If you are on the hunt for a snack that perfectly balances crunchy, salty, and sweet flavors, this Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These bars combine the satisfying crunch of roasted nuts and puffed rice with the rich indulgence of dark chocolate and a hint of sea salt. They are gluten-free, made with fewer than ten simple ingredients, and easy enough to whip up on a lazy afternoon or prep in advance for snack time throughout the week. Trust me, once you make these bars at home, store-bought snacks will never quite measure up again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in delivering the perfect texture and mouthwatering flavor of these nut bars. From the toasty nuts that bring crunch to the silky dark chocolate that adds richness, every component is carefully chosen to create a harmonious bite.
- Unsalted nuts (2 ½ cups): A mix of cashews, peanuts, and almonds adds varied textures and deep nutty flavors.
- Puffed rice (½ cup): Provides a light crunch that brightens the bars without weighing them down.
- Brown rice syrup (¼ cup): A natural sweetener that binds the bars while adding a subtle caramel note.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and elevates the dark chocolate’s richness.
- Dark chocolate chips (1 cup): Use a quality chocolate to coat the bars and drizzle on top for that irresistible finish.
- Coconut oil (2 teaspoons): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and adds a gentle tropical hint.
- Optional flaky salt: For sprinkling on top to add a delicate crunch and highlight the chocolate’s flavor.
How to Make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Nuts
Start by preheating your oven to 325˚F (160˚C). Spread your combination of nuts evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and roast them for 5 to 8 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly browned. This step really enhances the natural flavors of the nuts and adds a satisfying crunch to your bars.
Step 2: Mix Nut and Rice Base
Once your nuts are roasted and slightly cooled, transfer them to a large mixing bowl along with the puffed rice. Toss them together so you have an even distribution of crunch and lightness in your base.
Step 3: Prepare the Syrup Mixture
Place the brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl and warm it for about 30 seconds to loosen it up. Add vanilla extract and sea salt, stirring until everything is well combined. This syrup mixture acts like glue, binding all those crunchy ingredients into delicious, sturdy bars.
Step 4: Combine and Press
Pour the syrup mixture over the nut and puffed rice mix, stirring until all the pieces are coated thoroughly. Next, transfer this mixture into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into an even layer to ensure your bars hold together perfectly once baked.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the pressed mixture for 18 to 20 minutes, then take it out and let it cool for about 30 minutes. When it’s cool enough to handle, place it on a cutting board and slice into bars—cut lengthwise first, then across to make 10 to 12 bars. Allow them to cool completely before moving on.
Step 6: Chocolate Coating and Decorating
To create the luscious chocolate coating, melt your dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each. Dip the bottom of each nut bar into the melted chocolate and lay them on parchment-lined sheets. Drizzle the remaining chocolate over the top and sprinkle with flaky salt if you like that extra hit of savory crunch. Pop them in the fridge until the chocolate is set, and your delicious bars are ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds that irresistible finishing touch, but you can also try a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few whole nuts pressed on before the chocolate sets for extra flair. These small touches make your bars look as tempting as they taste.
Side Dishes
This Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a mid-morning boost. For an afternoon pick-me-up, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt to balance the richness with refreshing brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re packing these bars for a snack or gifting them, wrap each in parchment paper tied with twine, or arrange them in a pretty box with decorative tissue. They also make fabulous homemade gifts during the holidays or for your loved ones anytime. Adding a custom label or tag with the recipe name always adds a sweet personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your nut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen tends to be warm, it’s better to keep them in the fridge to maintain that sturdy chocolate coating and prevent the bars from becoming too soft.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully when wrapped tightly in parchment paper and stored in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before enjoying a perfect snack anytime.
Reheating
While these bars are best enjoyed as-is, if you prefer the chocolate slightly melty, pop them in a low-temperature oven or microwave for just a few seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent melting the chocolate completely and losing the crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap out any of the nuts for your favorites or whatever you have on hand—walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts work wonderfully.
Is brown rice syrup necessary?
Brown rice syrup acts as a natural binder and sweetener, giving the bars that chewy texture. If you cannot find it, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor and consistency might vary slightly.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! Just be sure to use dark chocolate chips that are labeled vegan, and double-check that the brown rice syrup you use fits your dietary preferences.
How crunchy are these bars?
Thanks to the combination of toasted nuts and puffed rice, these bars have an excellent crunchy bite, which contrasts delightfully with the smooth dark chocolate coating.
What if I don’t want to use an oven?
If you prefer a no-bake version of the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe, you can skip roasting the nuts and simply mix everything together, then refrigerate to set. Roasting adds deeper flavor, but the bars will still be delicious without it.
Final Thoughts
Making these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe at home is not only rewarding but downright addictive. They are perfect for those moments when you want a satisfying snack that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a batch of crowd-pleasing bars ready to brighten your day or fuel your adventures. I promise, once you taste that perfect blend of crunchy nuts, rich dark chocolate, and salty sparkle, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
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Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 bars
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These homemade Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a crunchy, perfectly salty treat made with a mix of toasted nuts, puffed rice, and a touch of brown rice syrup. Coated with rich dark chocolate and sprinkled with flaky sea salt, these bars are a delightful snack that’s easy to make, gluten-free, and reminiscent of popular KIND bars.
Ingredients
Nut Mixture
- 2 ½ cups unsalted nuts of choice (¾ cup cashews, ¾ cup peanuts, 1 cup almonds)
- ½ cup puffed rice
Binding and Flavoring
- ¼ cup brown rice syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- Optional: flaky salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325˚F (160˚C) to prepare for toasting the nuts and baking the bars.
- Toast Nuts: Spread the mixed unsalted nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 5-8 minutes until they become fragrant and light golden brown, then remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal of bars later.
- Combine Nuts and Puffed Rice: In a large mixing bowl, add the toasted nuts and puffed rice, mixing well to combine evenly.
- Warm Syrup Mixture: Heat the brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds to loosen it. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt until well combined.
- Mix Binding Sauce with Nuts: Pour the warmed syrup mixture over the nut and puffed rice mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the syrup.
- Form Nut Bars: Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or your hands to create a uniform layer.
- Bake Bars: Bake the nut mixture for 18-20 minutes. When done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for approximately 30 minutes so it firms up.
- Cut Bars: Lift the nut slab from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut first lengthwise into two halves, then each half into 5-6 thin bars, totaling about 10-12 bars. Let the bars cool completely.
- Melt Chocolate: Combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Coat Bars with Chocolate: Dip the bottom of each cooled nut bar into the melted chocolate, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the tops.
- Add Topping and Set: Sprinkle flaky salt over the chocolate-coated bars. Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate is fully set and hardened, then serve and enjoy your delicious homemade nut bars.
Notes
- You can customize the nut mix based on your preference; just maintain the total nut quantity.
- Brown rice syrup provides a nice sticky texture and mild sweetness; you can substitute with honey or maple syrup but may alter texture slightly.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the bars hold together after baking.
- Use dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for a rich flavor and to complement the salty nuts.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- If you don’t have flaky salt, use a light sprinkle of regular sea salt as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
