Line an 8x8 square baking dish with parchment paper.
In food processor, add dates, hazelnuts, almond butter, vanilla extract and sea salt and pulse until well combined and no large chunks left, about 1-2 minutes. Use bottom of wide glass to press mixture into baking dish. Freeze for 1 hour.
Place chocolate in medium bowl and heat in microwave until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Cut the frozen hazelnut mixture into 16 bars. Dip in chocolate and top with some crushed hazelnuts. Place in fridge for 30 minutes or until chocolate is hardened. Serve immediately or store in fridge.
Notes
Don't skip adding parchment paper to the 8x8 dish so you can easily remove the hazelnut filling.
Use quality dark chocolate. If you don't love dark chocolate, semi-sweet or milk chocolate works as well.
Make sure hazelnut filling is completely frozen so you can easily dip in chocolate.
The chocolate hazelnut bars will last in the fridge in an airtight container for a week or in the freezer for 6 months.