Dark Chocolate Nut Squares Recipe

If you are searching for a snack that truly delights every bite with a perfect balance of crunch, richness, and a touch of natural sweetness, these Dark Chocolate Nut Squares are your soon-to-be favorite treat. Combining wholesome nuts and seeds with the deep, luscious flavor of melted dark chocolate, this recipe delivers a satisfying texture and taste that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Whether you need a quick energy boost or a charming dessert, these squares are incredibly versatile and utterly addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet they each bring an essential element to the Dark Chocolate Nut Squares. The nuts and seeds provide crunch and nourishment, the maple syrup offers just the right amount of natural sweetness, while the dark chocolate introduces a smooth, rich finish.

• Almonds (75g): A crunchy, protein-packed base that offers a subtle sweetness and hearty texture.
• Cashews (55g): Creamy and mild, cashews soften the bite and blend beautifully with other nuts.
• Pecans (30g): These add a buttery richness with a hint of sweetness, perfect for balance.
• Pumpkin seeds (40g): Small but mighty, pumpkin seeds lend a tender crunch and a nutrient boost.
• Chia seeds (½ tbsp): Tiny powerhouses that add a bit of texture and body, plus omega-3 benefits.
• Maple syrup (1½ tbsp): Natural sweetness that binds ingredients and caramelizes while baking.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances and balances the flavors, making the nutty and chocolate notes shine.
• Dark chocolate, melted (50g): The star ingredient for that irresistible glossy, intense topping.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Nut Squares

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan ovens, 350°F for conventional). This ensures your nuts toast evenly to a golden, crunchy perfection, creating the perfect foundation for your Dark Chocolate Nut Squares.

Step 2: Mix the Nuts, Seeds, and Sweetener

In a large mixing bowl, combine the almonds, cashews, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to enhance all the natural flavors, then drizzle the maple syrup over the mixture. Stir these together thoroughly, ensuring every nut and seed gets a lovely coating that will hold them together and caramelize in the oven.

Step 3: Press into Moulds

Take your nut mixture and firmly press it into your chosen moulds. I adore using a square silicone ice tray because it shapes the squares uniformly and makes removing them a breeze. The pressure you apply here helps create that satisfying bite, so don’t be shy with pressing it down firmly.

Step 4: Bake to Crunchy Perfection

Pop your moulds into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown color and that unmistakable crunchy aroma filling your kitchen. Keep an eye near the end to avoid any burning, but don’t worry if some nuts seem extra toasty – that deep flavor is the best part!

Step 5: Cool and Add the Chocolate

Once baked, allow your squares to cool completely so they firm up nicely. Then it’s time for the crowning glory – drizzle with the melted dark chocolate or, for a decadent touch, dip each square into the chocolate until fully coated. Place them in the fridge just long enough for the chocolate to set, and you’re ready to indulge.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate Nut Squares

Garnishes

A simple dusting of sea salt flakes or a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top of the chocolate adds a lovely texture contrast and intensifies the flavor. For a festive twist, try a light dusting of cinnamon or even a few edible flower petals to brighten their appearance.

Side Dishes

These squares pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a robust black tea, making them ideal for afternoon tea or a quick dessert. For a more substantial treat, serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or slices of apple to add a juicy burst that complements the nutty, chocolate flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Why settle for plain squares when you can get creative? Arrange them on a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment paper for a charming presentation at your next gathering. Or stack them in a small, clear jar tied with twine as a thoughtful homemade gift. Cut into tiny bite-sized pieces for cookie trays or party favors – they’re always a crowd favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store your Dark Chocolate Nut Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, but to keep them fresh and maintain their crunch, refrigerating is best. They’ll last about a week in the fridge and remain chewy and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Dark Chocolate Nut Squares longer, freezing them is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months — perfect for when you want a sweet surprise on hand.

Reheating

No need to heat these squares if you prefer their crunch and firm chocolate topping. However, if you want a softer texture, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly. Just be careful not to soften the chocolate too much unless you’re planning to eat immediately.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts or seeds in this recipe?

Absolutely! The Dark Chocolate Nut Squares are quite forgiving and versatile. Feel free to swap in walnuts, hazelnuts, or sunflower seeds depending on what you have on hand or your personal favorites.

Is maple syrup the only sweetener I can use?

Maple syrup gives a lovely natural sweetness and slight caramel notes, but you can substitute honey or agave syrup if needed. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might shift slightly with different sweeteners.

How dark should the chocolate be?

I recommend using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. It provides a rich bitterness that balances the sweetness from the maple syrup and the earthiness from the nuts. But if you prefer sweeter chocolate, choose a milder dark or semi-sweet variety.

Can I make these nut squares vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use a pure maple syrup and dark chocolate without milk solids. Check the chocolate label to be sure it fits your dietary preferences.

What’s the best way to ensure the squares don’t crumble?

Pressing the nut and seed mixture firmly into the moulds and allowing the squares to cool completely before adding chocolate helps them hold together. The chocolate also acts like a glue, improving structural integrity once set.

Final Thoughts

There is something utterly satisfying about these Dark Chocolate Nut Squares that makes them so hard to resist. They are easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and just the right amount of indulgence thanks to that luscious dark chocolate layer. I encourage you to make a batch, share them with friends or enjoy them as your next go-to snack—you won’t be disappointed!

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