Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
If you’re craving a snack that perfectly balances rich indulgence and wholesome goodness, then these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are about to become your new obsession. They combine crunchy mixed nuts with the deep, satisfying flavor of dark chocolate, all complemented by just the right hint of sea salt. Each bite offers a lovely contrast of textures and the kind of flavor pairing that feels both decadent and nourishing. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or a thoughtful homemade gift, these bars hit the sweet spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients is all it takes to bring these bars to life. Each one plays a key role — from the crunchy texture of mixed nuts and oats to the luscious depth of dark chocolate and the subtle kick of sea salt.
- Mixed nuts (1 cup): A combination of almonds, cashews, and pecans gives the bars a satisfying crunch and rich flavor variety.
- Dark chocolate chips (1 cup): Choose 70% cocoa for that perfect bittersweet richness that melts beautifully.
- Honey or maple syrup (1/2 cup): Acts as a natural sweetener and binder to hold everything together harmoniously.
- Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon plus extra for topping): Elevates the chocolate and nuts, enhancing every bite with a subtle savory twist.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the flavors flawlessly.
- Rolled oats (1 cup): Provides chewiness and extra wholesome texture, making the bars more filling.
- Coconut oil (2 tablespoons): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly while adding a gentle tropical undertone.
How to Make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your bars are assembled. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper — this ensures your bars come out easily without sticking, and you’ll appreciate the mess-free cleanup later on.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Coconut Oil
Next, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This silky combination will coat the nuts and oats beautifully, binding everything together while adding that irresistible chocolatey goodness.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients with Sweeteners
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed nuts, rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and half of the melted chocolate mixture. Stir everything until the nuts and oats are fully coated, making sure the sweet syrup binds the ingredients just right. This step is where the magic starts to come together as the texture develops.
Step 4: Press and Drizzle
Press your nut and oat mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan. The firmer you press, the better your bars will hold their shape after baking. Then drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the top—that glossy chocolate layer adds a stunning finish and extra flavor depth.
Step 5: Bake and Salt
Bake the bars for 15 to 20 minutes, until they turn golden brown around the edges. While they’re still warm from the oven, sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the top. This final touch of salt is what elevates the flavor profile, offering that perfect sweet-salty balance that keeps you reaching for more.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is essential so they firm up and cut neatly. Once cool, lift the whole batch out by the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles — whichever size suits your snacking style.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
Garnishes
Though these bars are incredible on their own, adding a few finishing touches can make them feel even more special. Try a light dusting of cocoa powder, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of extra melted dark chocolate for a gourmet twist.
Side Dishes
Pair your Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars with a hot cup of coffee or a rich latte for a perfect afternoon snack. They also make a wonderful companion to creamy yogurt or a refreshing fruit salad when you want a more balanced treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking of sharing your bars at a gathering? Arrange them on a pretty platter with small bowls of sea salt, nuts, and chocolate chips for a DIY bar experience. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes charming gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing to avoid condensation and soggy bars.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months, and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you like your bars slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave or a quick 5-minute stint in a low oven will soften them nicely without melting the chocolate completely. Just be mindful not to overheat, as the bars can become too soft to hold their shape.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bars with walnuts, pistachios, or even peanuts. Just keep the total quantity about the same to maintain the right texture and balance.
Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and ensure your dark chocolate chips are dairy-free. This way, the bars remain just as delicious and suitable for a vegan diet.
How crunchy are these bars?
They strike a lovely balance — crunchy from the nuts and toasted oats, but with a chewy undertone thanks to the syrup and melted chocolate binding everything together.
Can I add dried fruit to the recipe?
Adding chopped dried fruits like cranberries or cherries can bring a nice burst of sweetness and chewiness. Just remember to reduce the syrup slightly to keep the bars from becoming too sticky.
Are these bars suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! These bars are perfect for meal prepping since they store well and provide a quick, energizing snack to take on busy days. Just portion them out and keep in an airtight container for easy grab-and-go convenience.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars, you might find it hard to go back to store-bought snacks. They’re the ideal mix of health-conscious ingredients and indulgent flavors, making them a pantry staple for anytime cravings. Give them a go—you might just discover your new favorite treat to share (or keep all to yourself!).
Print
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and nutritious Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars featuring a perfect blend of crunchy nuts, hearty oats, and smooth dark chocolate. These bars are sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup and finished with a touch of sea salt, making them an ideal snack for energy and indulgence.
Ingredients
Nuts and Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Chocolate
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier removal.
- Melt Chocolate and Coconut Oil: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed nuts, rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and half of the melted chocolate mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all dry ingredients evenly with the chocolate and wet ingredients.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly to create an even layer. This ensures the bars hold together well once baked.
- Drizzle with Remaining Chocolate: Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the top in a decorative pattern to add extra chocolate flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the bars turn golden brown and set.
- Add Sea Salt: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the bars with additional sea salt while still warm to enhance the flavor balance.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares for serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- You can customize the nuts to your preference or use seeds for variety.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the honey or maple syrup to 1/3 cup.
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder in the mix can add an interesting flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (assuming 9 bars from recipe)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: dark chocolate nut bars, sea salt bars, healthy snack bars, homemade granola bars, gluten free snacks, energy bars, chocolate nut bars
