Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are like a sweet hug wrapped in a crunchy embrace. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, gooey layer of dark chocolate, paired with the satisfying crunch of nuts, all topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt that dances on your tongue. It’s the kind of treat that makes your heart sing and your taste buds do the cha-cha! Whether you’re at a picnic, powering through a workday, or trying to impress your friends at a gathering, these bars will steal the show and have everyone begging for the recipe.
I remember the first time I made Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars; it was during a family get-together. My cousin took one bite and dramatically declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Not only did they disappear faster than you can say “chocolate,” but they also sparked conversations about everyone’s favorite snacks, turning an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable culinary celebration. These bars are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating something monumental or just need an afternoon pick-me-up!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy days
- The rich chocolate flavor combined with crunchy nuts creates a delightful contrast that will please any palate
- They look gorgeous on any dessert platter, with their shiny chocolate topping and speckles of sea salt
- Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast on-the-go—talk about versatile!
I once served these bars at a party, and my friends couldn’t get enough of them—they even asked me if I’d consider starting my own bakery!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Mixed Nuts: A combination of almonds, walnuts, and pecans works wonders for texture and flavor.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Choose high-quality dark chocolate for maximum flavor; aim for 70% cocoa or more.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners add richness; use honey for a floral note or maple syrup for warmth.
Coconut Oil: This helps smooth out the chocolate while adding a subtle coconut flavor; opt for refined if you prefer neutral taste.
Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top enhances sweetness and adds complexity; flaky sea salt works best.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavors beautifully; don’t skimp!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Gather your ingredients because we’re about to embark on this delicious journey together!
Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Stir until melted and smooth—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add Sweeteners and Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Mix in honey or maple syrup along with vanilla extract until fully integrated—smell that heavenly aroma?
Mix in Nuts: Stir in your mixed nuts until they are completely coated in the melted chocolate mixture; ensure every nut gets its fair share of chocolaty goodness.
Transfer to Baking Pan: Pour the nut mixture into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula to create a flat surface—give it some loving taps!
Add Sea Salt Magic: Sprinkle sea salt generously over the top before baking; this is where the magic happens as sweet meets salty during baking.
After following these steps, pop your creation into the oven for about 15-20 minutes until set but still slightly soft in the middle. Cool completely before slicing into bars—you’ll want to give those flavors time to mingle!
Enjoy these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars as you bask in their chocolaty glory!
You Must Know
- Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are not just delicious; they are a perfect snack for any time of day
- These bars combine nutty flavors with a sweet twist, making them an ideal energy booster for your busy lifestyle
- Plus, they’re so easy to make!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the nuts for extra flavor, then melt the dark chocolate while mixing in the ingredients. This sequence ensures everything blends beautifully and each bite is heavenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts based on your preference or add dried fruits for sweetness. Experimenting can lead to delicious surprises that make these bars uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but good luck keeping them around that long!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your nuts slightly under-roasted for better texture; this prevents them from becoming too hard in the final product
- Use high-quality dark chocolate as it greatly influences the taste of your nut bars
- Ensure you let them cool completely before cutting, or they may crumble
Sharing this recipe reminds me of when I first experimented with nut bars during a camping trip. My friends couldn’t believe how tasty they were, and they quickly became our go-to snack!
FAQ
Can I use different types of nuts in my bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match based on what you love or have on hand.
How do I make these nut bars gluten-free?
These bars are naturally gluten-free since they contain no grains; enjoy without worry!
What’s the best way to cut my nut bars?
Use a sharp knife and cut them while cold for clean edges; it makes a difference!
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are the perfect blend of rich, gooey chocolate and crunchy nuts, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful treat. Ideal for any occasion—be it picnics, workdays, or gatherings—these bars will elevate your snacking game. Easy to make and irresistible, they’re sure to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth (3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat; stir in honey/maple syrup and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add mixed nuts, ensuring they are fully coated in the chocolate mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan; spread evenly and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until set but slightly soft in the center. Cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
