1-First Step: Preparation and mise en place Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need an 8×8 inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Chop the hazelnuts if they aren’t already chopped, and measure out all your ingredients. For those with tree nut allergies, you can substitute the hazelnuts with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. This preparation step ensures a smooth cooking process without any last-minute scrambling.

2-Second Step: Melting the chocolate and coconut oil In a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together. Stir gently until smooth and completely melted. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, being careful not to overheat the chocolate. For a dairy-free version, ensure your chocolate chips contain no milk products. This melted mixture forms the delicious base of your bars and should be set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other components.

3-Third Step: Mixing the wet ingredients In a separate mixing bowl, combine the nut butter, honey or maple syrup (use maple syrup for vegan options), and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth. If your nut butter is particularly thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for easier mixing. For those watching their sugar intake, you can use a natural liquid sweetener like stevia or monk fruit in place of the honey or maple syrup. This step creates the binding agent that will hold your bars together.

4-Fourth Step: Combining dry and wet ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped hazelnuts, rolled oats, and chia or flax seeds. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Then, pour the melted chocolate mixture over the combined ingredients and fold together gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. For extra flavor, you might add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper at this stage. The mixture should be thick and sticky, holding together when pressed.

5-Fifth Step: Pressing mixture into the pan Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Pressing firmly is crucial to ensure the bars hold together properly. For an extra layer of chocolate, you can drizzle additional melted chocolate over the top before adding the sea salt. This step determines the final texture of your bars, so take your time to ensure even distribution and proper compaction.

6-Sixth Step: Adding the finishing touch Sprinkle the remaining sea salt flakes evenly over the top of the bars, pressing them gently into the surface. This final touch not only enhances the flavor but also adds an attractive visual element. For added texture, you might also sprinkle some extra chopped hazelnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder. The sea salt creates that perfect sweet-salty contrast that makes these hazelnut sea salt chocolate recipe bars so irresistible.

7-Final Step: Chilling and serving Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are completely firm. Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into squares or rectangles of your preferred size. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for longer storage. Serve chilled for a firm texture, or let sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a slightly softer consistency.