Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy with these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The blend of rich dark chocolate, sea salt, and crunchy nuts creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these bars are perfect for meal prep or a quick snack on-the-go.
Ingredient Notes:
- Unsalted nuts of choice (we use a mix of cashews, peanuts, and almonds): provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to use your favorite nuts or seeds.
- Puffed rice: adds a light and crispy texture to the bars.
- Brown rice syrup: acts as a natural sweetener and binder for the ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Sea salt: balances the sweetness of the chocolate and syrup.
- Dark chocolate chips and coconut oil: create a luscious chocolate coating for the bars.
- Optional: flaky salt for topping adds a finishing touch of flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the unsalted nuts and puffed rice.
- In a small saucepan, heat the brown rice syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until well combined.
- Pour the syrup mixture over the nut and rice mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into a lined baking dish and refrigerate until set.
- Melt the dark chocolate chips with coconut oil, then pour over the chilled bars.
- Sprinkle with flaky salt and refrigerate until the chocolate sets.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a variation, try adding dried fruit or coconut flakes to the nut mixture.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Swap out the dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Toasting the nuts before mixing them with the other ingredients can enhance their flavor.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to easily cut through the chilled bars.
- Experiment with different types of nuts and flavorings to customize the bars to your liking.
Serving Suggestions:
These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are perfect on their own as a sweet treat. Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delicious snack.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To keep the bars fresh, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To reheat, allow them to come to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to soften the chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of brown rice syrup? Yes, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but the texture and sweetness may vary.
- How do I prevent the chocolate from melting at room temperature? Keep the bars refrigerated until ready to serve to prevent the chocolate from melting.
- Can I freeze these bars for later? Yes, these bars freeze well for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion:
Treat yourself to the irresistible combination of flavors and textures in these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these bars in no time. Give them a try and share your feedback with us!
Print
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of dark chocolate, sea salt, and crunchy nuts with these delicious bars that are perfect for a sweet and salty treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups unsalted nuts of choice (3/4 cup cashews, 3/4 cup peanuts, 1 cup almonds)
- 1/2 cup puffed rice
- 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For Topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- Optional: flaky salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Mix nuts, puffed rice, brown rice syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a bowl. Press into a lined pan.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate chips with coconut oil, then spread over the nut mixture.
- Chill: Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired, then refrigerate until set.
Notes
- You can customize the nut combination to suit your preferences.
- For a sweeter version, use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate.
- Store the bars in the fridge for longer shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg