There’s something magical about biting into a Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bar. Imagine rich, velvety dark chocolate melting in your mouth while the crunch of nuts dances on your palate. The sweet meets salty symphony creates a flavor explosion that makes even the most mundane day feel like a celebration.
I remember the first time I made these delightful bars; I was attempting to impress my friends at a gathering. Little did I know, they would practically fight over the last piece, leaving me with only crumbs and a reputation as the ‘Snacking Sorcerer’ of our group. These nut bars are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy movie night or an adventurous hike, they pack amazing flavor in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any skill level
- Their irresistible flavor profile will satisfy both sweet and salty cravings at once
- The stunning visual appeal makes them a showstopper on any dessert table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits!
Everyone raved about how delicious they were, and my friends still ask for the recipe to this day.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Dark Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for deep flavor and richness.
Mixed Nuts: A blend of your favorites—almonds, walnuts, or pecans—adds delightful crunch and nutrition.
Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener brings warmth and richness to balance the chocolate and salt.
Sea Salt: Opt for flaky sea salt to sprinkle on top for that perfect finish—sweet meets salty bliss!
Oats: Rolled oats add texture and heartiness to each bar; use gluten-free oats if needed.
Coconut Oil: A bit of melted coconut oil helps bind everything together while adding richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Get ready to create some mouthwatering Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of dark chocolate in 30-second increments until smooth and silky. Stir in one tablespoon of coconut oil for extra creaminess.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of mixed nuts (chopped), and a pinch of sea salt. The blend should look hearty and inviting.
Add Sweetness: Pour in 1/4 cup of maple syrup into the chocolate mixture while stirring constantly until fully combined. Your kitchen should smell divine right now!
Combine Everything Together: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until thoroughly coated. You’ll have a sticky but delicious batter ready for action!
Bake It Up!: Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until it’s slightly set but still gooey in the center—just how we like it!
Once cooled completely, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before cutting them into bars. Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are not just a treat; they are an energy booster that will keep you going all day
- The rich chocolate aroma combined with the salty crunch creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist
- Perfect for snacks, breakfast, or dessert!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, mix your nuts and dry ingredients before adding melted chocolate for a smooth blend.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts or add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for extra flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh nuts for the best flavor; stale nuts can ruin the entire batch
- Make sure your chocolate is high-quality for a rich taste
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares for clean edges
Sometimes I whip up these bars when friends drop by unexpectedly. Their delighted faces make every bit of effort worthwhile, especially when they ask for seconds!
FAQ
How do I know when my nut bars are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch in the center.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, feel free to experiment with milk or white chocolate based on your preference.
Are Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use gluten-free oats if included in your recipe.
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible blend of rich dark chocolate and crunchy mixed nuts with these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. Perfect for any occasion, these bars deliver a delightful sweet-and-salty flavor that makes every bite a celebration. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite nuts or dried fruits, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy them as a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (chopped)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. Mix in coconut oil.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, chopped mixed nuts, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Stir maple syrup into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down firmly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until slightly set but gooey in the center.
- Once cooled, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top and cut into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
