Step 1: Toast the Nuts and Seeds
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds evenly on a baking tray.
Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. You’ll know they’re ready when they become fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them.
Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts and seeds with the orange zest. If you’re using salt and spices, sprinkle them over the mix now and give it a good toss.
Add the honey to the mixture and stir until everything is well coated. The honey will act as a binding agent, helping the ingredients stick together.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
While the nut mixture cools, melt the dark chocolate. You can melt it using a double boiler or microwave. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
Once the chocolate is melted, pour it over the nut and seed mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. The combination of honey and chocolate will give the bars a rich, decadent flavor while holding the ingredients together.
Step 4: Shape the Mixture
Line a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends up the sides for easy removal later.
Pour the chocolate nut mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down firmly and evenly. This step is essential for compacting the bars, ensuring they hold together when sliced.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours or until the mixture has hardened completely.
Once set, remove the mixture from the pan by lifting the parchment paper edges. Cut the slab into bars or squares, depending on your preferred serving size.
Cooking Tips:
Nut Varieties: Feel free to use any combination of nuts you prefer. A blend of almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts works particularly well, but you can also opt for cashews or pecans for a creamier texture.
Add Spices for Flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom add a warm depth of flavor to these bars. Start with just a pinch and adjust according to your taste.
Melting Chocolate: To prevent the chocolate from seizing (becoming thick and grainy), make sure no water comes into contact with it during the melting process. Stir continuously for a smooth texture.
Extra Crunch: For even more crunch, add 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds or flaxseeds to the mix.
Sweetness Control: If you prefer your bars less sweet, you can reduce the honey slightly or choose dark chocolate with a higher cacao percentage.
Storage:
Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their firmness.
Freezer: For longer storage, these bars freeze well. Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months. Simply let them thaw at room temperature before eating.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate):
Calories: 220 kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 30mg
Vitamin C: 3mg (from the orange zest)
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave syrup, or any liquid sweetener of your choice. However, honey gives these bars a distinct flavor and binding quality that might not be replicated exactly with other sweeteners.
2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter taste, milk chocolate is a great alternative. Just keep in mind that using milk chocolate will increase the sugar content of the bars.
3. Are there other seeds I can add?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Chia seeds, flaxseeds, and even hemp seeds can be added to boost the nutritional value of the bars.
4. What is the purpose of the orange zest?
Orange zest adds a burst of freshness and a subtle citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the chocolate and nuts. It can be omitted if you prefer a more straightforward nut and chocolate flavor.
5. Can I make these bars without toasting the nuts and seeds?
Toasting the nuts and seeds enhances their flavor and crunch, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step. The bars will still taste good, but the flavors won’t be as deep.
Conclusion:
These Nut and Seed Honey Chocolate Bars are the perfect blend of nutritious ingredients and indulgent flavors. With the crunch of nuts and seeds, the rich sweetness of honey, and the smooth melt of dark chocolate, they make for a wholesome yet satisfying treat. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a post-workout energy booster, or a dessert with a bit of a nutritious twist, these bars have got you covered. The addition of orange zest and the option to customize spices make this recipe endlessly versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your personal preferences. Enjoy them as a quick snack, or make a big batch to share with family and friends!
