why make this recipe
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that you can enjoy any time of the day.
They are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein from mixed nuts and medjool dates, making them a perfect energy booster. The combination of dark chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt gives these bars a delightful contrast of flavors. Plus, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring they fit your dietary needs.
how to make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
3-Step Directions:
- Prepare Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a food processor, pulse mixed nuts until coarsely chopped. Add Medjool dates, almond butter, honey (optional), sea salt, and vanilla extract, blending until sticky and well combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in dark chocolate chips and coconut flakes (if using). Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake & Serve: Bake for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt before serving.
how to serve Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
These nut bars are best served as a quick snack or a treat after meals. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They are great for lunch boxes, hiking, or anytime you need a little energy boost.
how to store Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
To store these bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
- For a crunchier texture, chop the nuts more finely or mix in some seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey or maple syrup.
- If you can’t find medjool dates, any other soft, pitted dates will work as a substitute.
variation
You can add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture. You can also use different types of nut butter, such as cashew or sunflower seed butter, to change the flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh dates instead of medjool dates?
A: Fresh dates may not have the same sweetness or stickiness as medjool dates, so it’s best to stick to medjool dates for this recipe.
Q: Are these bars vegan?
A: Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure that the chocolate chips are dairy-free, these bars can be vegan.
Q: Can these bars be made nut-free?
A: Yes! You can replace the mixed nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, and adjust the nut butter accordingly.
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse mixed nuts until coarsely chopped.
- Add Medjool dates, almond butter, honey, sea salt, and vanilla extract, blending until sticky and well combined.
- Stir in dark chocolate chips and coconut flakes (if using). Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt before serving.
