Nut and Seed Honey Chocolate Bars – Page 2

For the Bars:

1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, or pecans) – Nuts provide healthy fats and protein, making these bars filling and satisfying.
½ cup mixed seeds (such as chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds) – Seeds are a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and minerals.
1 cup rolled oats – Whole grain oats add texture and help bind the bars together.
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional) – Adds a touch of tropical flavor and texture.
¼ teaspoon sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the bars.

For the Sweetener and Binding:

¼ cup honey – The natural sweetener that holds everything together and provides a mild sweetness.
¼ cup almond butter (or peanut butter) – Adds a creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together. You can use any nut butter you prefer.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and complements the other ingredients.
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional) – Adds richness and helps the bars firm up.

For the Chocolate Coating:

¾ cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoa) – The dark chocolate provides an indulgent and rich finish.
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional) – Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and gives it a glossy finish.

How to Make Nut and Seed Honey Chocolate Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Chop the Nuts: If your mixed nuts are large, roughly chop them into smaller pieces. This will help the bars hold together better and make them easier to eat.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped nuts, seeds, rolled oats, shredded coconut (if using), and sea salt. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Melt the Honey and Nut Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, add the honey and almond butter (or peanut butter). Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. If you’re using coconut oil, add it to the saucepan at this stage as well, and stir until melted.
Add Vanilla: Once the honey and nut butter mixture is fully melted and smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Combine Everything: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well to coat the oats, nuts, and seeds with the honey and nut butter mixture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed and the mixture is sticky enough to form into bars. If it feels too dry, add a bit more honey or nut butter.
Press the Mixture into a Pan: Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan or a similar-sized dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to compact the ingredients into an even layer. The more compact the mixture, the firmer your bars will be.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Chill the Bars: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set. This will help the bars hold together and allow the honey and nut butter to firm up.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate and Coat the Bars

Melt the Chocolate: While the bars are chilling, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Coat the Bars with Chocolate: Once the bars have set, remove them from the refrigerator and cut them into squares or bars. Drizzle or dip the bars in the melted dark chocolate to coat the tops. For a decorative touch, you can also drizzle a little chocolate over the top for a beautiful finish.
Chill Again: Place the chocolate-covered bars back into the fridge for about 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve: Once the chocolate has set, your Nut and Seed Honey Chocolate Bars are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Perfect Nut and Seed Honey Chocolate Bars

Use Your Favorite Nuts and Seeds: Customize the recipe with your favorite nuts and seeds. You can experiment with hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, flax seeds, or sesame seeds for different textures and flavors.
Make Them Vegan: To make these bars completely vegan, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey and ensure that your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap or wax paper and store in a freezer-safe container.
Add Dried Fruit: If you like a touch of tartness in your bars, add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots to the mixture for extra flavor and chewiness.
Make Them Nut-Free: If you need to make these bars nut-free, simply use sunflower seed butter in place of the almond butter, and swap out the nuts for more seeds (sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great options).

Conclusion: A Wholesome, Sweet Snack

These Nut and Seed Honey Chocolate Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and satisfying. With a base of nuts, seeds, and oats, topped with a rich layer of dark chocolate, they’re the perfect snack for any time of the day. They’re nutritious, customizable, and easy to make, making them a great option for meal prep or an on-the-go snack.

So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, but want to keep it wholesome and packed with nutrients, try making these homemade Nut and Seed Honey Chocolate Bars. You’ll love the balance of flavors and the burst of energy they provide—without the refined sugars and artificial ingredients found in many store-bought snacks.

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