Description
Delicious and healthy Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars featuring a perfect blend of mixed nuts, dark chocolate, oats, and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. These bars are baked to golden perfection and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for balanced flavor, making them an ideal snack for anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Mixed Nuts (a blend of unsalted nuts)
- 1 cup Rolled Oats (gluten-free optional)
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (essential for balance)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure extract)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (at least 70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup Honey (natural sweetener)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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 fully melted and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the mixed nuts, rolled oats, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate and honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well to coat all the nuts and oats completely with the chocolate mixture.
- Transfer to Pan: Spread the nut and chocolate mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly to compact the mixture and help the bars hold their shape after baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely inside the pan. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars and cut into 12 equal servings.
Notes
- Use unsalted nuts to control the saltiness of the bars and adjust sea salt accordingly.
- For gluten-free bars, ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the bars hold together better when cutting.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option, though texture may vary slightly.
