Meet your new all-time favorite treat: Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. These bars are ridiculously easy to make, full of rich nutty crunch, and draped in a shimmering layer of dark chocolate with just the right pop of sea salt. Whether you’re looking for an on-the-go snack, a lunchbox surprise, or a post-dinner indulgence, this recipe delivers on every front. There’s no better way to satisfy that sweet-and-salty craving than with something homemade, especially when it’s packed with crunch and real, wholesome ingredients!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this list fool you—every ingredient here plays a special role, from the toasty nuts to the glossy dark chocolate and that wonderful hit of sea salt. Gathering your ingredients ahead makes the process easy and ensures those Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars come together seamlessly.
- Unsalted nuts (2 1/2 cups): Go for a mix like cashews, peanuts, and almonds for a range of flavors and textures; toasting them brings out their rich, natural taste.
- Puffed rice (1/2 cup): Adds irresistible lightness and a satisfying crunch that balances out the dense nuts.
- Brown rice syrup (1/4 cup): Acts as the sticky glue that holds everything together and subtly sweetens the mix without overpowering the nuts.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Just a touch elevates the flavor and adds warmth to the bars.
- Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every bite and balances the dark chocolate, making each bar pop with flavor.
- Dark chocolate chips (1 cup): The ultimate coating and drizzle, bringing depth and a hint of bitterness that plays beautifully with the nuts and salt.
- Coconut oil (2 teaspoons): Gives the melted chocolate a glossy finish and smooth mouthfeel.
- Flaky salt (optional for topping): For that extra touch of elegance and crunch right on top.
How to Make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
Step 1: Toast the Nuts
Start by preheating your oven to 325˚F (160˚C). Spread the nuts of your choice in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan. Toast for 5 to 8 minutes, just until they’re fragrant and ever-so-slightly browned—this is how you unlock their deepest flavors. Keep a close watch, since nuts can go from perfectly toasted to overdone pretty quickly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
While the nuts cool down a bit, line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Don’t skip this step—it makes removing and slicing the bars a breeze, and cleanup is almost nothing!
Step 3: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, toss your warm toasted nuts together with the puffed rice. The combination of crunchy and airy textures gives the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars their irresistible bite.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Scoop the brown rice syrup into a microwave-safe bowl and give it a quick 30-second zap—this makes it easy to work with. Whisk in the vanilla extract and salt until smooth and unified. Pour this luscious, sticky mixture over your nut and rice combo, then stir until every little piece is coated.
Step 5: Press & Bake
Scrape the sticky goodness into your lined pan and firmly press it down into an even layer. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. This quick baking helps everything adhere together while infusing the bars with a gentle, toasty aroma.
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Let the bars cool for about 30 minutes—this patience pays off because it keeps them from crumbling. Transfer to a cutting board, slice lengthwise, then crosswise into 5-6 thin bars per half. This method gives you nicely shaped bars that hold up beautifully.
Step 7: Melt the Chocolate
Time for the chocolate bath! Place your dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt them in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth and glossy. The coconut oil ensures a silky finish and makes dipping a dream.
Step 8: Dip and Drizzle
Take each cooled bar and dip the bottom into your glossy melted chocolate, letting any excess drip away. Then, arrange them on a fresh parchment-lined baking sheet. With the remaining chocolate, use a spoon to artfully drizzle the tops—no need to be too neat!
Step 9: Add the Final Touches
Sprinkle each bar with flaky salt for that iconic salty crunch. Slide the bars into the fridge to let the chocolate set completely—this won’t take long, and you’ll be rewarded with perfect, glossy Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
Garnishes
For extra panache, finish your bars with a touch more flaky salt right before serving; a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dusting of cocoa powder can also add flair. These little details not only boost the flavor but make your bars look downright gourmet.
Side Dishes
Pair the bars with something light and bright, like fresh berries or citrus slices, to cut through their richness. A cup of robust coffee or a cold glass of milk also makes for a classic, comforting pairing that’s perfect for an afternoon break.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars on a pretty plate for a chic snack tray, wrap them individually in parchment and tie with twine as thoughtful edible gifts, or arrange them in a tin for picnic outings—there’s just something magical about opening a box filled with homemade treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If your house runs warm, stash them in the fridge so the chocolate stays nice and snappy—just let them rest a few minutes at room temp before biting in for the best texture.
Freezing
Need to stash some for later? Freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between the layers. They last for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature or pop into the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
These bars are fantastic enjoyed straight from the fridge, but if you’re after a just-baked aroma or a softer bite, you can let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the chocolate coating and change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use maple syrup or honey instead of brown rice syrup?
Brown rice syrup is thicker and stickier than most natural sweeteners, which really helps these bars hold together. Maple syrup and honey don’t provide the same binding power, so the bars may turn out crumbly if substituted.
What’s the best mix of nuts for Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars?
There’s so much flexibility here! A blend of cashews, peanuts, and almonds brings incredible flavor and a good range of crunch. If you prefer, you can use pistachios, hazelnuts, or even pecans—just keep the total volume the same for the best results.
Is there a way to make these nut-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the nuts for seeds like pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and use a nut-free chocolate if allergy-safe. The flavor will shift a bit, but you’ll still get that satisfying crunch and chocolatey goodness.
Can I skip the coconut oil in the chocolate?
Coconut oil helps melt the chocolate smoothly and gives it a gorgeous shine, but you can skip it if you must. Your chocolate coating will be a little thicker, and you may need to stir more vigorously to keep it silky.
How do I keep the bars from sticking to the knife when slicing?
Letting the bars cool completely is key. You can also lightly oil your knife or run it under hot water, then wipe it dry before each cut—this extra step makes slicing through the sticky nut mixture smooth and easy.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars, you’ll see just how easy and rewarding homemade treats can be. They look gorgeous, taste even better, and always disappear fast—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a second batch before you know it. Whip up a pan today and treat yourself to something truly special!
Print
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars for a satisfying mix of crunchy nuts, rich dark chocolate, and a hint of sea salt. Perfect for a sweet and salty treat!
Ingredients
For the Nut Bars:
- 2 1/2 cups unsalted nuts (3/4 cup cashews, 3/4 cup peanuts, 1 cup almonds)
- 1/2 cup puffed rice
- 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- Optional: flaky salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 325˚F / 160˚C.
- Toast nuts: Spread nuts on a sheet pan, bake until fragrant.
- Prepare pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix nuts and rice: Combine nuts and puffed rice in a bowl.
- Prepare syrup: Heat brown rice syrup, add vanilla and salt, pour over nuts.
- Press mixture: Press nut mixture into pan evenly, bake.
- Cut into bars: Cool, cut into bars.
- Coat with chocolate: Melt chocolate and coconut oil, dip bars, drizzle with chocolate.
- Set and enjoy: Refrigerate until set, then indulge!
Notes
- You can customize the nut selection to your preference.
- Ensure the brown rice syrup mixture coats the nuts well for best results.
- Store bars in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
