Description
These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a deliciously crunchy and sweet treat, combining toasted nuts, puffed rice, and a luscious dark chocolate coating with a hint of sea salt. Perfect for a nutritious snack or dessert, these bars are easy to make and offer a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Nuts and Base
- 3/4 cup cashews
- 3/4 cup peanuts
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup puffed rice
Binding and Flavoring
- 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- Optional: flaky salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Nuts: Preheat your oven to 325˚F (160˚C). Spread the mixed nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, then bake for 5-8 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. This enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make removing the bars easier once they are set.
- Mix Nuts and Puff Rice: In a large bowl, combine the toasted nuts with puffed rice, stirring well to distribute evenly.
- Heat Syrup and Combine: Microwave the brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds to loosen it. Whisk in the vanilla extract and sea salt until smooth. Pour this syrup mixture over the nut and puffed rice mix, stirring thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the coated mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it firmly and evenly into place to ensure the bars hold together.
- Bake the Bars: Bake the mixture for 18-20 minutes at 325˚F (160˚C). Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer to a cutting board and slice into bars by cutting the slab in half lengthwise, then each half into 5-6 thin bars. Let the bars cool completely to set.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: Combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip and Decorate Bars: Dip the bottom of each cooled bar into the melted chocolate. Then, lay bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the tops with remaining melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
- Set and Serve: Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate coating is set completely. Once hardened, they are ready to enjoy as a perfect sweet and salty snack.
Notes
- Use any combination of nuts you prefer to customize flavor and texture.
- Brown rice syrup can be substituted with honey or maple syrup if needed, though flavor and texture may vary slightly.
- Ensure bars are completely cool before dipping in chocolate to prevent melting.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best freshness.
- For a nut-free version, substitute with seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) and extra puffed rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
