Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that is easy to make at home. Packed with a mix of nuts and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup, these bars are perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a satisfying treat. The combination of dark chocolate and sea salt adds a rich flavor that makes them irresistible.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
There are many reasons to love these nut bars. First, they are healthy and filled with protein from the nuts. Second, they are simple to make with just a few ingredients. Third, they require minimal prep time and can be made in bulk, so you always have a tasty snack on hand. Plus, the balance of sweet and salty flavors is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
How to make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the nuts, oats, and sea salt.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla extract until warmed through.
- Pour the honey mixture over the nut and oat mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan firmly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
Delicious and nutritious nut bars packed with a mix of nuts, dark chocolate, and a touch of sweetness, perfect for any snack time.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the nuts, oats, and sea salt.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla extract until warmed through.
- Pour the honey mixture over the nut and oat mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan firmly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
Adjust sweetness with more or less honey/maple syrup. For a chewier texture, add dried fruits. Can substitute mixed nuts with nut butter for a creamy bar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to serve Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
These nut bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them as a snack on their own, or pair them with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes for a boost of energy during the day.
How to store Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
To keep your nut bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just be sure to wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Tips to make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Use your favorite mix of nuts or even add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for variety.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, if you prefer a different flavor.
- For a chewier texture, try adding dried fruit, like cranberries or apricots.
Variations
You can also modify this recipe by replacing the mixed nuts with nut butter. Simply use about 1/2 cup of nut butter in place of the nuts and follow the rest of the directions as is. You will get a creamy, delicious bar with a different texture.
For a similar snack idea, check out this Salted caramel pretzel bark.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey or maple syrup?
A: Yes! You can use agave syrup or any other kind of sweetener you prefer.
Q: Can I make these nut bars vegan?
A: Absolutely! Just use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the recipe vegan.
Q: How can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats and make sure any added ingredients are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are not only easy to make, but they are also a healthy and tasty treat that everyone will enjoy. By following this simple recipe, you can create a snack that is perfect for busy days or anytime you need a quick energy boost. Enjoy your homemade nut bars as part of a balanced diet, and share them with family and friends!
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