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Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

4.6 from 108 reviews

These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a perfect homemade snack combining toasted nuts, puffed rice, and a hint of brown rice syrup, all topped with rich melted dark chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Crispy, sweet, salty, and chocolaty, these bars are an irresistible treat that balances wholesome ingredients with decadent flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Nuts and Dry Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup cashews
  • 3/4 cup peanuts
  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup puffed rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Syrup and Flavoring

  • 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil
  • Optional: flaky salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325˚F (160˚C) to begin the toasting process for the nuts.
  2. Toast Nuts: Spread the cashews, peanuts, and almonds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake them for 5-8 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly browned, enhancing their flavor and crunch.
  3. Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends up the sides for easy removal of the bars later. Set this aside for assembling the mixture.
  4. Combine Nuts and Puffed Rice: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts with the puffed rice. Toss them together to evenly distribute the puffed rice.
  5. Mix Syrup and Flavorings: Place the brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds to loosen it, making it easier to work with. Whisk in the vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt until fully combined.
  6. Coat Nut Mixture: Pour the syrup mixture over the nuts and puffed rice. Stir well until the mixture is evenly coated with the sticky syrup, which will help bind the bars together.
  7. Press into Pan and Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom to create a compact layer. Bake for 18-20 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 30 minutes.
  8. Cut Bars: Once cooled slightly, transfer the slab to a cutting board. Cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 5-6 thin bars. Let the bars cool completely before coating.
  9. Melt Chocolate Coating: Combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly each time, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  10. Dip and Decorate: Dip the bottom of each nut bar into the melted chocolate, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the top of the bars and sprinkle lightly with flaky salt if desired.
  11. Set Chocolate: Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate is firm and set. Once ready, enjoy these delicious, crunchy, chocolaty nut bars as a snack or treat.

Notes

  • Use your favorite combination of nuts; walnuts or pecans can be substituted for variety.
  • Brown rice syrup can be replaced with honey or maple syrup, but the texture may vary slightly.
  • Ensure the bars cool completely before dipping in chocolate to prevent melting.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate coating firm.
  • Flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavor with a delightful salty contrast to the sweet chocolate and nuts.

Keywords: dark chocolate nut bars, sea salt nut bars, homemade granola bars, healthy snack bars, chocolate nut snack, toasted nuts bars