Name: Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups unsalted nuts (¾ cup cashews, ¾ cup peanuts, 1 cup almonds); ½ cup puffed rice; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ cup brown rice syrup; 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons coconut oil; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; Optional: flaky sea salt for topping

If you’re anything like me, you know that the perfect snack needs to hit that sweet and salty spot just right—without feeling like a sugar overload. That’s why this Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe has become a go-to for me. It’s like having a little treat that’s as satisfying as a candy bar but actually feels a bit nourishing thanks to the nuts and puffed rice.

Whether you’re packing lunches, craving an afternoon pick-me-up, or need something quick to grab on-the-go, these bars fit the bill beautifully. Plus, the combination of dark chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt gives every bite a wonderful contrast that I just can’t get enough of. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be telling your friends about this gem, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To pull off these bars with that perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and a hint of saltiness, it’s all about picking ingredients that naturally play well together. From my experience, fresh nuts and good-quality dark chocolate really take this recipe up a notch—don’t skimp on those!

Unsalted nuts (cashews, peanuts, almonds): I like mixing these three for a variety of textures and flavors—you can swap or add your favorites.
Puffed rice: Adds lightness and crunch without weighing the bars down. Make sure it’s fresh!
Brown rice syrup: This is the natural sweetener and binder—if you can’t find it, honey works but changes the flavor slightly.
Vanilla extract: A splash brings warmth and depth to the blend—don’t skip this step!
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Dark chocolate chips: I opt for at least 70% cocoa to keep the chocolate rich and less sweet.
Coconut oil: Helps melt the chocolate smooth and adds a subtle tropical note.
Optional flaky salt for topping: Just a sprinkle on top before setting adds a lovely finishing touch and crunch.

Variations

I’ve made these bars dozens of ways over the years, so I encourage you to tweak this Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s really forgiving and fun to customize!

Nut-free version: Swap nuts for sunflower and pumpkin seeds if you’re avoiding nuts. I tried this for a friend and the crunch was just as satisfying.
Sweetener swap: If you’re out of brown rice syrup, honey or maple syrup can work, just expect a slight flavor variation.
Add dried fruits: Toss in chopped dried cherries or cranberries for a tart contrast I personally adore.
Spices twist: A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper adds unexpected warmth or heat.

How to Make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

Step 1: Toast Your Nuts and Mix in Puffed Rice

Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the nuts evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for about 7-10 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. This step enhances their flavor dramatically, so don’t skip it! Once cooled, roughly chop the nuts and mix them with the puffed rice in a large bowl. This combo sets the foundation for the bars’ texture.

Step 2: Make the Syrup and Combine

In a small saucepan, gently warm the brown rice syrup with vanilla extract and sea salt over low heat, stirring until everything is well combined. Don’t let it boil—just enough to meld flavors and thin out the syrup for coating. Pour this golden syrup over your nut and puffed rice mix, stirring thoroughly so every bit gets lightly coated. This is key to the bars holding together without being overly sticky.

Step 3: Press Into Pan and Chill

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, then press the mixture firmly into the pan using the back of a spatula or your hands. Make sure it’s compact—that way the bars won’t crumble when cut. Pop it in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes to let everything set nicely.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Layer

While the base chills, melt your dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring often so it stays smooth. Once melted, pour the chocolate evenly over the chilled nut layer, spreading it with a spatula. If you’re going for that classic extra touch, sprinkle flaky salt on top before returning it to the fridge.

Step 5: Final Chill and Slice

Let the bars chill again until the chocolate hardens—about 30 minutes or so. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles. I find a sharp knife warmed under hot water cuts through cleanly without cracking the chocolate.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

A square nut bar with three layers of nuts is shown on white parchment paper over a white marbled texture, placed on a wooden board. The top layer is a mix of whole roasted almonds, cashews, and peanuts, all in light to dark brown colors with a shiny, roasted surface. The bar is divided into six uneven pieces with clear cuts showing a compact, dense texture of nuts sticking together. The white parchment paper underneath adds contrast and there are no other visible layers under the nuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to add a little extra sea salt on top—just a pinch of flaky Maldon salt adds that perfect finishing crunch and flavor pop. Sometimes I’ll also toss a few cocoa nibs right after spreading the chocolate for an intense chocolate hit.

Side Dishes

These bars make a fantastic companion to a cup of coffee or herbal tea and are surprisingly good alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or berries to refresh your palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like arranging these bars on a wooden board alongside nuts, dried fruits, and cheeses for a casual snack spread. Wrapped in parchment and tied with kitchen twine, these also make lovely, homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge; they keep wonderfully for up to two weeks. The cool temperature keeps the chocolate firm and the nuts fresh—plus, they maintain that perfect chewy-crunchy balance.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freezing works great! I slice the bars first, then layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you want a treat, just pop a bar out to thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes—it’s like fresh-made again.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed cool, I usually don’t reheat. But if you want a softer texture, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will do—just watch carefully so they don’t melt into a mess!

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of cashews, peanuts, and almonds?

Absolutely! This Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe is really flexible. Feel free to swap in walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or whatever nuts you have on hand. Just keep the total volume similar so the bars hold together well.
What’s the best way to make sure the bars don’t crumble?

Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan before chilling is key. Don’t be shy about compacting the nut and puffed rice layer well—it’s the best way to ensure the bars stay intact after cutting.
Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! Just confirm that your dark chocolate chips are dairy-free, and use a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup instead of brown rice syrup if preferred. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
How long do these bars last?

Stored airtight in the fridge, they last up to two weeks. If you want to store longer, freezing is a fantastic option.
Can I add dried fruit or other mix-ins?

Definitely! I often toss in chopped dried fruit like cranberries or cherries to add a tart contrast. Just be mindful of the moisture content to keep the bars firm.

Final Thoughts

This Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe holds a special place in my snack rotation because it’s the perfect balance of delicious flavors and real ingredients. Every time I make a batch, it feels like a little celebration of simple, wholesome indulgence. I’m confident you’ll enjoy these as much as I do—whether you’re sneaking a bite between busy calls or treating friends to an easy homemade snack. Give it a go, and let me know how you like to make these bars your own!