Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars – Easy Healthy Snack Recipe

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These Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars are the ultimate balance of sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy. Packed with roasted nuts, bound together with a naturally sweet syrup, and topped with a layer of rich dark chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they make an energizing snack or dessert you’ll want to keep stocked at all times.

Introduction: Grown-Up Granola Bar Energy with Candy Bar Flavor

Imagine the satisfying crunch of mixed nuts, the richness of dark chocolate, and the sparkle of sea salt—all wrapped up in a clean, no-fuss bar. These bars channel the flavor of your favorite candy bar, but with whole-food ingredients and none of the guilt.

Unlike overly processed store-bought bars, these are made from just a handful of ingredients and are easily customizable. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout bite, a lunchbox snack, or a healthier treat with your coffee, these bars are a perfect fit.

Best of all? They’re no-bake and freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch ahead of time.

Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need & Why

Mixed Nuts

  • Use a variety for flavor and texture—almonds, cashews, pecans, peanuts, or hazelnuts.

  • Choose roasted and unsalted or roast your own for extra depth.

Seeds (Optional)

  • Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds for added crunch and nutrition.

Natural Sweetener

  • Maple syrup or honey helps bind the bars and adds just the right touch of sweetness.

  • Acts like a natural glue once cooked and cooled.

Nut Butter

  • Almond or peanut butter enhances flavor, adds creaminess, and helps hold everything together.

Vanilla Extract

  • Rounds out the flavor profile with a hint of warmth.

Dark Chocolate

  • Choose 70% cocoa or higher for a rich, antioxidant-packed topping.

  • Melts beautifully and sets into a satisfying layer.

Flaky Sea Salt

  • Just a pinch on top elevates the flavor and balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan

  • Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave an overhang on the sides to lift out the bars later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, combine:

    • 1½ cups mixed nuts, roughly chopped

    • ¼ cup seeds (optional)

    • Stir to combine.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Base

  1. In a saucepan over low heat, melt together:

    • ¼ cup nut butter

    • ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  2. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened—about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine & Press

  1. Pour the warm mixture over the nut mixture.

  2. Stir quickly until all the nuts and seeds are evenly coated.

  3. Transfer to the prepared pan and press down firmly using a spatula or the bottom of a glass.

  4. Place in the fridge to set for 20–30 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Layer

  1. Melt ¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in the microwave or a double boiler.

  2. Pour over the chilled bars and spread evenly.

  3. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt immediately before the chocolate sets.

  4. Chill again for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.

Step 6: Slice and Store

  • Lift the bar block from the pan and slice into 8–10 bars with a sharp knife.

  • Store in the fridge for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Tips for Success:

  • Chop large nuts like almonds or pecans so bars slice cleanly.

  • Press firmly into the pan to help bars hold together.

  • Use room temp bars when slicing for neater cuts.

Flavor Variations:

  • Coconut Crunch: Add ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes.

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the chocolate layer.

  • Tropical: Use macadamia nuts and drizzle with white chocolate instead.

Substitutions:

  • Nut-free: Use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and seed butter.

  • Vegan: Use maple syrup and dairy-free dark chocolate.

  • Low-sugar: Cut syrup by a few tablespoons and increase nut butter slightly.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

These bars are perfect for:

  • On-the-go breakfasts

  • Hiking or travel snacks

  • Lunchbox treats

  • Desk drawer energy boosts

  • Gifting in a snack box or jar

Slice into smaller squares for bite-sized treats or meal-prep them for the week ahead.

Nutrition & Health Notes

These bars are loaded with healthy fats, plant protein, and antioxidants, thanks to nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate.

Estimated Nutrition (1 of 10 bars):

  • Calories: 200–240

  • Protein: 5–7g

  • Fat: 15–18g

  • Carbs: 12–18g

  • Sugar: 6–9g (mostly natural from syrup and chocolate)

Benefits:

  • Heart-healthy fats from nuts

  • Lower glycemic index compared to sugar-laden granola bars

  • Antioxidants from dark chocolate

  • Naturally gluten-free and grain-free

FAQ: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars

1. Why are my bars falling apart?

They may need more syrup or nut butter to bind them, or they weren’t pressed firmly enough. Chill longer and use a sharp knife to slice.

2. Can I skip the chocolate topping?

Yes, the bars are delicious with or without it. For an extra boost, drizzle instead of a full layer.

3. Can I make them nut-free?

Absolutely. Use only seeds (like pumpkin and sunflower) and replace nut butter with sunflower seed butter.

4. How long do they last?

Store in the fridge for up to 10 days, or freeze for 2 months. Wrap individually for easy grab-and-go snacks.

5. Can I toast the nuts?

Yes! Lightly toasting the nuts (350°F for 7–8 minutes) deepens the flavor and makes the bars even more delicious.

6. Do I need to refrigerate them?

For best texture and to keep the chocolate firm, yes. They’ll hold at room temp for a few hours but may soften in warm conditions.

7. Can I add protein powder?

Yes. Add 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder and reduce the nuts or seeds slightly to compensate.

Tasty Recipes Card (Plain Text Format)

Description:
Crunchy, chewy nut bars topped with rich dark chocolate and flaky sea salt. Naturally sweetened, no-bake, and packed with healthy fats and protein.

Ingredients:

Base:

  • 1½ cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, etc.), chopped

  • ¼ cup seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, optional)

  • ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey

  • ¼ cup almond or peanut butter

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of sea salt

Chocolate Topping:

  • ¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

  • 1–2 tsp coconut oil (optional, for easier melting)

  • Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions:

  1. Line 8×8″ pan with parchment paper.

  2. Combine chopped nuts and seeds in a large bowl.

  3. In saucepan, melt syrup, nut butter, and vanilla over low heat until smooth.

  4. Pour over nut mixture and mix well. Press firmly into pan.

  5. Chill 20–30 mins.

  6. Melt chocolate. Spread over bars. Sprinkle with sea salt.

  7. Chill again until firm. Slice and store in fridge or freezer.

Notes:

  • Press mixture tightly for firm bars.

  • Use any nuts or seeds you like.

  • Store chilled to keep shape and texture.

Details:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Chill Time: 45 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour

  • Yield: 10 bars

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