Introduction

Snacking can often lead to unhealthy choices that are more indulgent than nourishing. Enter dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars—a sweet yet nutritious solution to your cravings. These bars combine the richness of dark chocolate with the crunch of nuts and a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful balance.

Not only are these bars easy to prepare, but they also serve as an excellent source of energy. Perfect for a midday snack, pre-workout boost, or even a sweet treat to satisfy your dessert desires, they can be customized to your taste. Let’s dive into the satisfying world of homemade nut bars.

Ingredients

1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
Mixed nuts provide a variety of textures and flavors, along with healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins. They create a satisfying crunch in each bite.
1 cup dates, pitted
Dates serve as a natural sweetener that binds the ingredients together while adding moisture. Their caramel-like flavor complements the chocolate beautifully.
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
Dark chocolate offers a rich, intense flavor and antioxidants, making these bars a healthier sweet indulgence. It's also crucial for adding a luscious layer of chocolate.
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Sea salt enhances the flavor of both the nuts and the chocolate, creating a harmonious balance. A sprinkle on top adds a pleasing contrast to the sweetness.
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Coconut oil helps to melt the chocolate evenly and makes the bars more cohesive. It also adds a subtle coconut flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor profile, rounding out the sweetness of the dates and the richness of the chocolate.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish.

Preheating the oven ensures that your nut bars will bake evenly. Lining the baking dish with parchment paper will help with easy removal later on and prevents sticking.

Step 2: In a food processor, combine the mixed nuts and pulse until coarsely chopped.

Chopping the nuts in a food processor creates an even texture, which allows for better binding with the other ingredients. Leave some larger pieces for added crunch.

Step 3: Add the pitted dates, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the nuts, and process until combined.

Incorporating the dates with the nuts not only adds sweetness but also moisture, which is essential for binding the bars. The coconut oil ensures the mixture is cohesive.

Step 4: Fold in the dark chocolate chips gently with a spatula.

Folding in the chocolate by hand allows you to maintain the integrity of the chocolate pieces. This step is essential for ensuring a good distribution of chocolate throughout the bars.

Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down evenly.

Pressing the mixture firmly into the dish is crucial for the bars to maintain their shape. Make sure the surface is compact and smooth to allow for even baking.

Step 6: Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.

Baking the bars allows the flavors to marry and the ingredients to bond together. The golden edges signal that they are ready to come out of the oven.

Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the dish before slicing.

Cooling is important as it allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut without crumbling. Patience will pay off with clean slices.

Step 8: Once cooled, remove the bars from the dish, cut into squares or rectangles, and sprinkle with a bit more sea salt if desired.

Removing the bars carefully prevents any breaking. Adding an extra sprinkle of sea salt on top just before serving elevates the flavor profile and enhances the taste.

Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars step photo

Customizing Your Nut Bars

The beauty of these dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars lies in their versatility. Feel free to swap mixed nuts for your favorites, or add in dried fruits or seeds for extra texture and flavor. Consider incorporating ingredients like chia seeds for an omega boost or coconut flakes for a tropical twist, making these bars uniquely yours.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate isn't just a delicious treat; it's also packed with health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, it can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. When combined with nuts, the healthy fats and protein create a balanced snack that's both satisfying and nourishing.

Perfect Pairings for Nut Bars

These nut bars can stand alone as a snack, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of foods. Enjoy them alongside a cup of yogurt for breakfast, crumbled over oatmeal, or with a refreshing fruit smoothie. The salty sweetness of the bars enhances these pairings, making for a fulfilling and nutritious meal.

FAQs

What nuts work best for this recipe?

You can use any combination of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or even peanuts. Each will lend a different flavor and texture to the bars.

My mixture is too thick; what should I do?

If the mixture seems too thick to combine, add a splash of water or another date to help it come together more easily without compromising texture.

Can I replace the chocolate chips with cacao nibs?

Yes, substituting cacao nibs will give you a more intense chocolate flavor and a crunchy texture, though they are less sweet than chocolate chips.

Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely! As long as you use dairy-free chocolate chips, these nut bars are completely vegan-friendly.

What can I do if my bars crumble when I cut them?

If they crumble, it could be due to not pressing the mixture firmly enough before baking. Ensure the mixture is tightly packed next time.

How can I add sweetness if the bars are not sweet enough?

If you find the bars lack sweetness, consider adding a touch more honey or maple syrup into the mix during blending before baking.

Conclusion

These dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars are not just a tasty snack; they’re also a step towards healthier eating habits. They combine nutritious ingredients in a quick and easy preparation, making them a perfect choice for busy lifestyles.

Now that you have the recipe, have fun experimenting with various ingredients and flavors. With just a few adjustments, you can make them your own masterpiece!

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