Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars – The Ultimate Sweet-Salty Snack

Craving something indulgent yet wholesome? These Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars hit the perfect balance. Packed with crunchy roasted nuts, lightly sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and finished with a thick layer of dark chocolate and flaky sea salt, they’re the kind of snack that satisfies every craving—sweet, salty, crunchy, and rich.

Perfect for afternoon pick-me-ups, on-the-go fuel, or guilt-free dessert, these bars are naturally gluten-free and can be easily customized with your favorite nuts and seeds. They’re like a grown-up candy bar—but with real, nourishing ingredients.

Ingredients Overview: Simple, Real Foods with Big Flavor

These bars are a powerhouse of nutrients, textures, and bold flavor. Here’s a closer look at what goes into them:

Nuts

A hearty mix of nuts provides crunch, healthy fats, and protein:

Almonds – Classic choice with a toasty crunch.
Cashews – Buttery and slightly sweet.
Pecans or walnuts – Add richness and a soft bite.
Hazelnuts – For deeper, earthy flavor.

Use roasted or raw, depending on your preference. Roasting adds depth.

Seeds (Optional)

For texture, fiber, and nutrition:

Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) – Great crunch and iron.
Sunflower seeds – Mild, nutty flavor.
Chia or flax seeds – Omega-3 boost.

Sweetener

Acts as both a binder and natural sweetener:

Honey – Sticky and floral, helps bars hold together.
Maple syrup – Vegan-friendly and adds warm sweetness.

Nut Butter

Helps bind everything and adds creaminess:

Almond butter
Peanut butter
Cashew butter

Choose unsweetened, natural varieties for the cleanest flavor.

Dark Chocolate

Choose high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher) for richness and antioxidants. Melted and spread on top, it adds a decadent finish.

Sea Salt

Flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness and adds that craveable contrast. Don’t skip it!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars

This no-bake (or lightly baked) recipe is simple, fast, and perfect for beginners.

1. Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

2. Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spread about 2 cups mixed nuts on a baking sheet and roast for 8–10 minutes, until fragrant. Let cool, then roughly chop.

3. Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine:

2 cups chopped roasted nuts
2–4 tbsp seeds (optional)
Pinch of salt

In a saucepan over low heat, melt together:

⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
⅓ cup nut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Stir until smooth, then pour over the nut mixture. Mix well to coat everything.

4. Press Into Pan

Transfer mixture to the lined pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press down firmly and evenly.

Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before topping.

5. Add the Chocolate Layer

Melt ½ cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped bar) in the microwave or over a double boiler.

Pour over the chilled nut base and spread evenly.

6. Sprinkle with Sea Salt

While chocolate is still melted, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top.

7. Chill & Slice

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until firm.

Lift out of the pan using parchment and slice into 12 bars or 16 squares.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Pro Tips

Press firmly: This helps bars hold together—use a flat-bottomed glass if needed.
Chill before cutting: Prevents crumbling and ensures clean slices.
Store in fridge: They stay firmer and fresher longer.

Flavor Variations

Fruit & Nut: Add ¼ cup chopped dried cranberries or cherries.
Spiced: Stir in ½ tsp cinnamon or cardamom.
Coconut Dream: Mix in ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut.
Espresso Crunch: Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the chocolate.

Substitutions

Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and tahini.
Vegan: Use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate.
Low-Sugar: Use unsweetened nut butter and sugar-free syrup (like monk fruit-based).

Serving Ideas & Occasions

These bars are ultra-versatile and work for:

On-the-Go Breakfasts – Pair with a coffee or smoothie.
Post-Workout Snack – Full of protein and healthy fats.
Lunchbox Treats – Great for kids (if nut-safe for school).
Healthy Dessert – Satisfying without refined sugar.

You can also:

Crumble over yogurt
Serve with tea for an afternoon snack
Pack for travel and road trips

Nutritional & Health Notes

These bars deliver a satisfying, nutrient-rich energy boost:

Protein: 5–7g per bar from nuts and seeds
Healthy Fats: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
Fiber: 3–5g per bar if using oats or chia seeds
Low glycemic load: Especially when sweetened with maple syrup

To reduce sugar:

Use 85–90% dark chocolate
Reduce added syrup
Focus on roasted nuts and unsweetened nut butter

FAQ

1. Do these bars need to be baked?

No! They’re a no-bake recipe. Toasting the nuts is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.

2. Why are my bars falling apart?

The mix may be too dry, or not enough syrup/nut butter was used. Also, pressing firmly and chilling properly is crucial.

3. How should I store them?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. You can also freeze for longer storage.

4. Can I use all one type of nut?

Yes, almonds or cashews alone work great. A mix just gives more texture and flavor.

5. What chocolate is best?

Use high-quality dark chocolate—at least 70% cacao. You can use bars, chips, or chunks.

6. Can I add oats?

Yes! Add ¼ to ½ cup rolled oats for added fiber and structure. Adjust sweetener slightly to bind.

7. Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes—just ensure all ingredients (especially chocolate and nut butter) are certified gluten-free if needed.

Tasty Recipes Card

Description:
These Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars are packed with crunchy roasted nuts, bound with honey and nut butter, and topped with rich dark chocolate and flaky sea salt. The perfect no-bake snack or healthy dessert.

Ingredients:

2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans), chopped
2–4 tbsp seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia) – optional
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
⅓ cup almond or peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
½ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions:

Toast nuts at 350°F for 8–10 minutes (optional). Cool and chop.
Line 8×8-inch pan with parchment.
In a saucepan, melt honey and nut butter. Stir until smooth.
Mix nuts, seeds, and syrup mixture in a bowl. Stir to coat.
Press mixture firmly into pan. Chill 15–20 minutes.
Melt chocolate and pour over base. Spread evenly.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Chill at least 1 hour.
Slice into bars and store chilled.

Notes:

Customize with dried fruit, coconut, or spices.
Use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate for vegan option.
Press mixture firmly and chill well for clean cuts.

Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 bars or 16 squares

Homemade Nut Bars – Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Perfection