Easy Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars

You know those days when you’re starving and nothing in the pantry seems exciting, so that was me last Tuesday, because I opened the cabinet and stared at a sad bag of nuts and a jar of honey, but not glamorous, right, yet a little spark hit me.

So why not turn this mess into something awesome because that’s how Sea Salt Nut Bars came to life and they’re crunchy while sticky and a little salty so just perfect for when you need a pick-me-up because honestly I wasn’t expecting Sea Salt Nut Bars to taste that good yet I even caught myself sneaking a second one before dinner so you see they’re a bit irresistible.

I gotta tell you that making Sea Salt Nut Bars isn’t about being perfect because some nuts are bigger than others, while some bits stick together, and that’s okay because it’s part of the charm, so the tiny mistakes usually taste better than the perfect version anyway, so have you ever tried breaking a bar?

That’s a little too sticky and a little messy because that’s when the magic happens, because you get gooey bits, while crunchy bits, and every bite of Sea Salt Nut Bars feel a tiny bit like winning at life, so if you haven’t tried making these yet, then stick around because you’re in for a fun while slightly messy, and super yummy adventure.

ingredients

• 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or unsalted butter
• Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or dried fruit

ingredients notes

• Mixed nuts: You can use any nuts you like. Almonds, cashews, pecans, or walnuts are all tasty.
• Rolled oats: These make the bars chewy and give a healthy fiber boost.
• Honey or maple syrup: This is the natural sweetness. Honey is sticky and yummy, while maple syrup adds a lovely flavor.
• Brown sugar: Makes the bars sweet and gives a little caramel taste.
• Sea salt: Just a tiny pinch enhances the flavors of the nuts and sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, cozy flavor.
• Coconut oil or butter: Helps the bars hold together and adds richness.
• Optional chocolate chips or dried fruit: Fun extras if you want a little more sweetness or chewiness.

How to make Sea Salt Nut Bars?

step 1: prep your pan and oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easy to lift the bars out later and keeps them from sticking.

step 2: toast the nuts and oats

Spread the nuts and oats on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t burn! Toasting makes them taste nutty and gives a nice crunch.

step 3: melt the sweet mixture

In a small saucepan, combine the honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, and coconut oil (or butter). Heat over medium until everything is melted and bubbly. Stir constantly so it doesn’t burn. Then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.

step 4: mix everything together

Pour the melted mixture over the toasted nuts and oats. If you want to add chocolate chips or dried fruit, now is the time. Stir well so everything is coated in the sweet, sticky mixture.

step 5: press into the pan

Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands (use a little parchment on top so it doesn’t stick). Make sure it’s packed tightly, or the bars may fall apart later.

step 6: chill the bars

Place the pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the bars set. They need to be firm before cutting, or they will crumble.

step 7: cut and serve

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles. Serve as a snack or pack them in lunchboxes.

kitchen equipment needed

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Small saucepan
• Spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

storage options!

Sea Salt Nut Bars stay fresh for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes.

variations!

You can make these bars your own in many ways. Swap out nuts for your favorites, like peanuts or macadamias. Add seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower for extra crunch. Try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a little cocoa powder for a different flavor. Chocolate chips or dried fruit can make them sweeter and more fun. For a vegan version, make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey and plant-based butter if you prefer.

what to enjoy with Sea Salt Nut Bars

I love eating Sea Salt Nut Bars with other little treats, because it makes snack time extra fun. Last week, I tried pairing them with Strawberry Pretzel Salad and Patio Citrus Berry Punch, so it was like a mini party in my mouth, and it made me wonder why I don’t do this more often, because mixing flavors is surprisingly exciting and sometimes messy, but totally worth it.

Here are fun ideas for what to eat with Sea Salt Nut Bars, so you can try them too. First, pair them with homemade yogurt for a creamy while nutty breakfast. Next, munch on them with apple slices or pear slices.

The fresh fruit adds a little juicy burst fifth, enjoy them with a scoop of ice cream because dessert plus snack equals happiness, or try them with a hot cup of tea or coffee, because warm drinks make the bars even more comforting.

tips for making the best sea salt nut bars

• Use fresh nuts for the best flavor. Stale nuts make bars taste flat.
• Toasting nuts and oats adds a lot of flavor, so don’t skip this step.
• Press the mixture firmly into the pan; this helps the bars hold together.
• Let the bars chill completely before cutting. Rushing this step can make them crumble.
• Adjust the sweetness by tasting the melted mixture before mixing with nuts.

FAQ

what is Sea Salt Nut Bars made of?

This recipe is made of mixed nuts, oats, honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, butter or coconut oil, a pinch of sea salt, and vanilla extract. Optional extras include chocolate chips or dried fruit.

what does Sea Salt Nut Bars taste like?

It tastes crunchy, sweet, and slightly salty. The nuts give a toasty flavor, and the honey or maple syrup adds a chewy sweetness. A tiny bit of salt makes all the flavors pop.

can i use different nuts?

Yes! Any combination of nuts works. Almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, or peanuts are all great.

can i make Sea Salt Nut Bars vegan?

Yes! Use maple syrup instead of honey and plant-based butter instead of regular butter.

can i add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Add them while mixing everything together. They will melt a little and be yummy.

how long does Sea Salt Nut Bars take to make?

From start to finish, about 45 minutes, plus 1 hour for chilling.

can i make Sea Salt Nut Bars gluten-free?

Yes! Make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free.

can i make it ahead of time?

Yes, they keep well in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature, longer in the fridge or freezer.

can i use brown rice syrup instead of honey?

Yes, brown rice syrup is a great alternative. Bars may be slightly less sweet.

how should i store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature, in the fridge for longer freshness, or in the freezer for months.

can i make mini bars?

Yes! Press the mixture into a smaller pan or cut smaller pieces after chilling.

what texture should the bars have?

They should be crunchy, chewy, and hold together well without crumbling too much.