Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars

It started with a craving. One of those afternoons when the to-do list loomed, and all I wanted was something chocolatey, nutty, and just a little salty. I didn’t want candy, I wanted comfort. That’s how these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars came to life-right in my cozy kitchen. Every batch of these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars brings that same homemade joy with every bite.

Every bite is a mix of crunch and melt. Roasted nuts give it warmth, while dark chocolate gives it that deep, rich flavor. A touch of flaky salt on top? That’s the magic. And the best part? These bars are easy to make and easier to love.

Whether you’re looking for a nourishing snack or a cozy dessert, this one hits that sweet-salty spot just right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars check all the boxes. They’re sweet but not too sweet. Crunchy, chocolatey, and packed with nourishing nuts. Plus, these nut bars are naturally gluten-free, no fancy tools needed, and they store beautifully.

You’ll love how the dark chocolate and sea salt balance the richness of the nuts. The puffed rice adds a bit of airiness, keeping the bars light, not dense. These make the perfect midday treat or lunchbox addition. Also, you can tweak them based on what you have at home. Almonds, peanuts, cashews—they all work.

So if you’ve got 20 minutes and a cozy kitchen, let’s make something lovely.

Ingredients for Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars

Nuts and Grains

This recipe is packed with 2½ cups of unsalted nuts, and here’s where you can make it your own. I like to use a mix: ¾ cup each of cashews and peanuts, plus a full cup of almonds. Roasting them brings out their natural oils and makes the flavor deeper and toastier.

Then we stir in ½ cup puffed rice. It’s the secret to that light crunch in every bite. You can use puffed brown rice if you prefer a little extra fiber.

Sweeteners and Flavorings

For sweetness and stickiness, we use ¼ cup brown rice syrup. It holds the bars together without being too sugary. If you don’t have brown rice syrup, honey works too, though your bars may be a little softer.

A splash of vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons) adds a cozy aroma, while ½ teaspoon of sea salt sharpens the sweetness just enough.

Chocolate and Finishing Touches

You’ll need 1 cup of dark chocolate chips for dipping and drizzling the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. Melted with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil, the chocolate becomes glossy and easy to work with.

Sprinkle on flaky sea salt at the end—it brings the flavor alive. That little crunch on top is everything.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast the Nuts

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for 5–8 minutes until they smell fragrant and look just golden. Keep an eye on them—they go from perfect to burnt fast!

Prepare the Pan and Dry Mix

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. You can spritz it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

In a large bowl, combine the warm roasted nuts and puffed rice. Give it a gentle toss so the mix is even.

Make the Syrup Mixture

Warm your brown rice syrup in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. The mixture should be pourable and lightly fragrant.

Combine and Bake

Pour the syrup mixture over the nut and rice mix. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir until everything’s evenly coated. Then press the mixture firmly into your lined pan. Really press—it helps the bars stick together!

Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden around the edges.

Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment and slice into bars. Wait until fully cooled before handling—they firm up as they rest.

Dip and Drizzle with Chocolate

Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.

Dip the bottoms of each bar in chocolate, letting any extra drip off. Place bars chocolate-side down on a parchment-lined tray.

Add Finishing Salt and Set

Drizzle remaining chocolate over the tops. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still soft.

Refrigerate the bars for 20–30 minutes until set. They’re ready to enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

Nut Alternatives

You can use any nuts you love—pecans, walnuts, macadamias, or hazelnuts all work. Just be sure they’re unsalted and roughly the same size so they roast evenly.

Sweetener Options

If you don’t have brown rice syrup, try honey or maple syrup. Honey will make the bars a bit stickier, while maple gives a slight caramel note. Just know that texture may vary.

Chocolate Choices

Dark chocolate brings a rich depth, but you can use semisweet or even milk chocolate if you prefer something softer. Or skip the chocolate entirely for a simpler snack bar.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Mixing bowl and spoon
• Sharp knife for slicing

Nothing fancy here—just cozy kitchen basics.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week. To keep layers from sticking, place parchment paper between them.

You can also freeze these! Wrap each bar in parchment and place in a zip bag. They thaw quickly at room temp.

These are great for make-ahead lunchbox treats or snack stash planning.

Expert Tips for Perfect Nut Bars

• Roast your nuts—it makes a world of difference in flavor.
• Press the mixture firmly into the pan for compact bars.
• Let them cool fully before slicing for clean edges.
• Melt chocolate slowly and stir often for smooth dipping.
• Sprinkle salt while the chocolate is still wet so it sticks.

Small details lead to big satisfaction here.

Nutrition Information

Each bar (based on 10 servings) has:
Calories: 248
Fat: 18.1g
Carbohydrates: 17.3g
Sugar: 10.3g
Fiber: 3.2g
Protein: 6.9g
Sodium: 68.2mg

They’re satisfying, with a good balance of fats, fiber, and protein.

Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

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More Dessert Recipes Like This

If you love cozy, no-fuss sweets, try these next:

• 3-ingredient brownies with banana
• Frozen yogurt granola cups for healthy snacking
• Easy edible cookie dough for a no-bake treat
• Amazing pumpkin seed clusters recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about making a batch of these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. They feel like care in edible form—simple ingredients, gently toasted, pressed together, and drizzled in chocolate. They’re perfect for quiet afternoons, lunchbox surprises, or those just-because moments when you want a little joy.

And if you’re looking for more inspiration, visit my Pinterest board where I share cozy favorites and seasonal ideas every week.