Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
These Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a deliciously crunchy and sweet snack made with a blend of unsalted nuts, puffed rice, and a touch of brown rice syrup. Coated with rich dark chocolate and a hint of sea salt, they provide the perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors. Easy to prepare and great for on-the-go snacking or a wholesome treat.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nuts and Base
- ¾ cup cashews
- ¾ cup peanuts
- 1 cup almonds
- ½ cup puffed rice
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- ¼ cup brown rice syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Optional Topping
- Prepare the nut mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cashews, peanuts, almonds, and puffed rice. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add syrup and flavorings: Warm the brown rice syrup slightly if needed and pour it over the nut and rice mixture. Add the vanilla extract and sea salt. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together until the nuts and puffed rice are evenly coated and sticky.
- Press into a pan: Line a square or rectangular baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly and evenly. This will help the bars hold their shape once set.
- Melt the chocolate coating: In a small microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, gently melt the dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil. Stir often until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
- Coat the bars: Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed nut mixture and spread it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Add optional flaky salt: Sprinkle flaky salt on top of the chocolate layer while still wet for an added salty crunch and enhanced flavor contrast.
- Chill to set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours or until the chocolate has fully hardened and the bars are firm enough to cut.
- Cut into bars: Remove from the fridge and lift the nut and chocolate slab out using the parchment paper edges. Use a sharp knife to cut into bars or squares of desired size.
- Serve and store: Enjoy the bars immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute any nuts of your choice or that you have on hand.
- Brown rice syrup is used here as a natural binding sweetener, but you can substitute with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
- Make sure to firmly press the nut mixture into the pan to help the bars hold together when sliced.
- These bars are best stored refrigerated to prevent the chocolate from melting and to keep them firm.
- Optional flaky salt on top enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness and adding crunch.
Keywords: Chocolate nut bars, sea salt bars, no-bake nut bars, dark chocolate snack, gluten free nut bars, healthy snack bars