Hey there, Clara here! Are you like me, always on the lookout for quick and easy snack solutions for your busy family? I love the idea of making homemade treats, but who has the time for complicated recipes, right? Well, that’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars! These bars are the perfect example of a treat that’s both delicious and doable, even on the most hectic days. From start to finish, you can whip up these beauties in under an hour!
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
You know I’m all about recipes that bring joy, not stress, and these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars definitely deliver! Here’s why I think you’ll absolutely adore them:
- Super Customizable: Feel free to swap out the nuts and seeds to suit your tastes. The possibilities are endless!
- Healthier Than Store-Bought: You control the ingredients, so you know exactly what you’re putting into your body. No mystery additives here!
- Salty and Sweet Perfection: The combination of dark chocolate and sea salt with the crunchy nuts is simply irresistible. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
- No-Bake Option Available: If you are short on time, you can skip the oven entirely. The recipe tastes amazing either way!
Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these yummy bars. Let’s get started!
- 1 cup almonds: I like to use raw, unsalted almonds for these bars. You can find them at most grocery stores, or even buy in bulk online for better savings!
- ½ cup peanuts: Roasted peanuts add a great depth of flavor. Make sure they are unsalted, so you can control the overall saltiness of the bars.
- ½ cup brown rice crisp cereal: This cereal adds a delightful crunch! I usually find it in the cereal aisle of my local grocery store.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Sea salt enhances all the other flavors and adds a lovely touch of saltiness. Don’t skip it!
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup: This is my favorite natural sweetener. Look for a high-quality, Grade A maple syrup for the best flavor.
- 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips: I love using vegan chocolate chips because they are dairy-free, but you can substitute regular chocolate chips if you prefer.
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil: This helps the chocolate chips melt smoothly. You can also use other neutral oils.
- 3 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips: These are for the drizzle on top! I always keep extra on hand for baking emergencies!
- ¼ teaspoon coconut oil: Just like before, this is for the drizzle and ensures it melts perfectly.
- Sea salt (for topping): A sprinkle of sea salt on top is the perfect finishing touch. It really elevates the flavor of these bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos
Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars in no time.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Make the bars: Add almonds, peanuts, cereal and salt to a large bowl. Stir until well mixed. Pour maple syrup over this mixture. Fold until well incorporated.
- Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a rubber spatula, smooth into a tightly packed, even layer. Bake for 30-40 minutes (mine took 35 mins). Bars must bake thoroughly, or they won’t hold together when cooled.
- Allow to cool for 1 hour, or until completely cooled. Use a heatproof spatula to gently lift and loosen bars from parchment. Slice into 12 bars (6 rows by 2 columns).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Clear some room in the freezer for this sheet–you will need it later. Set the sheet on a clear work area.
- Dip the bars: Melt the chocolate using the double boiler method, or doing the following. Add Chocolate Coating ingredients to a medium microwave-safe bowl (large enough to dip bars in). Heat in the microwave in 15-second increments until softened and melted. Stir in between heating, until smooth.
- Dip the bottom of one bar into the melted chocolate, scraping off excess on the side of the bowl. There should be enough chocolate for a thin layer on each bar. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat, spacing each bar evenly apart, until all bars are dipped.
- Drizzle the bars: Add Chocolate Drizzle ingredients to a clean, microwave-safe bowl. Repeat heating instructions, until chocolate is smooth. Spoon melted chocolate into a zip bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Drizzle each bar in a zigzag pattern. Sprinkle sea salt over bars.
- Place bars carefully into the freezer. Freeze for 10-20 minutes, or until chocolate is completely hardened. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
Tips for Perfect Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Ever wonder why your bars are falling apart? Here’s my advice! Making sure the bars bake thoroughly is the key to them holding together once they are cooled. If they’re still crumbly after baking, pop them back in the oven for a few more minutes. Also, packing the mixture tightly into the pan before baking helps everything stick together.
Ingredient Variations for Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some ideas for ingredient variations that you can use in this recipe:
| Ingredient Type | Suggested Alternatives | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nuts | Walnuts, Pecans, Cashews | Adjust quantities slightly to maintain the same overall volume. |
| Seeds | Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds | Toasting the seeds beforehand can enhance their flavor. |
| Dried Fruit | Cranberries, Raisins, Chopped Dates | Chop larger fruits into smaller pieces for even distribution. |
| Sweetener | Honey, Agave | If using honey instead of maple syrup, reduce the amount by 1 tablespoon. |
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the essential equipment you’ll need to make these bars:
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Microwave-safe bowls
- Zip bag
Make-Ahead Instructions
Yes, you can definitely make these bars ahead of time! Prepare the bars as instructed, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. I recommend freezing before dipping and drizzling.
Storing Your Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
For short-term storage, keep these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate and Nuts
I love that these bars are not only delicious but also packed with goodness! Nuts provide healthy fats and protein, which help keep you feeling full and energized. Plus, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants! I always try to choose snacks that nourish my body as well as my taste buds.
Ultimate Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Make the bars: Add almonds, peanuts, cereal and salt to a large bowl. Stir until well mixed. Pour maple syrup over this mixture. Fold until well incorporated.
- Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a rubber spatula, smooth into a tightly packed, even layer. Bake for 30-40 minutes (mine took 35 mins). Bars must bake thoroughly, or they won’t hold together when cooled.
- Allow to cool for 1 hour, or until completely cooled. Use a heatproof spatula to gently lift and loosen bars from parchment. Slice into 12 bars (6 rows by 2 columns).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Clear some room in the freezer for this sheet–you will need it later. Set the sheet on a clear work area.
- Dip the bars: Melt the chocolate using the double boiler method, or doing the following. Add Chocolate Coating ingredients to a medium microwave-safe bowl (large enough to dip bars in). Heat in the microwave in 15-second increments until softened and melted. Stir in between heating, until smooth.
- Dip the bottom of one bar into the melted chocolate, scraping off excess on the side of the bowl. There should be enough chocolate for a thin layer on each bar. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat, spacing each bar evenly apart, until all bars are dipped.
- Drizzle the bars: Add Chocolate Drizzle ingredients to a clean, microwave-safe bowl. Repeat heating instructions, until chocolate is smooth. Spoon melted chocolate into a zip bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Drizzle each bar in a zigzag pattern. Sprinkle sea salt over bars.
- Place bars carefully into the freezer. Freeze for 10-20 minutes, or until chocolate is completely hardened. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this recipe be doubled or tripled?
Absolutely! Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger baking pan.
Can I use different types of chocolate (milk chocolate, white chocolate)?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate to suit your preferences!
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, and avoid getting any water in it while melting.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free cereal, these bars are naturally gluten-free.
How long will these bars last?
These bars will last up to a week at room temperature or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars! They’re so easy to make, and the taste is simply divine. If you make these bars, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Please leave a comment below with any questions, and share photos of your own Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars on social media using the hashtag #CookingInspiredBars. Happy baking!
