Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars

Name: Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans); 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa); 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup rolled oats; 2 tablespoons coconut oil

These dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars became my go-to treat when I needed something that satisfied both my sweet tooth and my family’s demands for “real food.” I discovered this combination during a particularly hectic week when store-bought granola bars just weren’t cutting it anymore, much like when I created my healthy homemade granola and protein granola recipes.

There’s something magical about the way dark chocolate pairs with a hint of sea salt – it’s like finding the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment. I love how these bars come together in just 30 minutes, transforming simple pantry staples into something that looks bakery-worthy but tastes like home. The best part? My kids actually prefer these over processed snacks, and I feel good about what they’re eating, similar to how they react to my brownie protein bites and blackberry pistachio dream bars. You’re going to love this one!

Ingredients for Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars

I always keep these basic ingredients on hand because this recipe has become such a family favorite, and the quality of your ingredients really makes a difference in the final result. For more chocolate-forward recipes, check out my high protein chocolate chia pudding and cottage cheese brownies.

1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans) – I recommend toasting these first for deeper flavor
1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa) – My preference is using high-quality chocolate for the richest taste
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping) – In my experience, flaky sea salt works best for sprinkling
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup rolled oats – I usually use old-fashioned oats for better texture. For more oat-based recipes, try my protein overnight oats or brown sugar overnight oats
2 tablespoons coconut oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

In my experience, the key to perfect bars is not rushing the cooling process – patience here really pays off with clean cuts.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Don’t rush this step – overheated chocolate can seize.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed nuts, rolled oats, honey, vanilla extract, and half of the melted chocolate mixture. Mix thoroughly until every piece is well-coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.

Step 4: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup. Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the top for that gorgeous bakery finish.

Step 5: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt while the chocolate is still warm – this helps it stick perfectly.

Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares with a sharp knife for clean edges.

What to Serve with Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but certain pairings can elevate the experience and create more balanced snacking or dessert options.

Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries cuts through the rich chocolate beautifully while adding natural sweetness and vitamin C. Try pairing with my blueberry protein muffins for a complete berry-chocolate experience.

Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds protein and creamy contrast to the chewy bar texture, making it more of a complete snack. For an even more indulgent pairing, serve alongside my zero sugar Greek yogurt brownies.

Hot Coffee or Tea: The bitter notes in coffee complement the dark chocolate perfectly, while herbal teas like peppermint create a refreshing contrast. For a protein-packed coffee pairing, try my coffee chia seed pudding alongside these bars.

Sliced Apples: Crisp apple slices provide a fresh, juicy counterpoint to the dense, rich bars and add fiber to round out the snack.

Vanilla Ice Cream: For dessert occasions, a small scoop transforms these bars into an indulgent treat that feels restaurant-worthy. If you prefer healthier alternatives, try my cottage cheese ice cream or chocolate cottage cheese ice cream.

Chia Pudding Parfait: Layer crumbled bars with high protein chocolate chia seed pudding or easy coconut chia pudding for an elegant dessert presentation.

Protein-Packed Breakfast: Crumble over high protein breakfast bowls or mix into peanut butter protein granola for added texture and chocolate flavor.

Storage & Serving Tips

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking – the same technique I use for my strawberry cheesecake protein balls and mint chocolate chip protein balls.

For serving, I like to cut them into smaller squares for snacking or larger rectangles for more substantial portions. Pro tip: if the bars become too soft in warm weather, a few minutes in the refrigerator will firm them up perfectly.

These bars are incredibly versatile – pack them for road trips, include them in lunch boxes, or serve them at gatherings. They travel well and actually improve in flavor after a day as all the ingredients meld together. For more portable snack options, check out my no-bake cottage cheese brownie batter protein bites and blueberry cheesecake protein bites.

Do You Like More Protein Bars?

Homemade Protein Bars – Start with the basics using this comprehensive guide to making protein bars at home with simple ingredients and proven methods.
Cookie Dough Protein Bars – Indulge your sweet tooth with these dessert-like protein bars that capture all the flavors of edible cookie dough with chocolate chips.
Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars – Start your day right with these hearty breakfast bars packed with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and fiber-rich oats.
High Protein Granola Bars – Get an extra protein boost with these enhanced granola bars that deliver superior nutrition while maintaining classic granola taste.
Healthy No-Bake Granola Bars – Skip the baking with these quick and easy no-bake bars made from wholesome ingredients in just minutes.
Protein Granola Bar – Enjoy the perfect blend of traditional granola flavors enhanced with protein for a satisfying and nutritious snack.

Conclusion

Dark chocolate and sea salt nut bars prove that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. With just a handful of quality ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you can create treats that rival anything from the store while knowing exactly what goes into every bite. For more chocolate-lovers’ recipes, explore my one minute protein brownie and high protein chocolate donuts recipe. These bars are about to become your family’s new favorite snack – I guarantee it!