Description
Delight in these Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars, a perfect balance of rich dark chocolate, crunchy mixed nuts, and a hint of sea salt. Baked to golden perfection, these bars make a wholesome and satisfying snack that combines natural sweetness from honey with the wholesome texture of rolled oats and the luxurious depth of dark chocolate.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Mixed Nuts (a blend of unsalted nuts)
- 1 cup Rolled Oats (gluten-free optional)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure extract)
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (essential for balance)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (at least 70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup Honey (natural sweetener)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and honey. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is melted and smooth, about 1-2 minutes total.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the mixed nuts, rolled oats, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate and honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or spoon to fold everything together until the nuts and oats are well coated.
- Transfer to Pan: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly to compact the mixture, which helps the bars hold together after baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bars are golden brown. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 pieces to serve.
Notes
- Use a mix of your favorite unsalted nuts such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts for best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the chocolate is at least 70% cocoa for a rich taste and less sweetness.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the bars hold their shape better after baking.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm the oats are certified gluten-free.
