There’s something utterly irresistible about the combination of rich dark chocolate and crunchy nuts, especially when finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that makes every bite pop with flavor. These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment, making them an ideal treat for any time of day.
Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated dessert to serve guests or a satisfying snack to keep you going through the afternoon slump, these bars deliver complex flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make at home with just a handful of quality ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This
- No baking required—just melt, mix, chill, and enjoy!
- Customizable with whatever nuts you have in your pantry
- Perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and salty flavors
- Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for beginners
- Stores well for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups unsalted nuts of choice (we use 3/4 cup cashews, 3/4 cup peanuts and 1 cup almonds)
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325˚F / 160˚C. Spread the nuts into a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan and bake for 5-8 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the nuts and puffed rice and toss to combine.
- Add the brown rice syrup to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. (This loosens it up so it’s easier to work with.) Whisk in the vanilla extract and salt until combined, then pour over the nut mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Transfer the nut mixture to the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for ~30 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board. Cut in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 5-6 thin bars. Let cool completely.
- Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until fully melted.
- Dip the bottom of each bar into the melted chocolate, then transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the top of each bar with melted chocolate, then top with flaky salt.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, then enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a tropical twist, add 1/4 cup dried coconut flakes to the nut mixture
- Substitute the honey with date syrup for a different flavor profile
- Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that enhances the chocolate flavor
- If the chocolate mixture seems too thick to work with, add an extra teaspoon of coconut oil
- For extra crunch, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cacao nibs into the mixture
- Make it vegan by ensuring your dark chocolate is dairy-free and using maple syrup instead of honey
Serving Suggestions
These luxurious bars are perfect served alongside a strong espresso or a glass of full-bodied red wine for an elegant after-dinner treat. For a delightful dessert platter, pair them with fresh berries and a small dish of whipped mascarpone cream.
They also make an excellent addition to a cheese board, particularly alongside aged cheeses like gouda or manchego, where the sweet-salty profile of the bars complements the savory elements beautifully.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Allow bars to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months—simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, though the bars will be significantly sweeter. If using milk chocolate, reduce the honey or maple syrup to 1-2 tablespoons.
My bars are too soft at room temperature. What went wrong?
This likely means there wasn’t enough setting time in the refrigerator. Return them to the fridge for another hour, or try adding an extra tablespoon of coconut oil next time for a firmer set.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, they’re naturally gluten-free, but always check your chocolate and other packaged ingredients to ensure they haven’t been processed in facilities that also handle gluten.
Can I make these without nuts for allergy concerns?
Absolutely! Substitute the nuts with a mix of seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, hemp) and add 1/2 cup of puffed rice or quinoa for texture.
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