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, unsalted; 3/4 cup peanuts, unsalted; 1 cup almonds, unsalted; 1/2 cup puffed rice; 1/4 cup brown rice syrup; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 2 teaspoons coconut oil; Optional: flaky salt for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

The moment you bite into these irresistible Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe, you’ll be swept away by the perfect harmony of crunchy nuts, delicate puffed rice, and a luscious layer of rich dark chocolate kissed with a hint of sea salt. This treat strikes a beautiful balance between sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy, making it the ultimate snack or dessert that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re craving an afternoon pick-me-up or a thoughtful gift, these bars are guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Seven white bowls of different sizes are arranged on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl is filled with whole almonds, showing their smooth brown shells. To the right is a small bowl with shiny, thick amber caramel sauce. Below the almonds is a bowl with shelled light brown peanuts. Next to it on the right is a bowl filled with pale beige cashews. Below these two bowls, in the center, there is a bowl with dark chocolate chips. At the bottom left, a bowl contains round, light beige puffed rice. Next to the puffed rice bowl, a small bowl holds white coarse sea salt, and next to the sea salt, a bowl contains dark brown vanilla extract. The light grey-white marbled surface offers a soft, neutral background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is like setting the stage for a delicious performance. Each one plays a crucial role, delivering texture, sweetness, or that savory punch that makes this recipe sing. Here’s what you’ll need to create the magic:

2 1/2 cups unsalted nuts of choice: A mix of cashews, peanuts, and almonds works wonderfully for a crunchy, flavorful base.
1/2 cup puffed rice: Adds a light, crispy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the nuts.
1/4 cup brown rice syrup: This natural sweetener binds everything together with a gentle, caramel-like taste.
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
1 cup dark chocolate chips: This adds a rich, bittersweet layer that pairs flawlessly with the nuts and salt.
2 teaspoons coconut oil: Helps melt the chocolate into a smooth, glossy coating.
Optional: flaky salt for topping: A sprinkle of this elevates every bite with a delightful crunch and burst of saltiness.

How to Make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Nuts for Maximum Flavor

Preheat your oven to 325˚F (160˚C). Spread the unsalted nuts across a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, then bake for about 5 to 8 minutes. Toasting brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor, which is the secret to those amazing crunchy bars.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

While the nuts are cooling, line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. This simple step makes all the difference when it’s time to lift the bars out for cutting, ensuring clean, elegant squares every time.

Step 3: Mix Nuts and Puffed Rice

In a large bowl, combine the toasted nuts with the puffed rice and give them a good toss. This blend of textures prepares the perfect canvas for the syrupy binding to come.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Syrup Mixture

Pour the brown rice syrup into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 30 seconds until loosened, which makes it easier to stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt until fully combined. This syrup is the glue that holds your bars together while adding natural sweetness and flavor complexity.

Step 5: Coat the Nut Mixture

Pour the syrup mixture over the nuts and puffed rice and stir thoroughly so every piece is generously coated. Then transfer this sticky, nutty blend into the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer—don’t be shy here; compact bars hold together best!

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Once out, allow the bars to cool for about 30 minutes before gently lifting them out onto a cutting board. Cut the slab lengthwise into two halves, then slice each into 5 or 6 thin bars—the perfect size to savor bite after bite.

Step 7: Melt and Apply the Chocolate

Combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until silky smooth. Dip the bottom of each bar into the melted chocolate, then place them on parchment-lined baking sheets for the chocolate on the underside to set.

Step 8: Drizzle and Top with Salt

Finally, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops of the bars and sprinkle flaky salt while the chocolate is still wet. This final flourish adds an eye-catching look and a bold burst of flavor. Pop them in the fridge until the chocolate hardens, then get ready for pure deliciousness.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

A square nut bar sits on white parchment paper, placed on a wooden board with a white marbled background visible below. The bar is thick with three layers of various nuts: large brown almonds, light beige cashews, and smaller light brown peanuts. The nuts are packed tightly together in a sticky, translucent layer that holds them in place. The bar is cut into thin, long rectangular slices but still kept whole. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the flaky salt topping is a classic, feel free to sprinkle a tiny bit of finely chopped nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra flair. These little touches can make your homemade bars look like they belong in a fancy patisserie.

Side Dishes

These nut bars are a star on their own but also pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a mellow herbal tea. They make an excellent energy boost alongside your favorite fresh fruit or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a wholesome snack experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider wrapping these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars in parchment paper tied with twine for gifting. You could also arrange them on a wooden board alongside some cheese and dried fruit for a sophisticated snack platter. The possibilities are endless and super fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your nut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them away from heat will maintain their crunch and prevent the chocolate from melting prematurely.

Freezing

If you want to save batches for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment before placing in a freezer-safe container, and they will last up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these bars. If frozen, simply allow them to come to room temperature naturally so the chocolate softens slightly. If you prefer a warm treat, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave can make the chocolate gooey without melting the bars outright.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! One of the best parts of the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts like walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts—just keep the total volume the same for the best results.

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

Brown rice syrup provides a mild sweetness and sticky texture ideal for binding the bars. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind these will slightly alter flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! It’s already mostly plant-based. Just check your dark chocolate chips to ensure they’re vegan, and replace the brown rice syrup with maple syrup if needed.

How long do the nut bars stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making them perfect for prepping snacks ahead of time.

Why add sea salt to a sweet bar?

Salt enhances the other flavors by balancing sweetness and deepening the chocolate’s taste. It also gives you that satisfying flavor contrast that keeps you reaching for one more bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a snack that’s as satisfying as it is sophisticated, this Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple enough for a busy day but special enough to impress friends and family. Once you whip up a batch, these bars might just become your go-to treat for every craving.