If you’re searching for a treat that perfectly balances indulgence and nutrition, you’re going to fall in love with these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. They feature a medley of crunchy nuts and seeds, held together by a sweet, gooey blend of honey and maple syrup, then crowned with a luxurious layer of silky dark chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt. This snack is everything: sweet, salty, crunchy, and just sophisticated enough for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying on a cozy afternoon. Whether you’re craving something nourishing for your snack stash or need an impressive treat for gatherings, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.

Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about real, honest ingredients—each one is chosen for the flavor, texture, and character it adds to these bars. You don’t need anything fancy, just high-quality staples that transform into something magical when combined.

Almonds, chopped: Bring a satisfying crunch and subtle sweet nuttiness as the backbone of these bars.
Cashews, chopped: Add a creamy texture and buttery flavor, blending beautifully with the other nuts.
Walnuts, chopped: Contribute earthiness and an extra boost of healthy omega-3s for heartiness.
Sunflower seeds: Lend a mild, nutty taste and delicate bite, plus they pack protein and vitamin E.
Pumpkin seeds: Offer a vibrant green pop of color and a light, crisp texture in each bite.
Honey: Acts as a natural binder and adds floral sweetness with a lovely golden gloss.
Maple syrup: Enhances depth and brings warm, caramel notes for additional complexity.
Vanilla extract: Layers in a cozy, fragrant undertone that ties all the flavors together.
Sea salt: Highlights every flavor and amplifies the balance between sweet and salty—don’t skip this!
Dark chocolate chips (preferably 70% cocoa): Provide a luscious, rich coating and slight bitterness that contrasts the sweet nuts and syrup.

How to Make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the sides so you can lift the bars out easily later—this one step makes cutting and cleanup so much simpler!

Step 2: Mix the Nuts and Seeds

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your almonds, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Mixing them now ensures even distribution so every bar has the perfect blend of crunch and flavor.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Sweetener

In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the honey and maple syrup until the mixture starts bubbling and thickens slightly, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Remove it from the heat and add the vanilla extract—it’ll smell heavenly! This combo brings everything together and gives the bars their delightful chewy texture.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the warm honey-syrup mixture over your nuts and seeds. Stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are completely coated with sticky sweetness. This step is key to making sure the bars hold together and each bite is just as good as the last.

Step 5: Pack and Bake

Transfer the sticky nut mixture to your lined baking pan. Press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or spatula to create an even, compact layer. Baking helps set the mixture and toasts the nuts, bringing out their full flavor. Bake for 15-20 minutes, just until the edges are golden—don’t wander far, since you don’t want them to get too dark.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow everything to cool fully inside the pan. Patience here pays off: if you try to cut too soon, they’ll crumble, but completely cooled bars hold their shape beautifully.

Step 7: Melt the Chocolate

Add your dark chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is luxuriously smooth and pourable. This is the moment that takes these bars from tasty to downright irresistible.

Step 8: Drizzle and Sprinkle

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars and finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt. The chocolate will set at room temperature in 15-20 minutes, or you can pop the pan in the fridge to speed things along. The sea salt not only looks gorgeous but really lifts every flavor in the bar.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Once the chocolate has hardened, grab the sides of the parchment and lift the entire square out of the pan. Use a big sharp knife to slice into 16 bars. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy the fruits of your (minimal) labor!

How to Serve Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars

Garnishes

Top your bars with an extra scatter of flaky sea salt, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a bit of toasted coconut if you’re feeling playful. These tiny touches make each bar look as special as it tastes and can set the tone for whatever occasion you’re serving them.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a tall glass of cold oat milk, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or a warm mug of chai for a snack you’ll look forward to. For brunch gatherings, they make a delightful companion to a fresh fruit platter or yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into diamonds or triangles for an elegant twist, or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for a charming edible gift. Stack them high on a serving board with fresh berries and extra chocolate pieces for a stunning centerpiece at your next get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer parchment or wax paper between them to prevent sticking and keep the chocolate looking perfect.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar individually or layer between parchment, then pop them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature whenever a snack attack strikes or guests drop by.

Reheating

While these are typically enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, you can gently warm a bar in the microwave for 5-8 seconds if you crave a melty chocolate moment. Be careful not to overheat, or the chocolate may melt too much and get messy (but still tasty)!

FAQs

Can I use different nuts in these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with pecans, hazelnuts, macadamias, or your favorites. The recipe is wonderfully flexible—just keep the total volume of nuts the same for reliable results.

Is there a vegan alternative for honey?

Yes! Swap the honey for brown rice syrup or agave nectar to make these bars entirely plant-based. The stickiness may vary slightly, but the bars will still hold together and taste amazing.

Can I make these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars nut-free?

For a nut-free version, replace all the nuts with a combination of extra seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, and even hemp hearts. The bars will still be flavorful and satisfyingly crunchy!

How do I prevent the bars from crumbling when slicing?

The key is to let the bars cool completely and use a very sharp, large knife for clean cuts. If the chocolate is sticky, running your knife under hot water and wiping dry before slicing can help.

What type Snack

I recommend 70% cocoa dark chocolate chips for a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet nut mixture. If you enjoy extra-dark chocolate, try 80% or higher! Use good-quality chocolate for the most decadent results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a snack that’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy, whip up a batch of these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. They check all the boxes: easy, wholesome, eye-catching, and utterly delicious. I can’t wait for you and your loved ones to dig in and make these bars a staple in your kitchen!

Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars. A perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, these bars make a satisfying and wholesome snack for any time of the day.

Ingredients

Scale

Nut Mixture:

1 cup almonds, chopped
1 cup cashews, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

Sweetening and Flavoring:

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Topping:

1 cup dark chocolate chips (preferably 70% cocoa)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
Mix nuts: Combine almonds, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds in a bowl.
Heat sweeteners: Heat honey and maple syrup until thickened, then add vanilla.
Coat nuts: Pour sweet mixture over nuts, coat evenly.
Bake: Press nut mix into pan, bake for 15-20 mins until golden.
Cool: Let cool in pan.
Melt chocolate: Melt dark chocolate, drizzle over nut mix.
Set chocolate: Sprinkle with sea salt, let chocolate set.
Serve: Cut into squares and serve.