Name: Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup cashews, unsalted; 3/4 cup peanuts, unsalted; 1 cup almonds, unsalted; 1/2 cup puffed rice; 1/4 cup brown rice syrup; 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 2 teaspoons coconut oil; Optional: flaky salt for topping

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There is something irresistibly delicious about the perfect balance of crunchy nuts, rich dark chocolate, and a hint of sea salt that makes this Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe a true crowd-pleaser. These bars combine wholesome ingredients with a touch of indulgence, making them an ideal snack for any time of day. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or need a portable energy booster, these bars deliver both flavor and texture in every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorite treats to whip up and share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of eight small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowls hold almonds with a rough texture and reddish-brown color at the top left, caramel sauce with a glossy dark amber color at the top right, peanuts with a pale tan color below the almonds, and cashews with a smooth pale cream color to the right of the peanuts. Below the peanuts is a bowl of light tan puffed rice, and next to it is a bowl with dark brown chocolate chips. Two smaller bowls sit at the bottom right corner, one with coarse white salt showing a sparkling texture, and the other with a small amount of dark brown liquid. The bowls are neatly spaced and the lighting is soft, highlighting the texture and color of each ingredient. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe calls for a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something unique to the table. From the crunchy nuts to the smooth syrup, every component is essential to crafting the perfect bar.

Unsalted nuts (2 1/2 cups): A mix of cashews, peanuts, and almonds provides varied textures and rich, nutty flavors.
Puffed rice (1/2 cup): Adds lightness and crunch without weighing down the bars.
Brown rice syrup (1/4 cup): Acts as a natural sweetener and binder, holding everything together.
Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoon): Infuses sweetness and depth of flavor.
Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the nuts’ natural taste.
Dark chocolate chips (1 cup): Provides a rich, slightly bitter contrast that pairs perfectly with the nuts and salt.
Coconut oil (2 teaspoons): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and gives a glossy finish.
Optional flaky salt for topping: Adds a delightful crunch and visually appealing finish.

How to Make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Nuts

Begin by preheating your oven to 325˚F (160˚C). Spread your mixed unsalted nuts evenly on a rimmed sheet pan and roast them for about 5 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye so they turn golden and fragrant but do not burn, as this step elevates their natural flavors and adds a wonderful crunch that is essential to the bars.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan and Mix Nuts

Next, line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper—this will make it so much easier to remove the bars later. Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine your freshly toasted nuts with the puffed rice. Toss them together gently until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Make the Syrup Mixture

Place your brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 30 seconds. This softens the syrup, making it easier to work with. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt until you have a smooth, harmonious mixture that will bind the bars beautifully.

Step 4: Combine and Bake the Bars

Pour the syrup over the nut and rice mixture and stir thoroughly so every piece is coated. Then transfer this sticky, nutty mixture to the parchment-lined pan. Press it down firmly to form an even layer, ensuring the bars will hold together after baking. Place it in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until set and golden around the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes. Once slightly cooled, carefully transfer the block onto a cutting board. Cut it lengthwise into two halves and then slice each half into 5 to 6 thin bars. Let these bars cool completely to firm up, so they are easy to dip into chocolate.

Step 6: Dip and Decorate with Chocolate

Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short bursts of 30 seconds and stirring well in between. Once silky smooth, dip the bottom of each nut bar into the melted chocolate and lay it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the chocolate over the tops and sprinkle with flaky salt for a little extra sparkle and crunch. Chill in the refrigerator to set completely before enjoying.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

A white plate holds about ten rectangular nut bars stacked slightly on top of each other. Each bar has a thick base layer of packed nuts in golden and brown shades, including almonds and peanuts, with a rough, bumpy texture. Dark chocolate is drizzled over the bars in thin, uneven lines, adding rich dark brown streaks across the nuts. Some salt flakes are sprinkled on top, giving a light contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the shiny chocolate and the textures of the nuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really elevate these bars, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving for that extra pop of flavor. You might also add a few whole nuts on top for a rustic, homemade look that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

While these bars shine perfectly on their own, they also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside a warm bowl of oatmeal or yogurt topped with fresh fruit, turning snack time into a delightful mini-dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

These nut bars look amazing arranged on a wooden board with a few scattered nuts and small bowls of extra melted chocolate or nut butter for dipping. Wrapping each bar in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming gift or party favor. You can even stack them in a decorative jar for an eye-catching countertop snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The bars hold their texture and flavor beautifully, making them a convenient grab-and-go snack whenever you need a quick energy boost.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars well in advance, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw them for a few minutes at room temperature.

Reheating

Since these nut bars are delicious cold, reheating is usually not necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly warm, simply leave them at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or warm gently in the microwave for 10 seconds, making sure not to melt the chocolate coating too much.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts for this recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe is very flexible; feel free to swap in walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Different nuts will bring unique flavors and textures, so experiment and find your favorite mix.

Is brown rice syrup necessary, or can I use another sweetener?

Brown rice syrup works well because it binds the bars without making them overly sweet. You can try alternatives like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind these may make the bars softer and slightly change the flavor profile.

How dark should the chocolate be?

Using dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao content works beautifully to balance the sweetness and saltiness. But feel free to choose based on your taste—milk chocolate will make it sweeter, while very dark chocolate will add a more intense bitterness.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as long as the dark chocolate chips and brown rice syrup you use are free from animal products. Check the labels to be sure, and you’ll have a vegan treat everyone can enjoy.

What is the best way to cut the bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. For cleaner cuts, you can warm the knife slightly by running it under hot water, then dry it before slicing. This prevents cracking or crumbling.

Final Thoughts

This Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe is such a wonderful way to treat yourself with something homemade, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that you can feel great about sharing or keeping all to yourself. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for these bars again and again whenever hunger strikes.