There’s something special about the satisfaction of crafting your own snacks at home, and these Homemade KIND Bars are the ultimate crunchy, sweet treat that proves it. Picture this: a cozy afternoon spent in your kitchen, the delightful mingling of nutty aromas filling the air as you layer crunchy peanuts, walnuts, and almonds with the perfect hint of sea salt. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the cycle of uninspiring, fast food snacks, or searching for a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste, this recipe is your answer.
What truly makes these bars shine is their versatility; swap in your favorite nuts or add a sprinkle of your go-to seeds to create a personalized version just for you. Drizzled with rich dark chocolate, they offer a decadent bite that even the most discerning sweet tooth can’t resist. Plus, making these bars at home means you can feel good about what you’re nourishing your body with. Say goodbye to store-bought, and let’s create a delicious, wholesome snack that’s sure to become a pantry staple!
Why You’ll Love These Homemade KIND Bars
Simplicity: These bars are easy to make, perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome nuts, flaxseed, and natural sweeteners, they’re a guilt-free treat.
Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients to match your taste or dietary needs—get creative!
Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of crunchy textures and a rich chocolate drizzle is absolutely irresistible.
Save Time and Money: Making your own KIND bars saves you from store lines and hefty prices for a snack you can whip up at home!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for after-school snacks or party treats, everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Homemade KIND Bars Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create these delightful Homemade KIND Bars from scratch!
For the Nut Mixture
- Peanuts – 1 cup – Choose unsalted for a healthier option without losing crunch.
- Walnuts – 1 cup – Rich in omega-3s, these add a lovely depth of flavor.
- Almonds – 1 cup – Great for heart health, they provide a satisfying crunch.
- Puffed Rice Cereal – 3 cups – Light and crispy, it balances the density of the nuts.
- Flaxseed Meal – ½ cup – A fantastic source of fiber that helps bind the bars.
For the Sweetener
- Brown Rice Syrup – ½ cup – Keeps the bars chewy and sweet, with a mild flavor.
- Honey – ¼ cup – Provides a touch of natural sweetness; maple syrup can be a great substitute.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon – Adds a warm and comforting aroma to the bars.
- Sea Salt – to taste – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
For the Chocolate Drizzle
- Dark Chocolate Chips – ½ cup – Choose high-quality chocolate for a rich, decadent finishing touch.
How to Make Homemade KIND Bars
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Prepare the Pan: Grease a large bowl with a teaspoon of melted coconut oil. Next, line an 8-inch pan with aluminum foil, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later.
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Combine the Nuts: In the greased bowl, mix the peanuts, walnuts, almonds, puffed rice cereal, and flaxseed meal. Set this delicious mixture aside as you prepare the syrup.
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Cook the Syrup: On the stovetop, combine brown rice syrup, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil while whisking continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens just slightly.
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Mix Thoroughly: Pour the syrup mixture over the nut mixture and stir well to combine everything evenly. It should be sticky yet well-coated.
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Form the Bars: Transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared 8-inch pan. Spread it out evenly and press down firmly to eliminate any gaps, ensuring compact bars.
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Cool Down: Let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes; this will help them hold their shape when cut.
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Melt the Chocolate: For the chocolate drizzle, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until it’s completely smooth.
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Drizzle and Set: Carefully drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars, then allow the chocolate to set before cutting into squares or rectangles.
Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top after drizzling for an extra touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Homemade KIND Bars Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these bars to suit your taste!
- Nut-Free: Substitute nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a delicious allergy-friendly variant.
- Dried Fruit: Adding ½ cup of chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can introduce a natural sweetness and chewy texture. They offer a delightful contrast to the crunch of the nuts.
- Spicy Kick: Introduce a hint of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising heat that elevates the flavor profile. It’s a unique twist that will thrill your taste buds!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Stir in ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter into the syrup mixture for a rich, nutty flavor boost with every bite.
- Coconut Lover: Mix in ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair that adds chewiness and lovely flavor.
- Maple Syrup Swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, caramel-like flavor, making them irresistibly sweet and sticky.
- Protein Boost: For a health-conscious twist, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the nut mixture to amp up the nutritional value.
- Dark Chocolate Alternate: If you prefer milk chocolate, swap dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips for a sweeter topping that’s sure to please.
Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey by trying out these variations! Each one brings a new twist to your Homemade KIND Bars, making them uniquely yours.
Expert Tips for Homemade KIND Bars
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Choose Quality Nuts: Use fresh, unsalted nuts for the best flavor and crunch. Stale nuts can make your bars taste bland.
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Precision in Measurements: Measure your ingredients accurately, especially the syrup. Too much syrup can lead to overly sticky bars, while too little won’t hold them together well.
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Press Firmly: When transferring the mixture to the pan, press it down firmly to eliminate air gaps, ensuring well-formed bars that don’t crumble easily.
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Cooling Time Matters: Allow the bars to cool completely. If you cut them too early, they may fall apart; patience rewards you with perfect slices!
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Customize with Mix-ins: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite seeds or dried fruits to the mixture. These additions elevate your Homemade KIND Bars and make them uniquely yours.
How to Store and Freeze Homemade KIND Bars
Room Temperature: Keep your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Fridge: For extended freshness, store the bars in the refrigerator where they’ll last up to 2 weeks. Just be sure they’re sealed tightly to prevent them from absorbing moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a perfect snack anytime!
Reheating: If desired, you can enjoy them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the texture. Enjoy your Homemade KIND Bars whenever you crave a delightful treat!
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade KIND Bars are perfect for meal prep and can save you precious time during busy weeks! You can prepare the nut mixture—peanuts, walnuts, almonds, puffed rice cereal, and flaxseed meal—up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Similarly, the syrup mixture can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept in the fridge, allowing you to skip the cooking process when you’re ready to assemble. When you’re set to enjoy your bars, simply mix the prepped ingredients with the syrup, press into the pan, cool, and drizzle with chocolate. This ensures you’ll have delicious, homemade snacks ready in no time, just as delightful as if you made them on the spot!
What to Serve with Homemade KIND Bars?
Looking to elevate your snacking experience or make a full meal out of these delightful bars?
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of sweet, juicy fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bars, balancing each bite perfectly.
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layers of creamy yogurt and fruit create a satisfying, protein-packed side that pairs well with the chewy texture of the bars.
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Nutty Trail Mix: Combine your favorite nuts and dried fruits for a crunchy blend that complements the nutty goodness of the Homemade KIND Bars.
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Matcha Green Tea: The earthy notes of matcha provide a unique flavor contrast that enhances the chocolate drizzle’s richness while offering a calming effect.
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Caramel Drizzle: A simple caramel sauce can add a sweet, buttery touch that enhances the overall indulgence of the bars without overwhelming them.
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Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses can create an unexpected yet delightful pairing, with creamy textures balancing the crunchy bars.
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Chocolate Smoothie: Blend a smoothie with cocoa, bananas, and almond milk for a delicious, chocolaty beverage that resonates with the flavors of your bars.
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Homemade Granola: A crunchy granola mix could be served alongside, creating a delightful texture contrast and a satisfying crunch.
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Herbal Iced Tea: A refreshing, lightly-sweetened iced tea infused with herbal notes offers a cooling sip that complements the richness of the bars beautifully.
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt KIND Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best nuts for these bars?
Absolutely! When selecting nuts, look for fresh, unsalted options. Check for any dark spots or odd smells that might indicate staleness. I often prefer to buy nuts in bulk from a reputable source to ensure maximum freshness.
How should I store my Homemade KIND Bars?
To maintain their scrumptiousness, keep your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last even longer, store them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re sealed tightly to avoid moisture absorption.
Can I freeze these bars for later use?
Yes! Freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just pop it in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a while. Enjoy them whenever a snack craving hits!
What should I do if my bars are too sticky?
If your bars turn out too sticky, it could be due to too much syrup or not enough pressing into the pan. Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately next time. If you find they’re already made, simply refrigerate them for a bit to firm up. If it’s a real issue, you could even crumble the bars and mix them with yogurt or ice cream for a tasty treat!
Are these bars safe for my nut-allergic family member?
Unfortunately, these Homemade KIND Bars are not suitable for anyone with nut allergies due to the variety of nuts used. However, you could make variations using seed butter or sunflower seeds in place of nuts. It’s essential to check for any other allergies related to seeds or other ingredients used in the recipe.
Can I customize the ingredients to fit dietary restrictions?
Certainly! You can substitute the sweeteners for agave syrup or maple syrup, and replace nuts with seeds if there are allergies. The puffed rice cereal could also be swapped for gluten-free options. Just remember to adjust the binding agents accordingly to maintain the perfect texture.
Irresistibly Crunchy Homemade KIND Bars with Dark Chocolate
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease a large bowl with melted coconut oil and line an 8-inch pan with aluminum foil.
- In the greased bowl, mix the peanuts, walnuts, almonds, puffed rice cereal, and flaxseed meal.
- Combine brown rice syrup, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a saucepan, whisking and bring it to a boil for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Pour the syrup mixture over the nut mixture and stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and pressing down firmly.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars and allow to set before cutting.