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- 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped - 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1 cup cashews, roughly chopped - 1 cup dates, pitted and finely chopped - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - Additional sea salt for sprinkling - Calories per serving: Each bar has about 200 calories. - Macronutrient breakdown: Roughly 6g of protein, 10g of fat, and 25g of carbs. - Health benefits of ingredients: - Almonds, walnuts, and cashews provide healthy fats and protein. - Dates offer natural sweetness and fiber. - Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can boost mood. - Sea salt enhances flavor and helps balance sweetness. These bars pack a nutritious punch. They're a great snack to fuel your day! 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang to help lift the bars out later. 2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped almonds, walnuts, cashews, and finely chopped dates. Stir gently with a spoon to mix everything evenly. 3. Prepare the chocolate mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, mix the honey (or maple syrup), dark chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Stir often until the chocolate melts and blends smoothly. 1. Pour chocolate over nut and date mixture: Once the chocolate is smooth, pour it over the nut and date mix. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the chocolate in, coating everything well. 2. Transfer and compact the mixture: Scrape the mixture into the lined baking dish. With a spatula or your hands, press it down firmly to make it compact. 1. Baking time and tips: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and a nice aroma. 2. Cooling process and removing from pan: After baking, take the dish out and let it cool completely. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out once they are cool. - Alternatives for nuts: If you want to switch nuts, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They add crunch and flavor too. You can also try pecans or hazelnuts for a different taste. - Sweetener variations: You can use agave nectar or brown rice syrup instead of honey or maple syrup. Each option gives a unique flavor and sweetness level. - Baking time adjustments based on preference: If you like softer bars, bake for just 15 minutes. For firmer bars, go for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges for a golden color. - Texture tips for nut bars: To get a chewy texture, make sure your dates are moist. If they feel dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping. This step helps keep your bars soft. - Presentation tips for serving: Stack the bars neatly on a plate for a clean look. Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top for a fancy touch. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra sea salt for flair. - Pairing options: These bars go well with fresh fruit like berries or apple slices. You can also serve them with yogurt or a scoop of ice cream for a fun dessert twist. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your dark chocolate sea salt nut bars. A fun option is to add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. This addition brings a sweet and chewy texture. You might also try adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchier bite. Another way to boost flavor is by introducing spices. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth. Nutmeg gives a cozy taste that fits well with chocolate. Just a pinch can transform the bars into a new treat. If you want to make your nut bars vegan, simply swap honey for maple syrup. This change keeps the sweetness and makes it plant-based. You can feel good about enjoying a delicious snack that fits your diet. For those needing gluten-free options, rest easy. All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of any packaged items, like chocolate chips. This way, you can enjoy these bars without worry. You can customize the size and shape of your nut bars. Making mini bars or bites is a fun twist. Just use a smaller baking dish, like a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This size is perfect for bite-sized snacks. Adjusting the baking dish size also helps you change the texture. A larger dish makes thinner bars, while a smaller dish gives thicker ones. Experiment to find the perfect size for your taste! To keep your Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can place them in the refrigerator or pantry. The fridge is best for longer freshness. If you use the pantry, ensure it’s cool and dark. These nut bars last up to two weeks at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, they can last up to a month. Look for signs of spoilage, like a change in smell or texture. If they feel dry or hard, it’s best to toss them. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Yes, you can use milk or white chocolate. Milk chocolate adds creaminess and sweetness. White chocolate will make the bars sweeter, but it lacks cocoa flavor. If you like a mix, try combining dark and milk chocolate for the best of both worlds. Just keep in mind that this changes the taste. These bars can be a healthy snack. They are made with nuts and dark chocolate, which provide good fats and protein. Nuts are full of vitamins and minerals. Dark chocolate has antioxidants, too. However, watch the sugar from honey or syrup. Too much can add extra calories. To make these bars nut-free, replace nuts with seeds. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. You can also use puffed rice or oats for a crunchy texture. Adjust the amount of dried fruit to enhance sweetness and flavors. Yes, you can adjust the sweetness. Start with less honey or syrup and taste the mixture. Add more if needed. You can also use a different sweetener like agave or coconut sugar. Just remember that different sweeteners may change the taste and texture slightly. In this article, we explored delicious dark chocolate sea salt nut bars. We discussed the ingredients, from nuts to sweeteners, and shared easy steps for making them. I highlighted variations, like dietary adjustments and flavor additions. These bars are not only tasty but also healthy. You can customize them to fit your needs. Enjoy experimenting and making these bars your own. Get ready to impress your friends or family with your homemade treats!

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars with this easy-to-follow recipe. Packed with almonds, walnuts, and cashews, these no-bake treats are perfect for a healthy snack or dessert. Discover how to melt rich dark chocolate and blend it with sweet dates and a sprinkle of sea salt for the ultimate flavor.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup almonds, roughly chopped

1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

1 cup cashews, roughly chopped

1 cup dates, pitted and finely chopped

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness preference)

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher for rich flavor)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Additional sea salt for sprinkling on top

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough of an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped almonds, walnuts, cashews, and finely chopped dates. Use a spoon to gently mix everything until uniformly distributed.

      Prepare the Chocolate Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup), dark chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture frequently, allowing the chocolate to melt and blend smooth without burning.

        Combine Ingredients: Once the chocolate mixture is fully melted, pour it over the nut and date mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the chocolate into the nuts and dates, ensuring everything is well coated.

          Transfer and Press: Scrape the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, firmly and evenly press the mixture down to ensure it’s compact.

            Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of fine sea salt evenly over the top of the pressed mixture to enhance the flavors.

              Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and aromatic.

                Cool Completely: Remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Utilize the parchment overhang to lift the bars out once cooled.

                  Cut Into Bars: Use a sharp knife to cut into rectangular or square pieces, ensuring even sizes for serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35-40 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, stack the bars neatly in a serving dish and drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the top. Consider serving with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or slices of apple, to enhance the visual appeal and provide a refreshing contrast.