Imagine biting into a chewy, nutty bar where rich dark chocolate meets a sprinkle of sea salt – it’s like a flavor explosion! Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are not just snacks; they are delightful morsels that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Picture this: the crunch of nuts, the smoothness of chocolate, and a hint of salt, all mingling in perfect harmony. You can almost hear the angels singing as you take that first bite.
Now, let me take you back to a sunny afternoon when I made these bars for my family picnic. Watching their faces light up as they devoured the treats was priceless. The combination of flavors made everyone forget about their diets (sorry, not sorry!). These bars are perfect for road trips, lunch boxes, or just a cozy night in with your favorite movie.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars come together quickly and easily for a satisfying snack
- Their rich chocolate flavor is balanced perfectly with the crunch of nuts and sea salt
- Visually appealing, they look great in any snack platter
- Versatile enough to customize based on your favorite nuts or add-ins
The reaction from my friends when they tasted these bars was absolutely priceless; they couldn’t believe how easy it was to whip them up!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Mixed Nuts: A blend of almonds, walnuts, and pecans gives a great texture and flavor contrast.
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Dark Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality chocolate for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener adds depth while keeping things healthy.
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Sea Salt: A pinch enhances sweetness and brings out all those rich flavors beautifully.
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Vanilla Extract: Just a splash elevates everything to gourmet status.
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Rolled Oats: They act as the sturdy base while adding chewiness to each bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and melt in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir after each interval for even melting.
Add Sweeteners: Once melted, stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract. The mixture should become glossy and ooze deliciousness.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine rolled oats and mixed nuts until evenly distributed. This step ensures every bite is packed with good stuff!
Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate over the oat-nut mixture. Stir well until everything is coated in that luscious chocolatey goodness.
Spread into Dish: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press down firmly using a spatula or your hands to compact everything nicely.
Bake & Cool: Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Once done, let it cool completely before slicing into bars – patience is key here!
These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are truly a treat that balances indulgence with healthiness! Enjoy making these delightful bites that everyone will love!
You Must Know
- Dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars are not just delicious; they’re also a great snack packed with energy
- The combination of flavors is heavenly, and you can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking
- These bars will keep you fueled throughout the day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the nuts to enhance their flavor, then mix them with melted chocolate for a perfect blend.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap nuts based on personal preference or add dried fruits for a delightful twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always measure your ingredients precisely; too much chocolate can make the bars overly sweet
- Use parchment paper to line your pan for easy removal
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them to avoid crumbling
I remember making these dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars for my best friend’s birthday. They were a hit! Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and I felt like a rock star in the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use different types of nuts in dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with your favorite nuts for variety.
How do I know when my dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars are set?
They should be firm to touch but still slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the fridge.
Can I add protein powder to my dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars?
Yes, adding protein powder is a great way to boost nutrition without changing the flavor significantly.
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of rich dark chocolate, crunchy mixed nuts, and a hint of sea salt with these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. This delightful snack is both satisfying and healthy, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re on a road trip, at a picnic, or enjoying a cozy movie night, these bars will surely elevate your snack game.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth, stirring after each interval.
- Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract until glossy.
- In another bowl, mix rolled oats and mixed nuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the oat-nut mixture and stir until fully coated.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and press down firmly using a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar - approx. 40g
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor. Customize by swapping nuts or adding dried fruits for extra sweetness.
