Ingredients
Scale
Chex Crust
- 5 cups (147g) Rice Chex cereal
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Nutella–Miso Ganache
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3 ounces dark chocolate (70%), finely chopped
- 1/3 cup Nutella
- 2 to 3 teaspoons white miso (see note)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Hazelnut–Chex Crunch Topping
- 1 cup Rice Chex
- 3/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 ounces dark chocolate (70%), melted
- 3 to 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
Make the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch metal pan, then line with parchment, leaving overhang on two sides.
- In a food processor or resealable plastic bag with a rolling pin, crush 5 cups (147g) Rice Chex cereal into fine crumbs; it should resemble coarse sand. You should have about 1 1/4 cups fine crumbs.
- Add 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to the crumbs. Mix until evenly coated – it should look like wet sand and hold together when squeezed.
- Transfer to the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Press it firmly into the corners with your fingers, then use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to compact the surface until smooth and very tightly packed, like a solid tile.
- Freeze for 15 minutes to firm the butter and help the crust hold its shape.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges are slightly darker than the center and the surface feels dry and set when pressed. Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes.
Make the Ganache
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. It will foam, then quiet. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the milk solids turn amber (the color of hazelnuts) and smell nutty, 4 to 5 minutes. Watch closely as it can burn quickly.
- Remove from heat and carefully add 2 tablespoons heavy cream (it will sputter). Stir, scraping up any browned bits. Add 3 ounces chopped dark chocolate (70%) and let sit for 1 minute, then stir from the center outward until smooth and glossy.
- Let cool until warm but not hot—about 110°F, or just warm to the touch. If it’s too hot, the Nutella can split.
- Whisk in the ⅓ cup Nutella, 2 teaspoons white miso, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar until smooth and fully combined, about 1 minute. The mixture should look thick and shiny with no streaks. If it looks split, whisk in 1 to 2 teaspoons warm water, one teaspoon at a time, to bring it back together. Taste and add the additional teaspoon of miso if needed. I usually do.
- Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Make the Hazelnut–Chex Crunch Topping
- In a medium bowl, gently break up 1 cup Rice Chex into halves and quarters, leaving some larger pieces for texture. Add ¾ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts.
- Drizzle 1½ ounces melted dark chocolate over the mixture and toss until lightly coated.
- Add 3 tablespoons powdered sugar and toss until the coating looks sandy and matte, not shiny. If it still looks glossy, add the remaining tablespoon.
- Scatter evenly over the ganache and press lightly so it adheres. Finish with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt.
Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for 1½ to 2 hours, until fully firm.
- Lift out using the parchment. Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry, and cut into a 4×4 grid (16 bars), wiping the knife between cuts for clean edges.
- Let sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving for a softer texture, or serve straight from the fridge for a firmer bite.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minuites
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 to 18 minutes