Description
These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a delightful combination of toasted nuts, puffed rice, and rich dark chocolate, balanced perfectly with a hint of sea salt. Crispy and chewy with a touch of sweetness, they make a perfect homemade snack or treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Nut Mixture
- 3/4 cup cashews, unsalted
- 3/4 cup peanuts, unsalted
- 1 cup almonds, unsalted
- 1/2 cup puffed rice
Syrup Mixture
- 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- Optional: flaky salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Nuts: Preheat your oven to 325˚F (160˚C). Spread the nuts in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan and bake for 5-8 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly browned, which enhances their flavor.
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside for assembling the bars.
- Mix Nuts and Puffed Rice: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts with the puffed rice and toss well to distribute evenly.
- Prepare Syrup: Place the brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds to loosen it up. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt until fully combined.
- Combine Mixture: Pour the syrup mixture over the nut and puffed rice mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the sticky syrup.
- Press Nut Mixture: Transfer the coated mixture into the prepared pan and press it into an even layer to ensure the bars hold together after baking.
- Bake Bars: Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes to allow the mixture to set. Remove from oven and let cool for about 30 minutes; then transfer to a cutting board and cut into bars by halving lengthwise and slicing each half into 5-6 bars. Allow bars to cool completely.
- Melt Chocolate: Combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring after each until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
- Coat and Decorate Bars: Dip the bottom of each bar into the melted chocolate, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of each bar and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets completely.
- Serve: Once the chocolate is firm, your Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are ready to enjoy as a delicious, homemade snack.
Notes
- Use a variety of nuts for texture and flavor, but avoid salted nuts as the bars already contain sea salt.
- Brown rice syrup can be substituted with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- For a nut-free version, substitute nuts with seeds but note texture will vary.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and chocolate coating.
- Allow chocolate to set fully in the fridge to avoid melting at room temperature.
