Gianduja and Torrone Chocolate Bar

Two sweet Piemonte traditions come together in this Gianduja and Torrone Bar from D. Barbero. The bar has a base of soft chocolate-and-hazelnut gianduja, studded through with bits of crisp torrone nougat. It’s a perfectly delicious pairing that sings with the flavors of Northern Italy.

There’s no sweet more characteristically Piedmontese than gianduja, made with ultra-flavorful nocciole piemontese, the local hazelnuts known to be the best in Italy. In this bar, chunks of crisp, honey-scented torrone add textural contrast to the soft gianduja. Torrone is a traditional Italian candy that’s commonly enjoyed around Christmastime and was likely first enjoyed by the ancient Romans. The creamy nougat made with nuts, honey, and egg whites can be found in different variations around the country—chewy or crunchy, studded with dried fruit and nuts of all kinds.

For seven generations, the Barbero family have been making delicious sweets in Asti, just east of Turin. Part of the Piedmont’s proud chocolate-making tradition, D. Barbero has been selling high-quality torrone and chocolates since 1883. They use local nocciole Piemontese and chocolate sourced from the finest cacao-growing regions of the world to ensure the highest quality in everything they make. Barbero is so dedicated to tradition, their headquarters in Asti are home to a chocolate museum! Their Easter goodies are beloved by local children, who line the courtyard outside their shop and factory to admire the colorfully wrapped and decorated treats.