Description
No-Bake Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars are a deliciously sweet-and-salty treat combining rich, smooth dark chocolate with crunchy mixed nuts and a touch of sea salt for perfect flavor balance. These bars require no baking, making them quick and easy to prepare as a nutritious snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews, or peanuts—chopped)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate, 70% cocoa or higher)
- Optional: 1 tbsp coconut oil (to make the chocolate smoother)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift out the bars after chilling.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped mixed nuts and rolled oats. Set aside to prepare the wet ingredients.
- Heat the wet ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the honey or maple syrup, almond or peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until smooth and everything is well combined and warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine: Pour the warmed honey-almond butter mixture over the nuts and oats. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly coated. Add the 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and mix well to distribute the saltiness evenly.
- Prepare the chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate chips and optional coconut oil in a heatproof bowl using a double boiler method over simmering water or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the melted chocolate over the nut mixture and stir until every piece is thoroughly coated with chocolate.
- Press into the pan: Transfer the chocolate-nut mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down firmly and evenly to compact the bars.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours until the chocolate sets and the bars firm up. For faster setting, place the bars in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- Serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars. Sprinkle a pinch of extra sea salt on top before serving for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- You can swap mixed nuts for your favorites or add seeds and dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer sweeter bars, use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate or drizzle extra chocolate over the bars before chilling.
- Store finished bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
