Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

Craving a snack that’s rich, nutty, and delightfully indulgent? These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are the perfect answer! Packed with roasted nuts, a touch of puffed rice for crunch, and finished with a luxurious coat of dark chocolate and flaky sea salt, these homemade bars taste like a treat but fuel you like a powerhouse.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple but powerhouse ingredients to make these bars, and trust me—each one brings something essential. From the creamy cashews to the velvety dark chocolate, every component adds a delicious layer of texture, color, or flavor to these irresistible Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars.

• Mixed Unsalted Nuts (cashews, peanuts, almonds): Toasting these nuts deepens their flavor and ensures every bite is super-crunchy and satisfying.
• Puffed Rice: A little goes a long way for airy crispness—think childhood cereal bars but way more grown-up.
• Brown Rice Syrup: Essential for binding; it’s what keeps your bars together without making them cloyingly sweet.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and keeps the mix tasting “homemade amazing.”
• Sea Salt: Lifts all the other flavors—don’t skip it, especially if you love that sweet and salty zing.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: The silky, bittersweet coating that makes these bars a treat and a reward in one.
• Coconut Oil: Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and gives the bars a perfect glossy finish.
• Flaky Salt (optional): The magic finishing touch that transforms your bars from “really good” to “can’t-stop-eating-these” status.

Variations

These bars are your personal canvas! You can switch up nuts, swap in seeds, change the drizzle, or adjust the sweetener—just follow your cravings or any ingredient swaps you need for dietary needs.

• Use Different Nuts: Try pistachios, hazelnuts, macadamias, or pecans for a new flavor profile.
• Add Seeds: Pumpkin, sunflower, or chia seeds sneak in extra nutrients while keeping things super crunchy.
• Swap the Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey (for non-vegans) work great in place of brown rice syrup, though your bars may be a little softer.
• Add Dried Fruit: A handful of chopped dried cherries, cranberries, or apricots adds a pop of tangy sweetness.
• Change Up the Chocolate: Milk or white chocolate chips can be swapped for a softer or creamier treat—mix and match for a marbled effect!

How to Make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars

Step 1: Toast Your Nuts for Maximum Flavor

Preheat your oven to 325˚F (160˚C) and spread your mixed nuts out on a rimmed sheet pan. A quick 5–8 minutes in the oven is just right to coax out their deepest, roasty flavors—don’t wander too far, because they can go from golden to burnt fast! Let them cool while you prep the next steps.

Step 2: Prep Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This little move makes it effortless to lift out your bars later—no destroyed edges, just clean, crisp bars every time.

Step 3: Mix, Heat, and Combine

Toss your cooled nuts and puffed rice together in a large mixing bowl. Meanwhile, microwave the brown rice syrup for about 30 seconds to loosen it up, then whisk in the vanilla and salt until smooth. Pour this delicious glue over the nut mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated and glossy.

Step 4: Press and Bake

Scoop the mixture into your lined pan and press it down firmly into an even layer (use a spatula, measuring cup, or even slightly damp hands). Pop it in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes—this not only helps the bars set but also adds a gentle crunch.

Step 5: Slice and Cool

Let the baked slab cool for about 30 minutes so it firms up before cutting. Use the parchment to lift everything out, transfer to a cutting board, slice the slab in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into tidy, thin bars. Patience here means beautiful, square edges!

Step 6: Chocolate Dip & Drizzle

Time for the chocolate magic! Microwave your dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until you have a silky melted pool. Dip the bottom of each bar into the chocolate, then arrange on a parchment-lined sheet and drizzle the tops for good measure. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still wet.

Step 7: Set and Enjoy

Chill your bars in the fridge until the chocolate is set. Now, your Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are ready to enjoy—either straight from the fridge or tucked into your lunchbox for a midday pick-me-up!

How to Serve Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars

Garnishes

For a little gourmet touch, sprinkle extra flaky sea salt or finely chopped roasted nuts on top of your freshly drizzled bars. You could even add a hint of edible gold dust for special occasions—because these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars deserve to be celebrated!

Side Dishes

Try enjoying these nut bars with a bowl of fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt parfait. They’re the ultimate standout alongside a morning coffee or a cozy cup of chai—just the thing to elevate a basic snack break into something truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for a charming, gift-ready look. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of berries and nuts for an effortless dessert platter—or chop them into bite-sized pieces for an energy-boosting snack mix!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully set, keep your Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, snappy, and delicious for up to two weeks—if you can make them last that long!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these bars! Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temp for 15 minutes for a quick snack.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer a gooey, melty experience, pop a bar in the microwave for just 5–8 seconds. The chocolate softens and the nutty aroma intensifies—so delicious!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Homemade Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are truly a joy to make and even better to eat—crunchy, chocolatey, and delightfully satisfying. Give this recipe a try soon, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a double batch next time—they disappear fast!

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