Okay, friends, let’s talk about something seriously delicious: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars. I mean, is there a more perfect combo than rich, dark chocolate, crunchy nuts, and that little sprinkle of sea salt that just makes everything pop? These bars are seriously easy to whip up at home – no fancy equipment needed, promise! I first stumbled on this flavor explosion years ago when I accidentally dropped a pretzel into my dark chocolate fondue (oops!). But hey, happy accidents happen, right?
And let me tell you a little something about my experience. I’m Maxine Holloway, and for years, I’ve been sharing my love of simple, delicious food through my supper club and cooking classes here in Asheville. I’m all about making cooking approachable and fun, and these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars are a perfect example of that. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make these taste amazing. Trust me!
Why You’ll Love These Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Seriously, what’s not to love? These bars are:
- Quick and Easy: We’re talking minimal prep, people!
- Customizable: Use your fave nuts and toppings.
- Perfect for Snacks or Gifts: Hello, homemade happiness!
- Gluten-Free: A treat everyone can enjoy.
Quick and Easy Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe
You guys, this is seriously the easiest recipe ever. Melt, mix, chill, and BAM! Deliciousness in minutes. I’m not kidding!
Customizable Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Want to get creative? Go for it! Swap out the nuts, add some dried cranberries… the possibilities are endless! Make this Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bar truly yours!
Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay?
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (the darker, the better, I say!)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts – my go-to mix!)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your call!)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (that sprinkle of magic!)
How to Make Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Okay, pay attention, ’cause this is where the magic happens! Making these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars is so simple, it’s almost ridiculous. But trust me, the taste is anything BUT ridiculous. Let’s get started!
Melting the Chocolate for Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
First things first, we gotta melt that chocolatey goodness. You can totally use the microwave – just pop the dark chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, use a double boiler. Just make sure no water gets in the chocolate!
Combining Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Now, for the fun part! Dump those mixed nuts and sea salt into the melted chocolate and peanut butter. Stir, stir, stir until everything’s coated in that delicious, dark chocolatey hug. Make sure you get every nut – no one wants a naked nut, right?
Setting and Cutting Your Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Grab a square baking dish (about 8×8 inches is perfect), line it with parchment paper (makes life SO much easier!), and pour in your chocolate-nut mixture. Spread it out nice and even, then sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top. Pop that baby in the fridge for at least 30 minutes – or until it’s nice and firm. Once it’s set, lift the parchment out of the dish, and cut into bars. Boom! Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bar perfection!
Tips for the Best Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Want to take these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars from “yum” to “OMG”? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips! First, splurge on good-quality dark chocolate – it makes a HUGE difference. Also, toasting your nuts beforehand (just a few minutes in a dry pan) brings out their flavor. And finally, don’t be shy with the sea salt, but start with a light sprinkle and add more to taste. You can always add, but you can’t take away!
Variations for Your Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe – awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! Seriously, this is where you can let your inner mad scientist shine. How about adding a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick? Or some dried cranberries for a sweet-tart twist? My personal fave is sprinkling some toasted coconut flakes on top – yum! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different nuts, spices (cinnamon is amazing!), or even a little bit of orange zest. The Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bar world is your oyster!
FAQ About Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about these amazing Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars!
Can I use different types of chocolate for these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars?
Absolutely! While I’m a HUGE fan of dark chocolate (the darker, the better!), you can totally use milk chocolate or even white chocolate if that’s your jam. Just remember, it’ll change the overall flavor profile a bit. But hey, that’s the fun of experimenting, right?
How do I store these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars?
Easy peasy! Just pop them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about a week (if they last that long, haha!). The fridge keeps them nice and firm, too, which I personally love!
Are these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars gluten-free?
Good news, gluten-free friends! These bars are naturally gluten-free… as long as you use gluten-free chocolate chips! So, double-check the label on your chocolate chips, and you’re good to go! Enjoy your delicious and safe Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bar!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Okay, so you wanna know the nitty-gritty? Each bar clocks in around 250 calories, with roughly 18g of fat, 5g of protein, and 20g of carbs. But hey, it’s just an estimate, okay? Enjoy!
Share Your Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars!
Made these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars? Woohoo! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your pics on social media – I wanna see your creations! Happy snacking!
PrintWicked Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars in Just 4 Steps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars are a simple and satisfying treat. You can easily make them at home with minimal ingredients. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Melt the dark chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth. You can use a microwave or a double boiler.
- Stir in the mixed nuts and sea salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined square baking dish.
- Spread evenly and sprinkle with extra sea salt.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any type of nuts you like.
- Feel free to add other toppings like dried fruit or coconut flakes.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg