Name: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491144H21M1S
Total time: PT-491144H21M1S
Cuisine: Snack / Homemade bars
Ingredients: 2½ cups mixed nuts of your choice (e.g. almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios — raw or roasted); ¼ cup nut butter or seed butter (e.g. peanut butter or almond butter); 3–4 tbsp honey or maple syrup (as binder); Optional mix‑ins: a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch, seeds (chia, flax, sunflower), shredded coconut, or dried fruit; 100–150 g dark chocolate (70 % cocoa or more), chopped or in chips; 1–2 tsp neutral oil (coconut oil or similar) — to help melt the chocolate smoothly; Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

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Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars are one of my go-to snacks when I want something wholesome yet indulgent. Loaded with crunchy nuts, bound together with a touch of natural sweetener, and finished with a rich layer of dark chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—they hit the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and satisfying. I love how they give me energy without feeling heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these bars because they’re incredibly easy to make, require no baking, and are fully customizable. The combination of dark chocolate and sea salt gives them a gourmet touch, while the nuts add healthy fats, protein, and crunch. They’re great for meal prepping, snacking, or even gifting, and they keep well in the fridge or freezer. Best of all, I know exactly what’s in them. Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, etc.)
Chopped or slivered almonds (for extra crunch)
Honey or maple syrup (as a natural binder)
Peanut butter or almond butter
Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Flaky sea salt
Optional: chia seeds, flaxseeds, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut

Directions

I line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a saucepan over low heat, I stir together honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter until smooth and warm.
In a large bowl, I combine the nuts and any mix-ins I want to add (like seeds or dried fruit).
I pour the warm mixture over the nuts and mix well to coat everything evenly.
I press the mixture firmly into the lined pan and flatten it with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
I melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler, then pour it over the nut mixture, spreading it evenly.
I sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate while it’s still melted.
I chill the bars in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours, or until firm.
I lift them out using the parchment and cut into bars or squares with a sharp knife.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10–12 bars, depending on how I slice them. It takes 10 minutes of prep and 1–2 hours to chill, for a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variations

I often switch up the nut combo based on what I have—walnuts, hazelnuts, or even macadamias work well. Sometimes I mix in mini chocolate chips instead of a full chocolate topping, or use white or milk chocolate for a different vibe. For a protein boost, I stir in a tablespoon of protein powder or hemp seeds.

storage/reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, I freeze them in a zip-top bag or container with parchment between layers. I don’t reheat them—they’re best served chilled or at room temperature for a slightly softer texture. Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars

FAQs

Can I make these nut-free?

Yes, I substitute the nuts with seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, or hemp seeds, and use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.

Is it okay to use raw nuts?

Definitely. I use raw or roasted nuts depending on the flavor I want. Toasting them adds more depth.

Can I skip the chocolate layer?

Yes, but I love the richness it adds. If I’m skipping it, I press a few chocolate chips directly into the top before chilling.

What type of dark chocolate works best?

I use 70–85% dark chocolate for a deep flavor. Chips, bars, or chunks all work as long as they melt smoothly.

Do these bars hold up at room temperature?

They’ll soften a bit if left out too long, especially in warm weather. I keep them chilled for the best texture.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars are a simple, satisfying snack that’s just as nourishing as it is delicious. With that perfect combo of crunch, sweetness, and a salty chocolate finish, they never last long in my kitchen. I love how easily I can make a batch, store them, and reach for one whenever I need a quick boost or a guilt-free indulgence.