Name: Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted cashews; 3/4 cup unsalted peanuts; 1 cup unsalted almonds; 1/2 cup puffed rice; 1/4 cup brown rice syrup; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 2 teaspoons coconut oil; Optional: flaky salt for topping

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Introduction

These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars combine toasted nuts, puffed rice, and rich dark chocolate for a satisfying snack. The addition of sea salt creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds.

The image shows several rectangular nut bars stacked on a white plate on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two visible layers: the bottom layer is smooth dark chocolate, thick and even, while the top layer is filled with whole and halved almonds and peanuts held together with a sticky golden syrup. Dark chocolate is drizzled in thin stripes over the nuts on top, and a few grains of coarse salt are scattered over the surface, adding texture and contrast. The bars are slightly glossy, highlighting the nuts and chocolate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups unsalted nuts of choice (3/4 cup cashews, 3/4 cup peanuts, 1 cup almonds)
1/2 cup puffed rice
1/4 cup brown rice syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips
2 teaspoons coconut oil
Optional: flaky salt for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325˚F (160˚C). Spread the nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
Step 2: Bake the nuts for 5-8 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the toasted nuts and puffed rice, tossing to mix evenly.
Step 5: Place the brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds to loosen. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt until combined.
Step 6: Pour the syrup mixture over the nut and puffed rice mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and cool for about 30 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and cut lengthwise in half, then slice each half into 5-6 thin bars. Let cool completely.
Step 9: Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring well between each interval until smooth.
Step 10: Dip the bottom of each bar into the melted chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle remaining chocolate over the tops and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
Step 11: Refrigerate until the chocolate is fully set, then enjoy your nut bars!

Tips & Variations

Try mixing different nuts like walnuts or pecans for varied texture and flavor.
Substitute maple syrup if you don’t have brown rice syrup, though the texture may be slightly different.
Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for a richer, less sweet taste.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the syrup mixture for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to three months. To enjoy, let thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Avoid storing at room temperature for long as the bars may soften and lose their crispness.

How to Serve

A square nut bar made with one thick layer of mixed nuts including whole almonds, cashews, and peanuts, all tightly packed together with a shiny coating that holds them in place, cut into eight rectangular pieces with visible clean slices. The bar is laid on white parchment paper which rests on a wooden cutting board, all set on a white marbled surface. The nuts show a mix of golden brown and light tan colors, creating a textured and crunchy appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of syrup instead of brown rice syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup or honey, but these may alter the texture and sweetness slightly since they are more liquid and flavorful.

How can I make these bars nut-free?

Replace the nuts with seeds such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and additional puffed rice to keep the crunch while avoiding nuts.