There’s a certain magic that happens when dark chocolate meets the crunch of nuts, and a sprinkle of sea salt takes it all to the next level. Imagine biting into a decadent Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bar, where the rich cocoa mingles with the earthy flavors of almonds and walnuts, creating a sweet symphony that dances on your taste buds. These bars are not only a treat but also a guilt-free indulgence that fuels your day with energy.
I still remember the first time I made these nut bars—my kitchen was filled with laughter as my friends devoured them in record time. They declared it a health food, which is totally accurate if you squint at the ingredients just right. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up or an elegant addition to your dessert table, these bars are bound to impress everyone around you with their flavor and texture.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars offer effortless preparation, making them ideal for busy days
- Their blend of rich chocolate and crunchy nuts creates an irresistible flavor profile
- With their stunning visual appeal, they make any occasion feel special
- Plus, they’re versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or desserts!
Some friends once joked that they could hear the nut bars calling to them from across the room. Can you blame them?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Dark Chocolate Chips: Choose high-quality dark chocolate for richer flavor; 70% cacao works best for that perfect balance.
Mixed Nuts: A combination of almonds, walnuts, and pecans provides diverse textures and flavors; feel free to use your favorites.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Use pure honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness; they add moisture while binding the ingredients together.
Sea Salt: Flaky sea salt enhances the chocolate’s richness and balances sweetness; sprinkle generously on top before baking.
Coconut Oil: This adds creaminess and helps in melting chocolate smoothly without clumping; opt for refined coconut oil for a neutral taste.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates flavor complexity; avoid imitation vanilla for best results.
Oats (optional): Rolled oats can be added for extra texture and fiber; they help bind everything together without overpowering flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Workspace: Gather all your ingredients and tools like mixing bowls and baking pans. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing your mixture.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips with coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals until smooth, stirring between each interval to prevent burning.
Combine Ingredients: In another bowl, mix melted chocolate with honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Add chopped mixed nuts and oats if using; stir until evenly coated.
Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle half of the sea salt into the chocolate-nut mixture. This will enhance flavors beautifully as it bakes.
Transfer to Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. Pour in the mixture and spread it evenly using a spatula; press firmly to pack it down.
Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until edges start to firm up slightly. Remove from oven, then sprinkle remaining sea salt on top while still warm.
Once out of the oven, let these delightful bars cool completely before slicing into squares—trust me; it’s worth the wait! Enjoy every bite as you revel in this nutty-chocolatey goodness that seems too good to be true (but definitely isn’t).
You Must Know
- Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a delightful balance of sweet and salty
- The rich aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before they cool
- They’re perfect for snacking or a quick energy boost
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the nuts to enhance their flavor, then mix the dry ingredients with melted chocolate for a gooey texture. Finally, pour into a lined pan and chill until set.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts based on your preference—try pecans or walnuts! You can also add dried fruits like cranberries for a chewy twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your nut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate them to keep them fresh and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for richer flavor; not all chocolates are created equal
- Always let the bars cool completely before cutting; otherwise, they may crumble
- Experiment with flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla for an extra kick!
Cooking these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars became my family’s favorite bonding activity. Everyone fights over who gets to stir the chocolate mixture!
FAQ
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes, feel free to use milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
How do I make these bars vegan?
Substitute honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate.
What nuts work best in this recipe?
Almonds and cashews complement the dark chocolate wonderfully, but feel free to mix it up!
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich dark chocolate, crunchy mixed nuts, and a touch of sea salt with these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt, these bars provide a wholesome energy boost any time of day. Whether you need a midday snack or a unique dessert for your gatherings, these nut bars are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the melted chocolate with honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir in the mixed nuts and oats if using until coated evenly.
- Mix in half of the sea salt into the chocolate-nut mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and pressing down firmly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges firm up slightly. Sprinkle remaining sea salt on top while warm.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
