In need of a sweet treat that can still support your health goals? Look no further! These dark chocolate covered walnuts are a great midday pick-me-up or tasty after-dinner sweet treat. This recipe uses ingredients that are sweet, salty, and creamy – important elements of a satisfying treat!
Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Dark Chocolate Walnuts
Raw nuts have a softer texture while roasted walnuts are crunchier. To roast walnuts, place in a single layer on a baking sheet and cook at 350 F for ~10 minutes or until fragrant. Roasted or not, they will still be delicious.
Heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round of heating. Chocolate can burn, so don’t overheat!
To keep the walnuts separated once dipped in chocolate, use a fork to remove them from the bowl and then place on the parchment paper or silicone baking sheet. If you want to keep it simple, just pour out the bowl and spread them out! Break apart once cool as needed.
If using, sprinkle flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still warm, otherwise it won’t stick.
A chocolatier will tell you to never store your chocolate in the refrigerator, but if you want it to last longer, you can. Just don’t tell Nestle, and be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent odor absorption.
Extra chocolate in the bowl? Don’t wash it away! Enjoy with some fresh fruit or scrape it on the pan with the walnuts and make a freeform chocolate bar.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chocolate Chips: use dark or semi-sweet chocolate for best flavor and nutrition. We don’t recommend using milk or white chocolate, as these are not generally healthy options. You could, however, use them as a decorative drizzle on top.
- Walnuts: substitute any nut of your choice. We recommend roasted or toasted nuts for best flavor. Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, or pistachios would all be delicious!
Recipe Variations
Feel free to mix more of your favorite ingredients in with the walnuts and create clusters. Coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, or dried fruit would all be delicious options.
Don’t like salty with your sweet? Simply leave off the sea salt at the end!
Want a vegan chocolate covered walnuts recipe? Use vegan chocolate chips!
Equipment Recommendations
For an environmentally friendly option, consider using a reusable silicon baking mat instead of parchment or wax paper.
Are dark chocolate covered walnuts good for you?
For sure! We are big dark chocolate fans here at To Taste, so this recipe is a great way to incorporate that love of chocolate with some healthy fat, fiber, and protein. The featured ingredients in this recipe are walnuts and dark chocolate.
Walnuts
Walnuts contain plant-based protein and healthy fats. Nuts of all varieties contain plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats. These nutrients help you feel satisfied until your next meal. Walnuts contain plant-based omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain and heart health. (1)
Dark Chocolate
Cocoa is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The darker, the better. You will receive the most nutritional benefits by consuming dark chocolate with more than 70% cocoa solids.
Chocolate Covered Walnuts Recipe Serving Suggestions
Serve chocolate covered walnuts as a tasty after-dinner treat, or as a midday pick-me-up! The protein, fat, and fiber will help keep you full and satisfied.
Storage Tips
Store dark chocolate bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.. You can also store them in the refrigerator or freezer for up to one month, but be extra sure the container is airtight. Refrigerating chocolate can cause sugar bloom, a white appearance and slight change in texture, but it is still edible.
Want more healthy sweet recipes?
Try out these other base recipes, then have fun customizing them to your taste!
Dark Chocolate Covered Fruit Bites Base Recipe
Whole Wheat Quick Bread Base Recipe
Dark Chocolate Covered Walnuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups shelled walnut halves or pieces
- Pinch flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until chips are melted.
- Add walnuts to bowl. Using a spatula, stir to coat. Place on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet. For separated bites, use a fork to transfer walnuts to the baking sheet, gently shaking off excess chocolate first.
- Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes, or until chocolate is set.
- Store in an airtight container in the pantry, fridge, or freezer. Enjoy!
