Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars | Healthy Snack Recipes with a Crunch

I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up a batch of these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and my pantry was full of half-used bags of almonds, cashews, and a lonely bar of dark chocolate. I wanted something wholesome but indulgent, snackable but satisfying. With a little trial and error (and a few too many sticky fingers), the perfect recipe was born and let me tell you, these bars didn’t last 24 hours in my house.

Now they’re a go-to for after-school snacks, midday cravings, or those moments when you just need a little chocolate hug with a salty crunch. These bars hit every note sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy. If you’re on the hunt for healthy snack recipes with whole ingredients and real flavor, these are a must-try.

Why You’ll Love These Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars

These bars are all about balance. The rich dark chocolate satisfies any sweet tooth, while the mixed nuts deliver protein and crunch. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top? Chef’s kiss. It’s a combination that works beautifully for lunchboxes, on-the-go snacks, or even dessert.

Packed with heart-healthy fats and fiber, these healthy snack recipes keep you full and fueled. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and easy to customize depending on what nuts or seeds you have on hand.

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars

Sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy—these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars are the perfect healthy snack. Packed with nuts, seeds, and rich dark chocolate, they’re naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Chill Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Nut and Seed Mix

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds

Binding Mixture

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Topping

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate bar (70% cacao or higher)
• flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Saucepan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix all the nuts and seeds together.
3. In a small saucepan, warm the honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until melted and combined.
4. Pour the mixture over the nuts and stir to coat evenly.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan using a spatula or the bottom of a glass.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely in the pan.
7. Melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets.
8. Chill for 10 minutes or until the chocolate is set, then slice into bars.

Notes

To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. For a nut-free version, replace nuts with seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, or hemp. Try add-ins like dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped bar (70% cacao or higher)
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

These pantry-friendly ingredients are staples in most healthy snack recipes and make batch cooking easy.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix all the nuts and seeds together.
3. In a small saucepan, warm the honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until just melted and combined.
4. Pour the mixture over the nuts and stir to coat everything evenly.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the pan using a spatula or the bottom of a glass.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool completely, then melt the chocolate and drizzle over the top.
8. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets.
9. Chill for 10 minutes to firm up, then slice into bars.

Boom. You’ve got yourself a batch of crave-worthy, healthy snack recipes in bar form.

Storage and Tips

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Make them vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Nut-free option: Swap the nuts for seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, or hemp.
• Add-ins: Try dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or even a few mini chocolate chips inside the mix.

Why Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars Are a Favorite Among Healthy Snack Recipes

They’re portable, pretty, and practical. Whether you’re prepping for school lunches or need a treat after yoga class, these bars give you energy without a crash. And the best part? They taste like something you’d find in a fancy café but cost way less to make.

Make Them a Gift

Wrap these bars in parchment and tie with twine for an easy, homemade gift. Whether it’s for a teacher, friend, or holiday treat box, these bars are guaranteed to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars

Can I use different nuts in this Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars?

Absolutely! These bars are super flexible. You can swap in hazelnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts—whatever you have on hand. Just keep the total amount of nuts the same. It’s one of the reasons this is such a go-to among healthy snack recipes.

What kind of dark chocolate works best?

Look for chocolate that’s at least 70% cacao for that rich flavor with less sugar. You can use chips, chopped bars, or even leftover holiday chocolate (we’ve all been there). Darker chocolate also adds more antioxidants!

Can I make Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars ahead of time?

Yes, and they’re perfect for meal prep! Make a batch at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 7 days—and they taste even better on day two.

How do I keep the bars from falling apart?

The secret is pressing the mixture really firmly into the pan and letting them cool completely before cutting. If your bars are still a little crumbly, try adding an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup next time—it helps bind everything together.

Are Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars considered low sugar?

Compared to store-bought snacks, absolutely. They’re naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and you can control the amount of chocolate on top. It’s one of the easiest healthy snack recipes to keep clean and balanced.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! Just wrap each bar in parchment and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month. Let them thaw at room temp for 10–15 minutes before eating (or just nibble frozen we won’t judge).

Are Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars safe for school lunches?

If your school is nut-free, you can make a seed-only version using pumpkin, sunflower, or hemp seeds instead of nuts. They’re just as tasty and still packed with good fats and protein.

Final Thoughts

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Nut Bars are proof that healthy snack recipes don’t need to be bland or boring. They’re sweet without being too sugary, and crunchy enough to satisfy without the guilt of chips or cookies. Once you make a batch, you’ll understand why they’re on repeat in my kitchen.