Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nutty Bars. Each bite delivers a luscious, bittersweet chocolate layer studded with toasted nuts and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that enhances every flavor note. This irresistible treat combines gourmet sophistication with easy-to-make simplicity—ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping things classy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Rich Dark Chocolate: Deep, velvety cocoa flavor that melts beautifully on the tongue.
Nutty Crunch: A mix of toasted nuts adds texture and a delightful roasted aroma.
Sea Salt Finish: Just a hint of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate.
Simple Yet Elegant: Minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and stunning results.
Perfect Anytime Treat: Great for gifting, snacking, or impressing guests with homemade decadence.
Ingredients
Bright and lively, like a splash of sunshine on your plate. Here’s what you’ll need:
Mixed Nuts: A blend of almonds, walnuts, and pecans adds crunch and healthy fats. Feel free to swap in your favorites!
Rolled Oats: These provide a hearty base and a chewy texture. They’re also a great source of fiber.
Almond Butter (or Peanut Butter): This creamy goodness binds everything together while adding protein. Choose your nut butter based on your taste preference.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both serve as natural sweeteners. Honey gives a floral note, while maple syrup adds a unique depth.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Aim for at least 70% cocoa for a rich flavor. You can also use dairy-free chips for a vegan option.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch enhances the chocolate’s flavor and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth to the bars.
For those looking to customize, consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a burst of flavor. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Decadent Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nutty Bars
Creating these Decadent Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nutty Bars is a breeze. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious snack ready in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. While that’s heating up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang; it makes removing the bars a cinch later!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped mixed nuts and rolled oats. Stir them together until they’re evenly mixed. This nutty base is what gives your bars that satisfying crunch!
Step 3: Melt the Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s get those wet ingredients going. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until it’s smooth and creamy. Once melted, remove it from the heat and mix in the vanilla extract. The aroma will make your kitchen feel cozy!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until every nut and oat is well coated. This step is crucial for flavor, so make sure it’s all mixed up nicely!
Step 5: Bake the Mixture
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly to create a compact layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The smell will be irresistible!
Step 6: Add Chocolate and Sea Salt
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the dark chocolate chips and a pinch of sea salt on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the chocolate to melt slightly, making it easier to spread.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
After the chocolate has melted, use a spatula to spread it evenly over the top. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your homemade nutty bars!
Tips for Success
Use fresh nuts for the best flavor and crunch.
Don’t skip the parchment paper; it makes removal easy.
Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish for compact bars.
Experiment with different nut butters for unique flavors.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
Equipment Needed
Baking Dish: An 8×8-inch dish works best, but a 9×9-inch will do in a pinch.
Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal; aluminum foil can be a substitute.
Mixing Bowls: Use one large bowl for dry ingredients and a small saucepan for melting.
Spatula: A rubber spatula is perfect for mixing and spreading.
Variations
Nut-Free Option: Substitute the mixed nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients for an extra nutritional punch.
Sweet and Savory: Mix in a handful of pretzel pieces for a delightful sweet and salty crunch.
Flavor Infusion: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist.
Fruit Additions: Toss in some dried fruits like apricots or figs for added sweetness and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these nutty bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
Serve with fresh fruit like apple slices or berries for a refreshing contrast.
For a fun presentation, stack the bars on a rustic wooden board.
Wrap individual bars in parchment for a grab-and-go treat.
FAQs about Decadent Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nutty Bars
Can I make these nutty bars vegan?
Absolutely! Just use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your dark chocolate chips are dairy-free. These Decadent Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nutty Bars will still be delicious and guilt-free!
How long do these bars last?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these nutty bars can last up to two weeks. They make for a perfect healthy snack throughout the week!
Can I freeze the nutty bars?
Yes, you can! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
What can I substitute for almond butter?
If you’re not a fan of almond butter, peanut butter works great too! You can also try sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative. Each option will give your bars a unique flavor.
Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Definitely! Adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value of these Decadent Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nutty Bars. Just adjust the wet ingredients slightly if needed.
Final Thoughts
Creating these Decadent Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nutty Bars is more than just a cooking project; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy to your kitchen. The aroma of melting chocolate and roasted nuts fills the air, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch paired with a rich, sweet flavor that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, these bars are sure to become a staple in your snack rotation. Embrace the joy of homemade treats and savor every moment!
Delicious and healthy nutty bars made with dark chocolate and a hint of sea salt.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts and rolled oats. Stir until evenly mixed.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
Pour the almond butter mixture over the nut and oat mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly to create a compact layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the dark chocolate chips and sea salt on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt slightly.
Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.
Notes
For a sweeter bar, increase the honey or maple syrup to 1/3 cup.
Add dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
