5 ingredient chocolate bars
February 20, 2025

Hazelnut Cups

These hazelnut cups are a fun way to take your energy balls to the next level. They contain just 5 simple ingredients. They are fantastic if you are looking for something made with good-for-you ingredients that taste like an indulgent treat.
prep time10 minutes
Chill Time30 minutes
total time40 minutes

Is there a better duo than chocolate and hazelnuts? I don’t think so! And these hazelnut cups are a fun, easy treat to pair the two together.

They only have 5 ingredients, are vegan, dairy free and gluten free and taste so indulgent. In fact, they’re a bit like a good for you Ferrero Rocher.

Whether you need a quick snack, a post-workout energy boost, or a healthy dessert, these homemade hazelnut cups tick all the boxes!

What makes these Hazelnut Cups so good?

✅ Only 5 wholesome ingredients – no additives and fillers here!
✅ Vegan & gluten-free – Perfect for all dietary preferences.
✅ Naturally sweetened – Medjool dates add a delicious caramel-like taste.
✅ Rich in healthy fats & antioxidants – Thanks to hazelnuts, almond butter, and dark chocolate.
✅ Quick & easy to make – No baking required!

How to make Hazelnut Cups

Using a food processor, blend together hazelnuts, pitted Medjool dates, almond butter and raw cacao powder 

Once the mixture comes together, separate into small pieces and roll into balls. Add some chopped hazelnuts to a small bowl and roll each ball in the hazelnuts Next, make an indent in each ball and spoon in a little almond butter.

Melt the dark chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot water and add a spoonful to the top of each one. Refrigerate to set.

What ingredients do you need to make hazelnut cups?

You only need five simple ingredients:

  • Hazelnuts
  • Medjool dates
  • Almond butter
  • Cacao powder
  • Dark chocolate.

What are the nutritional benefits of the main ingredients?

Hazelnuts

A nut that is naturally high in healthy fats, primarily monounsaturated fats. They are also an excellent source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage and supports healthy skin. They contain magnesium too.

Medjool dates

A great natural sweetener, medjool dates are naturally sweet and packed with fibre too. They’re also a good source of potassium and contain antioxidants.

Almond butter

Always try and opt for an almond or peanut butter that just contains just nuts (and maybe a little salt). I like to use the organic brands if I can as they tend to have less fillers and cheap extras in there. Almonds are a great source of healthy fats, protein and Vitamin E too.

Cacao powder

Rich in magnesium, cacao powder is known for its antioxidant properties. It adds a deep, chocolatey richness to the balls too.

Dark chocolate

I use a dark chocolate that has minimal sugar and at least 70% cocoa solids. It’s a good source of antioxidants and contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, and copper. 

Storage & Shelf Life

They will last for up to a week in the fridge.

The cups can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Recipe Tips

  • Dates – I use large, soft medjool dates for the recipe.  If your dates are harder, try soaking in boiling water for 20 minutes and draining before using.
  • Nut butter: I have used almond butter but if you prefer another nut or seed butter, then please substitute with that. Just keep the quantities the same.  I’ve tried them with peanut butter, and they also taste amazing.  Try and use quite a smooth, runny one so the base is sticky as you mix it.  If it doesn’t seem very sticky as you mix with the other ingredients, add a little more water so it comes together.
  • Chocolate: The dark chocolate I use is always at least 70% cocoa solids which cuts down on the sugar and keeps it as clean as possible.  Organic too if you can afford it.
  • Chill before removing – Allow the hazelnut cups to fully set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before trying to remove them. This prevents them from breaking apart.
  •  Add a pinch of sea salt – For an extra flavour boost, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt to the base whilst mixing. The salt enhances the sweetness and balances the richness of the chocolate and hazelnuts.

If you enjoyed these hazelnut cups, why not try these other easy chocolate recipes:

Chocolate Protein Balls

Chocolate Granola Bars

2 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge

Mini Chocolate Coconut Bites

Chocolate Protein Pudding

5 ingredient chocolate bars

5 Ingredient Hazelnut Cups

Helen Ridgeway Helen Ridgeway
These hazelnut cups are a fun way to take your energy balls to the next level. They contain just 5 simple ingredients. They are fantastic if you are looking for something made with good-for-you ingredients that taste like an indulgent treat.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
 

Base ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted hazelnuts (130g)
  • 10 large, soft medjool dates pitted
  • ½ cup peanut or almond butter (120g)
  • 3 tbsp cacao powder
  • Pinch sea salt optional

Topping ingredients:

  • ½ cup chopped hazelnuts (70g)
  • 3 tbsp peanut or almond butter
  • cup dark chocolate chips (100g)

Instructions
 

  • Add all the base ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. This might take a few minutes. If it doesn’t come together, add 1- 2 tbsp of water – it will depend on how soft your dates are and which nut butter you use. Keep blending until soft and sticky.
  • Roll the mixture into 12 balls and roll in the chopped nuts. Put each ball into a silicone cup case tray (or paper cases), press down and make a small indent in the centre of each one.
  • Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Add a tsp of almond butter to each cup. Top with a spoonful of the melted chocolate. Refrigerate to set and store in the fridge.

Notes

  • Store in the fridge to keep them nice and hard and they will last for about a week. They can be frozen too.
  • I have used almond butter in this recipe but if you prefer another nut or seed butter, then please substitute with that.
  • The dark chocolate I use is always at least 70% cocoa solids. This cuts down on the sugar and keeps it as clean as possible. 
  • I have made 12 large balls/cups – if you prefer a smaller treat then reduce the size and make some more!

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 23.1gProtein: 6.6gFat: 20.7gSaturated Fat: 3.7gFiber: 3.2g
Keyword chocolate, dates, hazelnuts
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

3 Comments

  1. Rakel

    Takk fyrir Kv fr íceland

    Reply
  2. Molly Boblett

    What is a serving size?

    Reply
    • Helen Ridgeway

      Hi, the recipe makes 12.

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

ebook recipe mockup

Recent Recipes

Puffed Quinoa Easter Eggs

Puffed Quinoa Easter Eggs

These puffed quinoa easter eggs are such an easy way to make homemade easter treats.   With only 6 ingredients and dairy and gluten free, they are very simple to make too. And if you don’t have the egg shaped silicone tray, you can just freestyle the shape...

Giant Cous Cous salad

Giant Cous Cous salad

Believe it or not, this giant cous cous salad with lime and pistachio is ready in less than 15 minutes. By the time you cook the cous cous then all the other elements are ready and you can just assemble everything in a large serving bowl. The flavours all work...

Peanut Butter Easter Eggs

Peanut Butter Easter Eggs

If you are looking for a fun activity over Easter, that the kids can get involved in, then making these peanut butter Easter Eggs is one to add to the list.  It’s actually quite easy to make. And if you don’t have the egg shaped moulds, you can easily shape...

Wild Rice Salad

Wild Rice Salad

If you want a salad that’s satisfying as well as nutritious, this Wild Rice Salad with a mustard & maple dressing is one to try.  It’s colourful, full of flavour and is really easy to throw together. It combines wild rice with sweet red peppers,...

Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Bars

If you love carrot cake but want a healthier, fuss-free version, these carrot cake bars are just the thing.  Made with wholefood ingredients and naturally sweetened with dates and raisins, they’re packed with fibre, healthy fats, and gorgeous spices.  The...

Herby Potato Salad (no mayo)

Herby Potato Salad (no mayo)

This herby potato salad, with peas and asparagus, is the perfect side dish for Spring and Summer. And there is no mayo in sight! My version of potato salad contains extra virgin olive oil with lemon, garlic and lots of herbs, for a fresher take on a potato salad....

Sesame Crunch Bars  

Sesame Crunch Bars  

There is no fancy equipment needed to make these sesame crunch bars. They are gluten free, dairy free and nut free. Using both tahini and sesame seeds makes sure these bars are packed with nutrition. The puffed quinoa not only adds a great crunch but is great for...

Curried Chickpea Salad

Curried Chickpea Salad

If you're looking for a quick, healthy and delicious vegan lunch, this Curried Chickpea Salad ticks all the boxes. It’s bursting with flavour and is packed with plant-based goodness. And what’s even better is that it requires minimal effort to prepare. ...

ebook recipe mockup

WANT MORE INSPIRATION?

Sign up for free monthly recipes and get a copy of my free recipe ebook with my 5 most popular recipes

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Helen Ridgeway Logo green
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.