Rich orange chocolate crumble bars
Easy to make and honestly perfect with coffee or ice cream.
Two things that just belong together: orange and chocolate.
These orange chocolate crumble bars are buttery, soft, and almost cookie-like, with a creamy chocolate center and a fragrant orange crumble topping. They’re delicate, rich, and somehow still light at the same time.
If you love orange chocolate desserts, this one is going straight into your repeat folder.
Why Orange Chocolate Just Works
There’s something about the combination of orange chocolate that feels instantly familiar and comforting. The bitterness of cocoa, the freshness of citrus, the warmth when they come together-it’s a classic for a reason.
Here, the orange doesn’t overpower. It lifts the chocolate, cuts the sweetness, and makes the whole thing feel balanced instead of heavy. And yes, orange and Nutella is a thing-and it’s a very good thing.
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Orange Chocolate Crumble Bars – What Makes Them Special
- Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture (thanks to almond flour + cornstarch)
- Rich chocolate filling using Nutella or any chocolate spread
- Buttery crumble that stays tender, not dry
- Easy to make in a food processor or electric chopper
- Works as bars or as an orange chocolate crumble cake
This is one of those recipes that feels bakery-level but is actually very low effort.
Orange Chocolate Crumble Ingredients
The Crumble Dough
- All-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar
- Almond flour
- Cornstarch
- Cold butter, cubed
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Cold milk (or cold water)
The Chocolate Filling
- Nutella or your favorite chocolate spread (about 300g)
Orange Flavor
- Fresh orange zest (1 orange, more if you love it extra orangey)
How to Make Orange Chocolate Crumble Bars
Time needed: 45 minutes
These bars are super simple to make, and here’s how you do it:
- Make the Crumble Dough
Add the flour, powdered sugar, almond flour, cornstarch, and salt to a food processor or electric chopper. Pulse briefly to combine.
Add the vanilla extract and cold butter. Blitz until the mixture looks sandy.
Add 1 tablespoon of cold milk and pulse again, just until the dough forms larger clumps.
Stop here. You’re looking for crumbs that hold when pressed, not a smooth dough. - Bake the Bottom Layer
Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes, just until lightly golden. - Add the Chocolate Filling
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately spread the Nutella (or chocolate spread) evenly over the warm base.
- Finish with the Crumble Topping
Add the orange zest to the remaining crumble mixture. Use your fingers to gently rub it in so the oils release into the crumbs.
Sprinkle the orange crumble evenly over the chocolate layer.
Bake again for 17–20 minutes, until golden and fragrant. - Cool, Slice, and Enjoy
Let the bars set before slicing.
Serve warm, or let them cool completely and dust with powdered sugar and extra orange zest.
These orange chocolate bars are incredible slightly warm-and honestly unbeatable with vanilla ice cream.
Orange Chocolate Crumble Tips (Very Important)
Use Cold Everything
Cold butter and cold milk are key. This keeps the butter in little pockets throughout the dough, which creates that delicate crumble texture.
Don’t Over-Process
As soon as the crumbs clump, stop.
Adding more liquid will turn this into dough, and you’ll lose the crumble effect.
If that happens accidentally, mix in a bit more flour or almond flour to bring it back.
Chill the Topping if It’s Hot
If your kitchen is warm, keep the top crumble in the fridge while the base bakes. It helps maintain clean crumbs and better texture.
Orange Chocolate Flavor Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible:
- Extra orange chocolate flavor: Add zest directly into the dough, not just the topping
- Spiced orange chocolate: Cinnamon, cardamom, or a drop of orange blossom water
- Nutty orange chocolate crumble: Chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, or cashews
- Candied orange peel: Finely chop and sprinkle between the chocolate and crumble
- Almond orange chocolate: Add a few drops of almond extract to the dough
Hazelnuts are especially good here since Nutella is already hazelnut-based.
Storage & Serving Ideas
- Keeps well at room temperature for a couple of days
- Reheat a slice for 10 seconds in the microwave for the best result
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Great with coffee, tea, or as a cozy dessert after dinner
More Easy Baking Recipes You Might Like
- Jam Crumble Bars
Same melt-in-your-mouth dough, different filling. These jam crumble bars are buttery, soft, and one of those bakes that always disappear fast. - Easy Coffee Cake with Yogurt and Chocolate Chips
A simple, everyday cake that’s perfect with coffee. Soft, lightly sweet, and great for breakfast or an afternoon slice. - One Bowl Chocolate Cake
When you’re in the mood for something extra chocolatey, this one-bowl chocolate cake is rich, moist, and comes together with minimal effort. - The Best Orange Loaf Cake
If you love orange desserts, this loaf cake is a must. Moist, bright, and easy to make, it’s one of those recipes that works every time. - Easy Chocolate Challah Bread
A cozy bake for weekends or special occasions. Soft, swirly, and easier than it looks, with just the right amount of chocolate.
What are You Waiting For?
If you love orange chocolate desserts, this one is a must.
It’s simple, comforting, kid-friendly, adult-approved, and honestly hard to stop eating.
Soft, buttery, chocolatey, citrusy-this is orange chocolate done right.
Orange Chocolate Crumble Bars
Equipment
- Food processor OR electric chopper For making the crumble quickly and keeping the butter cold
- 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan A standard brownie pan works perfectly
Ingredients
For the Crumble Dough
- 170 g all-purpose flour (1¼ cups)
- 60 g powdered sugar
- 75 g almond flour (¾ cup)
- 30 g cornstarch
- 150 g cold butter, cubed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1-1½ tbsp cold milk or cold water
For the Chocolate Filling
- 300 g Nutella or chocolate spread
For the Orange Crumble Topping
- Zest of 1 orange
- Chopped nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios) , Optional
- Extra orange zest, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan with parchment paper.
- Add the flour, powdered sugar, almond flour, cornstarch, and salt to a food processor. Pulse briefly to combine.
- Add the vanilla extract and cold butter. Pulse until the mixture looks sandy.
- Add 1 tablespoon cold milk (or water) and pulse just until the dough forms larger crumbs that hold when pressed. Do not overmix. (If needed, add up to 1 more tablespoon, but stop as soon as crumbs form.)
- Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately spread the Nutella evenly over the warm base.
- Add the orange zest to the remaining crumble mixture and gently mix it in with your fingers.
- Sprinkle the orange crumble evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Bake again for 17–20 minutes, until golden.
- Let cool before slicing. Serve as is, dusted with powdered sugar, or slightly warm.
