Chocolate Chip Muffin Crumb Bars

These Chocolate Chip Muffin Crumb Bars are everything you want in a dessert—gooey, indulgent, and so easy to make. With just four simple ingredients, including muffin mix, these bars come together quickly and taste like a decadent treat from your favorite bakery. The addition of chocolate hazelnut spread creates a gooey, sweet center that’s perfect when paired with the soft, buttery crumb topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about these bars is how simple yet satisfying they are. The muffin mix makes the dough easy to work with, and the combination of chocolate hazelnut spread in the middle adds a creamy richness that elevates the entire bar. Whether you’re making them for a dessert table or a sweet snack, they’re always a hit. The best part? They’re ready in under an hour, with minimal prep and ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 packages (7 oz each) Martha White Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)

directions

Step One: Preheat the Oven
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). I line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the bars come out easily and don’t stick.

Step Two: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the muffin mix (just the dry powder), softened butter, and egg. I use a wooden spoon or my hands to mix everything into a soft dough. It should be thick and easy to work with.

Step Three: Assemble the Bars
I take half of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating the base layer. Then, I spread the chocolate hazelnut spread over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges. I crumble the remaining dough on top of the spread, covering it as much as possible.

Step Four: Bake
I place the pan in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. I check for doneness by looking for a golden, slightly crisped top. The bars should firm up as they cool.

Step Five: Cool and Slice
Once done, I let the bars cool completely in the pan before removing them. After they’ve cooled, I slice them into squares and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 16 bars.
It takes about 20 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of bake time, so you can have fresh, gooey bars ready in less than an hour.

Variations

If you want to mix things up, I’ve added chopped nuts like hazelnuts or almonds to the top for extra texture. You could also drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent finish. For a fun twist, try adding a swirl of peanut butter with the hazelnut spread for a peanut butter chocolate combo.

storage/reheating

These bars store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To enjoy leftovers, I reheat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to get that warm, gooey center.

FAQs

Can I use a different muffin mix?

Yes, you can use any muffin mix you like! If you prefer another flavor, such as blueberry or banana, feel free to experiment.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use a dairy-free butter substitute and a plant-based yogurt in place of the egg. This will make the recipe dairy-free and still delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars store well and can be made ahead. I’ve even made them the night before and served them the next day at gatherings.

Is there a way to make these bars healthier?

If you want a lighter version, you could use whole wheat muffin mix and reduce the amount of butter. For a lower sugar option, try a sugar-free chocolate hazelnut spread.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze wonderfully! After they’ve cooled, slice them and wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Muffin Crumb Bars are an easy, indulgent treat that brings together the sweetness of chocolate and the creamy richness of hazelnut spread, all in a crumbly, buttery bar. They’re perfect for a quick dessert, a snack, or even a party treat. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy these soft, gooey bars that will leave everyone coming back for more. Enjoy!

Print