Dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, providing an indulgent treat that satisfies cravings. Picture biting into a chewy, crunchy bar with rich chocolate melting in your mouth, paired with a sprinkle of sea salt that enhances every flavor. No bake cookie dough cheesecake Chewy chocolate mint cookies Decadent strawberry truffles.
I remember the first time I made these bars; my friends were practically fighting over the last piece. They’re ideal for snacking during movie nights or as a post-workout boost. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe handy for all occasions.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars are incredibly easy to whip up in under 30 minutes
- The delightful combination of flavors will have your taste buds dancing
- With their stunning appearance, they’re sure to impress guests at any gathering
- These bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed as a snack or dessert, making them a staple in every kitchen
I once brought these delightful bars to a potluck, and let’s just say they disappeared faster than you can say “chocolate.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Mixed Nuts: Use your favorite nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts for a personal touch.
Oats: Rolled oats add texture and heartiness; opt for old-fashioned for the best results.
Nut Butter: Any nut butter works wonders here; creamy almond or peanut butter adds richness. For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweeteners like honey provide stickiness; maple syrup offers a lovely depth of flavor.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Go for high-quality dark chocolate; it melts beautifully and adds decadence.
Sea Salt: A sprinkle of coarse sea salt elevates the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Melt the Nut Butter and Sweetener: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt together your nut butter and honey until smooth. Stir continuously until combined.
Add Oats and Nuts: Remove from heat and mix in oats and chopped mixed nuts until everything is well-coated. The mixture should be sticky yet crumbly.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in dark chocolate chips gently while still warm so they melt slightly but don’t disappear entirely into the mixture.
Spread Mixture into Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly with a spatula until evenly distributed. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Bake Until Set: Place in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
After cooling completely, slice into bars and sprinkle lightly with sea salt before serving. Enjoy these treats anytime you’re craving something sweet!
You Must Know
- Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are not just snacks; they’re a delightful blend of sweet and salty that can power you through your day
- These bars are chewy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious, making them perfect for lunchboxes or an afternoon treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting your nuts before mixing them into the chocolate. This enhances their flavor, adding a depth that elevates your bars from ordinary to extraordinary.
Add Your Touch
Try swapping almonds for cashews or adding dried fruits like cranberries for extra sweetness. Personalizing these bars makes them uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Chocolate marble banana bread No reheating needed; they’re perfect as-is!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid sticky situations, let the chocolate cool slightly before mixing it with nuts
- Always chop the nuts uniformly for even texture throughout the bars
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, consider adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Baking these nut bars reminds me of my college days when I’d whip up snacks during study sessions. Friends would drop by, and they’d disappear faster than I could say “study break!”
FAQ
What nuts work best in Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars?
For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
Almonds, walnuts, and pecans are excellent choices for flavor and texture.
Can I make these nut bars vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate for a delicious vegan alternative.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking together?
Allow the chocolate to cool fully before cutting; this helps keep them intact.
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 a delectable fusion of sweet and salty flavors, perfect for satisfying your cravings. These easy-to-make bars combine rich dark chocolate, crunchy mixed nuts, and a hint of sea salt for an indulgent treat that can be enjoyed anytime. Whether you need a post-workout snack or a delightful dessert, these bars will impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1/2 cup nut butter (almond or peanut)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (high-quality)
- 1/4 tsp coarse sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt nut butter and sweetener until smooth. Stir continuously.
- Remove from heat and mix in oats and chopped mixed nuts until well coated.
- Fold in dark chocolate chips gently while still warm.
- Pour mixture into the prepared dish, pressing down firmly to ensure even distribution.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars and sprinkling lightly with sea salt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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