These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are crunchy, chewy, salty, sweet, and perfect for homemade snacking. Made with roasted nuts, puffed rice, brown rice syrup, dark chocolate, and flaky sea salt, they taste like a homemade version of your favorite KIND bars.
They are simple to make, naturally gluten-free, and made with fewer than 10 ingredients. Perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, road trips, or whenever you want something sweet and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love These Nut Bars
- Crunchy, chewy, and satisfying
- Sweet and salty flavor
- Made with simple ingredients
- Great homemade snack
- Gluten-free
- Perfect for meal prep
- Inspired by store-bought nut bars
- Easy to customize with your favorite nuts
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups unsalted mixed nuts
- ½ cup puffed rice cereal
- ¼ cup brown rice syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- Flaky salt, for topping
Best Nuts to Use
You can use almost any nuts you love. A mix gives the bars great texture and flavor.
Great options include:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Peanuts
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Pistachios
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamia nuts
A combination of almonds, cashews, and peanuts works especially well.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars
Step 1: Toast the Nuts
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Spread the nuts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, until lightly toasted and fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
This helps prevent sticking and makes the bars easier to remove.
Step 3: Mix the Nuts and Rice
Add the toasted nuts and puffed rice to a large mixing bowl.
Toss until evenly combined.
Step 4: Warm the Syrup
Place the brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave for about 30 seconds to loosen it.
Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
Step 5: Coat the Nut Mixture
Pour the syrup mixture over the nuts and puffed rice.
Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
Press it firmly into an even layer.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 30 minutes.
Step 7: Slice
Transfer the cooled nut mixture to a cutting board.
Cut into 10 to 12 bars.
Let the bars cool completely before adding chocolate.
Step 8: Add the Chocolate
Melt the dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Dip the bottom of each bar into melted chocolate.
Place on a parchment-lined tray.
Drizzle extra chocolate over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
Tips for the Best Nut Bars
Press the mixture firmly into the pan so the bars hold together.
Let the bars cool fully before slicing.
Use parchment paper for easy removal.
Do not skip toasting the nuts because it adds deeper flavor.
Let excess chocolate drip off before placing bars on the tray.
Use brown rice syrup for the best binding texture.
Substitutions and Variations
Different Nuts
Use any combination of nuts you like.
Chocolate Options
Use dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or milk chocolate.
Honey Substitute
Honey can be used instead of brown rice syrup, but the bars may be softer and stickier.
Chocolate-Free Version
Skip the chocolate for a lighter snack bar.
Extra Crunch
Add sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds.
Storage Instructions
Store the bars in an airtight container.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
They will stay fresh for about 1 week.
For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Brown Rice Syrup?
Brown rice syrup is a thick, sticky sweetener made from brown rice. It works well as a binder in homemade snack bars.
Can I Use Honey Instead?
Yes, but the bars may not hold together as firmly.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes. Use brown rice syrup and dairy-free dark chocolate.
Are These Gluten-Free?
Yes, as long as your puffed rice cereal and chocolate are certified gluten-free.
Can I Freeze Them?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are crunchy, rich, and perfectly balanced with salty-sweet flavor. They are easy to make at home and a great alternative to store-bought snack bars.
With roasted nuts, puffed rice, dark chocolate, and flaky salt, every bite is satisfying, wholesome, and delicious.
Pinterest Description
🍫🥜 These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are crunchy, salty, sweet, and so easy to make at home! Packed with roasted nuts, puffed rice, dark chocolate, and flaky sea salt, they’re the perfect homemade snack bar inspired by KIND bars. Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, and healthy snacking! ✨
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