredients in this recipe can be high-FODMAP when consumed in larger amounts; to keep it IBS friendly, have just one of these treats at a time. They are best served cold or frozen, so plan ahead.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 3/4 cup toasted skinned hazelnuts
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup sifted sorghum flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Preparation

  1. Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir periodically just until sugar dissolves; bring to a boil and continue boiling for 1 minute.
  2. Reduce heat to low, add the peanut butter and canola oil, and stir until peanut butter melts. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Set aside.
  3. Add the chia seeds, hazelnuts, oats, cocoa, sorghum flour, and salt to the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture becomes a coarse powder. You may need to stop once or twice to scrape the mixture down the sides of the bowl. Pour in the brown sugar mixture and pulse until the mixture becomes a stiff paste, about 1 minute.
  1. Form batter into a dozen 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Freeze for 1 hour.
  2. Immediately before serving, dust with confectioners’ sugar. Store these bites in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Blender directions: Use a medium saucepan for the peanut butter mixture instead of a small saucepan. Grind the chia seeds, hazelnuts, oats, cocoa, sorghum flour, and salt in the blender until the mixture becomes a coarse powder. Add these to the peanut butter mixture and stir until combined.

If you are starting with raw, skin-on hazelnuts, simply toast in the oven on a baking tray at 350F for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring twice until they darken a shade or two. Be careful not to let them burn. Then place the hot hazelnuts into a clean kitchen towel and twist the towel to seal them inside.

Let them sit for 10 minutes. Keeping the towel closed, rub the nuts together vigorously to scrape the skins off. A little skin may remain, which is fine. Store extra nuts for future use in the refrigerator or freezer.

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