Name: Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup cashews; 3/4 cup peanuts; 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

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a snack that perfectly balances rich indulgence and wholesome crunch, the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These bars bring together toasted nuts, crispy puffed rice, luscious dark chocolate, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a treat that is at once chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-workout snack, this recipe is a simple yet sophisticated way to satisfy your chocolate cravings while keeping things a bit on the healthy side. Let me take you through everything you need to know to create these bars from scratch and enjoy a homemade delight that’s way better than anything store-bought.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. From top left, there's a bowl full of whole almonds with a light brown color and smooth texture. To its right, a bowl contains thick amber-colored syrup with a glossy surface. Below the almonds, there's a bowl filled with light brown roasted peanuts, some split and some whole. Next to it on the right is a bowl with pale beige cashew nuts of varying sizes. Below the peanuts, there's a bowl filled with small tan puffed rice grains. In the middle bottom row, there's a bowl containing shiny dark brown chocolate chips. To the right of that is a tiny bowl with coarse white salt crystals, and next to it is a small bowl filled with dark brown liquid with a smooth texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars just right is all about simple, quality ingredients that work in harmony. Each one plays a key role in developing the perfect texture, flavor, or appearance of the bars, making the assembly straightforward yet rewarding.

Unsalted nuts (2 1/2 cups): Combining cashews, peanuts, and almonds offers a satisfying mix of textures and nutty flavors—toast them lightly for maximum aroma.
Puffed rice (1/2 cup): Adds a delightful crispiness that makes each bite light and airy, preventing the bars from feeling dense.
Brown rice syrup (1/4 cup): A natural sweetener and binder that keeps the bars chewy and perfectly sticky without overpowering sweetness.
Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and depth into the mixture, balancing the nutty and sweet elements with subtle floral notes.
Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavors and intensifies the chocolate and nut profile—don’t skip this!
Dark chocolate chips (1 cup): Choose a quality dark chocolate for a bittersweet richness that complements nuts beautifully.
Coconut oil (2 teaspoons): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and adds a hint of tropical nuance.
Optional flaky salt: Sprinkled on top to give the finishing touch of salty crunch and a gourmet look.

How to Make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

Step 1: Toast Your Nuts

Start by preheating your oven to 325˚F (160˚C). Spread the mixed unsalted nuts evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and roast them for about 5 to 8 minutes until they’re just fragrant and showing a slight golden hue. Toasting unleashes those rich, toasty flavors and gives the bars a depth that’s absolutely addictive.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so the bars won’t stick and will be easy to remove once set. This small detail ensures clean edges when you cut the bars and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Mix Nuts and Puffed Rice

In a large bowl, toss the toasted nuts with the puffed rice. This combination lays the groundwork for that fantastic crunchy yet chewy texture you’re about to create—each ingredient bringing a perfect contrast to the other.

Step 4: Sweeten and Bind

Pour the brown rice syrup into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for about 30 seconds to loosen it up. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt, then pour this glossy blend over the nut and rice mix. Give everything a thorough stir to coat the ingredients evenly—this sticky coating is what holds your bars together while packing in irresistible flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Press the nut mixture firmly into the prepared pan in an even layer—don’t be shy with the pressure here as this helps the bars hold their shape. Bake it for 18-20 minutes, then let it cool for about 30 minutes before transferring to a cutting board for slicing. Cut lengthwise in half, then into 5 or 6 bars on each side to get the perfect bite-sized portions.

Step 6: Chocolate Dipping and Topping

Combine the dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, melting in short bursts and stirring between intervals until smooth and glossy. Dip the bottom of each bar into the chocolate for a decadent base, then drizzle the tops with the remaining melted chocolate. Finish off by scattering flaky salt over the bars to highlight the dark chocolate’s richness. Refrigerate until the chocolate is firm and set before indulging.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

A white square baking dish lined with parchment paper holds a single thick layer of mixed nuts evenly spread inside. The nuts include whole almonds with smooth, brown skins; whole cashews with light beige curved shapes; and pale tan peanuts both whole and halved. The nuts have a shiny, slightly oily texture and fill the dish completely, creating a tightly packed, colorful mosaic of brown and beige tones. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add even more flair, consider sprinkling extra flaky sea salt or even a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon atop the bars just before serving. These simple touches elevate the look and intensify the flavor contrast between salty and sweet.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with an energizing cup of black coffee or herbal tea, making them a great companion for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit to add a bright, juicy balance to the rich chocolate and nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re sharing these bars at a party or gift giving, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper tied with twine for a rustic, homemade touch. Alternatively, stack them in a decorative jar or box for a visually appealing treat that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making it easy to grab a wholesome snack anytime.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They hold up well in the freezer for up to three months. When you want a treat, just thaw them at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before enjoying.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed cool to keep the chocolate set, there’s usually no need to reheat. However, if you want softer bars, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can help—just be careful not to overdo it, or the chocolate may melt too much and get messy.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts in this Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with whatever nuts you prefer or have on hand. Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts can all add unique flavors and textures while keeping the essence of the recipe intact.

Is brown rice syrup necessary, or can I substitute it?

Brown rice syrup serves as a mild and sticky binder without an overpowering sweetness, but if you don’t have it, honey or maple syrup can work as alternatives. Just note these might affect the flavor and texture slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, it’s easy to keep these bars vegan by choosing dark chocolate chips that are dairy-free and using pure maple syrup or agave instead of brown rice syrup if needed. Always double-check ingredient labels for vegan-friendly options.

How do I prevent the bars from being too sticky?

Make sure to toast the nuts thoroughly and press the mixture firmly into the pan. Cooling the bars completely before cutting and dipping in chocolate will help them set properly and reduce stickiness.

What’s the best type of dark chocolate to use?

Go for a high-quality dark chocolate that has at least 60-70% cocoa content for the perfect bittersweet balance. Avoid chocolates with too many added ingredients or fillers for the best melting and flavor results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe enough if you’re looking for a homemade snack that feels special but is so easy to put together. It’s one of those recipes you’ll turn to over and over, whether you need a quick energy boost or want to treat yourself with a balanced bite of sweet and salty goodness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to snack that impresses everyone who tastes it!