Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are the kind of treat that makes your taste buds tango. Picture this: a rich, velvety dark chocolate blanket enveloping a crunchy medley of nuts, all topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt that dances on your tongue. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited. These bars aren’t just delicious; they’re a little bit fancy too, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. Whether you need a quick snack or something to take to a gathering, these nut bars fit the bill perfectly.
I remember the first time I made Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. I had friends over for movie night, and let’s just say my culinary skills were still in their infancy at the time. I clumsily melted chocolate while trying not to set off any smoke alarms. But the moment those bars came out of the fridge, and I took my first bite—heaven. They vanished faster than popcorn during a scary movie. Trust me, once you whip up this recipe, you’ll be the star of your next get-together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are incredibly easy to make, even for beginners
- The rich flavor combination is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping it healthy
- Their beautiful appearance makes them perfect for sharing at parties or events
- Plus, you can customize them with your favorite nuts or seeds for added versatility
I once brought these nut bars to a potluck, and my friends insisted I share the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars:
Dark Chocolate: Aim for high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for richness and depth.
Mixed Nuts: A combination of almonds, walnuts, and pecans provides great texture and flavor contrast.
Honey: This natural sweetener will help bind everything together while adding sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
Sea Salt: Flaky sea salt adds an essential touch of savory contrast to the sweet chocolate.
Coconut Oil: Use virgin coconut oil for extra richness and smooth melting consistency.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over two edges for easy removal later on.
Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate and coconut oil. Melt in 30-second intervals until smooth; stir well after each interval.
Add Sweetness and Flavorings: Stir honey and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate until fully combined; this ensures every bite is flavorful.
Mix in Your Nuts: Fold in your mixed nuts until they are evenly coated in that luscious chocolate mixture; make sure every nut gets some love.
Spread and Sprinkle: Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle flaky sea salt generously on top before refrigerating.
Chill Until Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least two hours or until fully set; patience is key here to achieve that perfect texture.
Now you have an irresistible batch of Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars ready to enjoy. Cut them into squares or rectangles as desired—don’t forget to brag about how easy it was to make.
You Must Know
- These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are not just a snack; they are a delightful treat that balances sweetness and saltiness
- The combination of crunchy nuts and rich chocolate will make your taste buds do a happy dance
- Perfect for on-the-go energy boosts or as a sweet indulgence
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make these nut bars, first, toast the nuts to enhance flavor, then melt the chocolate while preparing the nut mixture for seamless assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts based on your preference, try different types of chocolate, or add dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your nut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. No reheating needed; simply enjoy them as is.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh nuts for better flavor; stale nuts can ruin your bars
- Make sure your chocolate is high-quality for the best taste
- Lastly, let them cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling
Once, during a family gathering, I brought these nut bars, and they disappeared faster than my cousin’s attempts at telling jokes. Everyone loved them and asked for the recipe.
FAQ
Can I use other types of chocolate in Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars?
Absolutely. Milk or white chocolate can work well too if you prefer something sweeter.
How do I know when my nut bars are ready?
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re firm to the touch but still slightly soft in the middle.
Can I freeze Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are the ultimate indulgent yet healthy snack. With a rich layer of dark chocolate enveloping a crunchy mix of nuts, these bars are elevated by a sprinkle of sea salt that balances sweetness and savoriness. Perfect for parties or as a delightful treat at home, they are easy to make and customize with your favorite ingredients. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be the star of every gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare your pan by lining an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate and coconut oil. Melt in 30-second intervals until smooth, stirring after each interval.
- Stir honey and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate until fully combined.
- Fold in mixed nuts until evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours or until set. Cut into squares or rectangles before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Toasting the nuts before mixing enhances their flavor. Feel free to substitute different types of nuts or add dried fruits for extra texture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
