Imagine sinking your teeth into a delightful Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bar, where rich, velvety chocolate meets the satisfying crunch of nuts. The sweet aroma wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. These bars are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavor, texture, and that perfect hint of salt.
I first stumbled upon this heavenly creation during a hectic week filled with work and family obligations. With no time for elaborate desserts, these nut bars became my go-to snack—perfect for satisfying cravings without guilt. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply need an afternoon pick-me-up, these bars promise to elevate any occasion.
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 flavors meld beautifully, creating an indulgent but healthy snack
- With their eye-catching layers and textures, they look as good as they taste
- Enjoy them at any time: breakfast on the go or a post-dinner treat!
Every time I serve these bars, friends and family can’t help but ask for more—it’s always a hit at gatherings!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Mixed Nuts: A blend of almonds, walnuts, and cashews offers diverse flavors and textures; choose unsalted for better control over saltiness.
- Dark Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for rich flavor and health benefits; it melts beautifully too.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Use natural sweeteners to add sweetness while keeping it healthier; adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of coarse sea salt enhances the chocolate’s richness; don’t skip this step—it’s essential!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract adds depth to the flavors; it makes all the difference in creating a comforting aroma.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Workspace: Gather all ingredients and tools like a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prep.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt dark chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. The glossy texture should be irresistible by now.
Mix the Ingredients: Once melted, mix in honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract until well combined. The aroma will fill your kitchen—breathe it in!
Add Nuts and Sea Salt: Stir in your mixed nuts and sprinkle some sea salt over everything. Ensure every nut gets coated in that luscious chocolate mixture.
Spread & Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula and press down gently. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until set but still soft.
Cool & Cut Them Up!: Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan using parchment paper edges. Cut into squares or rectangles—you deserve that perfect bite!
Enjoying these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars can transform any dull moment into something magical!
You Must Know
- Dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars are a delightful treat combining indulgence with health benefits
- The crunch of nuts paired with rich dark chocolate creates a blissful experience
- These bars are perfect for snacking, providing sustained energy throughout the day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the nuts first to enhance their flavor. Then, melt the dark chocolate while mixing in your chosen ingredients for a seamless blend.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap nuts or add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for an extra twist. You can even experiment with different types of chocolate for varied sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store these nut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars, always chop your nuts uniformly for even texture
- Ensure your chocolate is high quality; it makes all the difference in flavor
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling
The first time I made these dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars, my friends devoured them before I could even snap a picture! Their love for them made me realize I had struck gold in snack creation.
FAQ
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste in your nut bars.
How do I prevent my nut bars from crumbling?
Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting; this helps them hold together better.
Can I add protein powder to these nut bars?
Absolutely! Adding protein powder boosts nutritional value and keeps you full longer.
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of rich dark chocolate and crunchy nuts with these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. Ideal for busy days or gatherings, this easy-to-make snack is both satisfying and guilt-free. With a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, they are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- 1 cup dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Stir in honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add mixed nuts and a sprinkle of sea salt, ensuring all nuts are coated in chocolate.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and pressing down gently.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until set but still soft.
- Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
