Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars – Easy Recipe

If you’re craving a crunchy, salty-sweet snack that feels indulgent but is made with real, wholesome ingredients, these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are your new go-to recipe. Perfect as a grab-and-go snack, these bars feature a decadent layer of dark chocolate, a variety of roasted nuts, and just the right amount of flaky salt to balance the richness. Inspired by the beloved KIND bars, this homemade version is not only more affordable but also fully customizable, gluten-free, and absolutely addictive.

Why You’ll Love These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars

These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars strike a beautiful balance between chewy, crunchy, salty, and sweet. With fewer than ten ingredients, they’re quick to whip up and don’t require any special kitchen skills. Whether you’re packing school lunches, prepping snacks for work, or needing a healthy bite post-workout, these nut bars offer convenience without compromising on flavor or texture.

• Naturally gluten-free and customizable
• Protein-packed from multiple types of nuts
• Refined sugar-free, using brown rice syrup as a natural binder
• Ideal for meal prep — stays fresh up to a week

Ingredients That Make These Bars Irresistible

• Peanuts: Offer a classic nutty flavor and great crunch
• Cashews: Add a creamy, buttery texture
• Almonds: Deliver a deep, toasty flavor after roasting
• Brown Rice Syrup: Acts as a sticky, low-fructose binder for clean slicing
• Puffed Brown Rice: Contributes a light crispiness that balances the dense nuts
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Adds richness and indulgence, coats the bottom and tops the bars
• Coconut Oil: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and set firmly
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses subtle warmth and depth into the sweet binder
• Sea Salt: Enhances sweetness and adds the signature salty crunch

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

• Nut Alternatives: Try pistachios, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts for different textures
• Binder Options: Honey or maple syrup can work in place of brown rice syrup, though they may result in stickier bars
• Chocolate Variety: Use milk or semisweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter finish
• Grain-Free Option: Omit the puffed rice for a keto-friendly version
• Vegan Option: Stick with dark chocolate that’s dairy-free, and skip honey if substituting the syrup

How to Make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars at Home

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Spread your selected nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 5–8 minutes until fragrant and golden. Let them cool slightly.
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the roasted nuts and puffed rice.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the brown rice syrup for 30 seconds. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, then pour over the nut mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan, pressing it firmly into an even layer. Bake for 18–20 minutes until the top is golden and set.
5. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Then, remove and slice into bars by halving lengthwise, and cutting each half into 5–6 even pieces. Let cool completely.
6. In a clean microwave-safe bowl, melt dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
7. Dip the bottom of each bar in melted chocolate, then set on a parchment-lined tray. Drizzle chocolate over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
8. Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate is fully set. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Nut Bars

• Cool before cutting: Give at least 30 minutes for bars to firm up to avoid crumbling
• Press firmly in the pan: Ensures bars hold their shape and slice cleanly
• Use parchment and spray: Prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup
• Watch the chocolate “foot”: Let excess chocolate drip off before setting to avoid messy bottoms
• Add flaky salt last: It not only adds flavor but visual appeal

Serving Suggestions and Fun Variations

• Pair with fruit: A side of apple slices or berries makes a balanced snack
• Spread peanut butter on top before drizzling with chocolate for a double nut experience
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes into the chocolate for a heat-kissed twist
• Holiday variation: Mix in dried cranberries and orange zest for a festive flavor
• Storage tip: Layer bars between parchment in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months

Seasonal and Health Benefits of These Nut Bars

These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars aren’t just delicious — they’re also packed with nutrition that fits every season. Nuts are full of healthy fats, plant-based protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. Dark chocolate contributes antioxidants and can improve mood. Sea salt enhances hydration and balances sweetness.

Great as:

• Summer hike snacks
• Holiday treat boxes
• Back-to-school fuel
• Post-workout energy bars

Whether you’re a busy parent, fitness enthusiast, or health-conscious foodie, these bars check all the boxes: crunchy, salty, sweet, satisfying — and seriously easy to make.

Wrapping It Up: The Ultimate Homemade Snack Bar

When it comes to homemade snacks, few recipes strike the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition quite like these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. They’re crunchy, a little chewy, sweet with just the right hint of salt, and fully customizable to your taste and pantry. With minimal ingredients, no fancy equipment, and only a little effort, you can recreate the crave-worthy magic of your favorite store-bought bars at home.

Make a batch at the start of the week and enjoy them as a healthy snack, post-workout pick-me-up, or guilt-free dessert. These bars prove that nourishing food doesn’t have to be boring — or difficult. Once you try them, they’ll become a permanent staple in your snack rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars: These rich, sweet, and slightly salty bars are an excellent match for fans of nut-based snacks like Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. Made with pantry staples, they offer a chewy texture and indulgent peanut butter flavor, no oven required.
• Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Bursting with peanut butter candy and melty chocolate chips, these cookie bars are a playful and decadent cousin to the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. Perfect for when you’re craving a snack with more cookie-like chew and crunch.
• Peppermint Oreo Truffle Balls: These festive, no-bake treats bring together crushed Oreos, peppermint, and chocolate — making them a delicious variation on the salty-sweet flavor profile. While more dessert-like, they share the same rich chocolate coating and easy preparation method.

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