Dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars are like a hug for your taste buds. Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy, nutty bar that balances rich dark chocolate with the perfect sprinkle of sea salt. The sweet aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing you to take a bite before it even cools. It’s the kind of treat that whispers, “Hey, you deserve this!” Whether you’re gearing up for a long hike or just need a midday pick-me-up, these bars will be the delightful fuel you crave.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- How do I know when the nut bars are ready?
- Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every time I make these dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars, I’m reminded of baking marathons with my grandmother. She had an uncanny ability to turn any ordinary day into a special occasion with her delicious treats. These nut bars have become my homage to those sweet memories, perfect for sharing at family gatherings or indulging while binge-watching your favorite series. Who knew that something so simple could carry so much nostalgia? Just one bite, and you’ll be transported to dessert heaven.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for even novice bakers
- The flavor is a divine mix of rich chocolate and crunchy nuts with a touch of saltiness
- Their rustic look makes them visually appealing and inviting on any table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits!
I remember serving these bars at a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds—what a hit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Mixed Nuts: A combination of almonds, walnuts, and pecans adds texture; choose unsalted for better flavor control.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for at least 70% cocoa for rich flavor; they melt beautifully and create that gooey goodness.
Honey: Use raw honey if possible; it adds natural sweetness and binds the ingredients together perfectly.
Oats: Rolled oats give these bars a hearty base while adding fiber—use gluten-free oats if needed.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile; skip imitation vanilla for best results.
Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top elevates the sweetness of the chocolate; don’t skip this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and honey. Microwave in short bursts until melted, stirring in between until smooth and glossy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine mixed nuts, oats, and vanilla extract. Stir until evenly mixed; this is where all those delightful flavors come together!
Add Chocolate Mixture: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is coated in that luscious chocolate goodness.
Transfer to Baking Pan: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press down firmly; this will help your bars hold their shape once cooled.
Bake & Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until slightly golden on top. Allow cooling completely before cutting into bars—patience pays off here!
With just these simple steps, you can whip up delicious dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars that will leave everyone talking! They are ideal for snacking or as an energizing treat during busy days.
Enjoy your culinary adventure!
You Must Know
- Dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars are the perfect blend of sweet and savory
- They’re ideal for a quick snack or an energy boost before workouts
- Customize them to suit your tastes, adding spices or different nuts for a unique twist
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting your nuts to enhance their flavor, then melt the dark chocolate while mixing everything else together. This sequence ensures that each ingredient shines without losing its essence.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts based on your preference or add dried fruits for extra sweetness. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store your nut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them a bit firmer, refrigerate them for longer-lasting freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best results, always use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content; it makes a huge difference
- Make sure to chop nuts evenly so they mix seamlessly
- Don’t skip the sea salt; it’s what makes these bars unforgettable!
Creating these dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars brings back memories of my friend’s kitchen filled with laughter and sweet aromas during our baking marathons.
FAQ
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Using milk chocolate alters the flavor significantly; dark chocolate provides a rich contrast.
How do I know when the nut bars are ready?
The bars should be firm to the touch but slightly soft in the center once cooled.
Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Absolutely! Protein powder can boost nutritional value without compromising flavor if balanced well.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of dark chocolate paired with a delightful crunch from mixed nuts, all perfectly balanced by a touch of sea salt. These nut bars are easy to make and serve as the ideal snack for any occasion—whether you’re hitting the trails or enjoying a cozy night in. With a blend of nostalgia and flavor, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and honey. Microwave in short bursts, stirring until melted and smooth.
- In another bowl, mix together the nuts, oats, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until slightly golden on top. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
