Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a delightful treat combining toasted nuts, puffed rice, and a touch of brown rice syrup for sweetness, all topped with rich dark chocolate and a hint of sea salt. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these bars offer a satisfying crunch and balanced flavors with a homemade touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cashews
- 3/4 cup peanuts
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup puffed rice
Wet Ingredients & Flavorings
- 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- Optional: flaky salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325˚F (160˚C) to prepare for toasting the nuts.
- Toast Nuts: Spread the mixed nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly browned, enhancing their flavor.
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Mix Nuts and Puffed Rice: In a large bowl, combine the toasted nuts and puffed rice, tossing to distribute evenly.
- Warm Syrup and Add Flavor: Microwave the brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds to loosen it. Whisk in the vanilla extract and sea salt until smooth, then pour this mixture over the nut and puffed rice mix, stirring to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the lined pan and press firmly into an even layer to form the base of the bars.
- Bake the Bars: Bake the pressed mixture for 18-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for approximately 30 minutes so it sets firmly.
- Cut Bars: Once cooled, transfer the slab to a cutting board and cut lengthwise in half, then cut each half into 5-6 thin bars. Allow these to cool completely to maintain shape.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Coat and Decorate Bars: Dip the bottom of each bar into the melted chocolate, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle remaining melted chocolate over the tops of each bar and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
- Set Chocolate: Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate is fully set. Once firm, the bars are ready to enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute nuts based on preference or dietary needs, but keep total volume consistent.
- Brown rice syrup helps bind the ingredients; honey or maple syrup can be used as alternatives but may alter flavor and texture.
- Make sure to cool bars completely before coating with chocolate to ensure better chocolate adhesion.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and firmness.
- For a vegan version, verify the dark chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Keywords: dark chocolate, sea salt, nut bars, healthy snack, homemade bars, toasted nuts, puffed rice, chocolate dip, easy snack recipes
