Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a perfect blend of crunchy nuts, puffed rice, and rich dark chocolate with a hint of sea salt. Easy to make and naturally sweetened with brown rice syrup, they create an indulgent yet wholesome snack bar that satisfies your sweet tooth while delivering a delightful crunch.
- 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
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups unsalted nuts (¾ cup cashews, ¾ cup peanuts, 1 cup almonds)
- ½ cup puffed rice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown rice syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the nut mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted cashews, peanuts, and almonds with the puffed rice and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Create the syrup binder: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the brown rice syrup with vanilla extract, stirring often until combined and slightly fluid but not boiling.
- Combine nuts and syrup: Pour the warm syrup mixture over the nuts and puffed rice. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the syrup, helping the bars to bind together.
- Form the bars: Line a square baking dish with parchment paper and press the nut mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact layer. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Melt the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the dark chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth and glossy, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Coat the bars: Remove the set nut mixture from the refrigerator and pour the melted chocolate evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Add finishing touches: If desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
- Chill to harden: Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for another 1-2 hours or until the chocolate is completely firm.
- Slice and serve: Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into desired sized pieces. Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a mix of your favorite unsalted nuts for variety and texture.
- Brown rice syrup acts as a natural sweetener and binder; honey or maple syrup can be substituted but may affect texture.
- Press the nut mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold their shape.
- Melt chocolate gently to avoid separating or burning.
- Store bars refrigerated to keep the chocolate coating firm and fresh.
- These bars are naturally gluten-free and vegan if using vegan-certified chocolate chips.
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