Why You’ll Love Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

These bars deliver a satisfying balance of texture and flavor — crunchy roasted nuts mixed with puffed rice, bound together with brown rice syrup, and finished with decadent dark chocolate and flaky sea salt. They are:

Easy to make with minimal ingredients
Customizable to your nut preferences
A mix of sweet and salty in every bite
Great for snacking, lunchboxes, or on‑the‑go energy boosts

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 ½ cups unsalted nuts of choice (suggested: ¾ cup cashews, ¾ cup peanuts, and 1 cup almonds)
½ cup puffed rice
¼ cup brown rice syrup
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips
2 teaspoons coconut oil
Optional: flaky salt for topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Spread the nuts in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan and bake for 5–8 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
Line an 8×8‑inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the roasted nuts and puffed rice.
Microwave the brown rice syrup for about 30 seconds to loosen it, then whisk in vanilla extract and sea salt. Pour this mixture over the nuts and puffed rice and stir until evenly coated.
Press the coated nut mixture firmly into the prepared pan in an even layer.
Bake for 18–20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool about 30 minutes, then transfer to a cutting surface and slice into 10–12 bars.
In a microwave‑safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 30‑second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
Dip the bottom of each bar into the melted chocolate, then place them on a parchment‑lined sheet. Drizzle remaining chocolate on top and sprinkle with flaky salt.
Refrigerate until the chocolate sets, then enjoy.

Servings and timing

Yield: about 10–12 bars
Prep time: ~20 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Cooling/chocolate set time: ~30 minutes to overnight

Variations

Nut swap: Use walnuts, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts instead of the suggested mix.
Chocolate type: Swap dark chocolate for semisweet or milk chocolate if preferred.
Vegan/gluten‑free option: All ingredients are naturally gluten‑free, but ensure puffed rice and syrup choices align with your diet.
Syrup alternatives: If brown rice syrup isn’t available, honey or maple syrup can be used; bars may be stickier.

Storage/Reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to about a week. Placing parchment paper between layers prevents sticking. For longer storage, freeze bars in an airtight container for up to several months; thaw before eating.

FAQs

What can I substitute for brown rice syrup?

You can use honey or maple syrup, though the bars may be a bit stickier and could need more pressing to hold together.

Can I make this recipe nut‑free?

Yes, substitute seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds in place of nuts to keep the texture similar.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten‑free puffed rice.

How should I cut the bars without them crumbling?

Allow the bars to cool completely and press down firmly when slicing to promote clean edges.

Can I use a different chocolate?

Absolutely. You can use semisweet or milk chocolate, depending on sweetness preference.

Can I add dried fruit to these bars?

Yes, add raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots, keeping the total additional ingredients moderate.

Are these bars suitable for lunchboxes?

Yes, they make a portable, non‑messy snack great for lunchboxes or on‑the‑go energy.

How long do these bars last?

Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh about a week at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Can I make smaller or larger bars?

Yes, adjust the slicing to your preferred size — smaller bars yield more servings.

Do the bars need refrigeration?

Not required if eaten within a week, but refrigeration helps keep the chocolate firm, especially in warmer climates.

Conclusion

These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a homemade favorite for anyone who loves a satisfying sweet‑and‑salty snack. With simple ingredients and an easy process, you can enjoy better‑than‑store‑bought bars that are customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences.