5 Ingredient Homemade KIND Nut Bars (V, GF, DF): an easy, one bowl recipe for irresistibly salty and sweet homemade KIND bars. Protein-Packed, Low Carb, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free. Recipe video included! Just 106 calories per bar, with only 5 grams of sugar, 8 grams of carbs and 4 grams of protein each!
Happy almost Back to School season!! That’s totally a thing, don’t you think? Like, an entire season devoted to back to school? It’s probably pretty obvious that I’m a bit too excited about all the snack-making this means. As evidenced by the following: 4 ingredient no bake peanut butter coconut bites, cranberry almond breakfast bars, cherry chocolate chip chia bites (I know), and one of my all-time faves, oatmeal raisin cookies!
There’s just so much going on during these months. And we’ve got to stay fueled throughout it all. It’s kind of like the storm before the calm before the storm. The second storm being THE HOLIDAYS, of course.
But we definitely do not need to talk about the holidays until they arrive. Except we probably will because… who else loves the holidays? 🙂 Alright, I promise to slow things down a bit. Anyway, so back to back to school. This time of year, it seems like everyone’s moving, packing, unpacking, making snacks, picking classes, going for one last vacation, and otherwise engaging in all the activities.
Even though it’s been ages since I’ve been “back to school,” I still think of August/September as the back to school season. And I’m like, let’s do this!
I even go to Target and search for a new pencil case (then realize I don’t use pencils anymore, because: INTERNET.) But they have sparkly pink, purple and aqua pencil cases!! Who even needs to put pencils in them anyway? New makeup case, anyone?
I even go to the mall to shop for new dorm-ready comforter sets. Then realize I don’t need them because: ADULTING. But then I think my mom would be so charmed by this 7-piece comforter set that comes with not one, but two fuzzy pillows, and a pillow sham, and a backup pillow sham in case the first one gets eaten by the aformentioned fuzzy pillow cases. Or something.
I might even stroll to the unconventional/stylish/industrial-but-modern-and-somehow-charmingly-beachhouse-inspired seating they’ve got at the furniture store. Then I realize that we sooo don’t have the space in our being-a-for-realsies-adult-ridiculous-rent-in-a-big-city-apartment. And we so can’t pull of shabby-industrial-modern-beachhouse-chic if someone paid us to. But then I’m like, maybe we could… Erik, don’t fail me now!
I might even consider a gadget or 300 from the electronic cool kids store. I mean, I can obviously pull off those chunky earphones that match with none of my wardrobe because I’m not cool. At all. But maybe those chunky earphones will make me cool.
Ah… back-to-school. So many dreams. So many hopes, all in one shopping cart. Obviously achievable, right? Right?!?
But then I’m like, A-HA!!! You know what I’ve got in the bag? Erm, not my shopping bag, but My Bag of Life Tricks?
SNACKS!
Take that, back-to-school too cool for school (but not really because, uh, back-to-SCHOOL)!!
The one thing being past the age/era/no inclination to go back-to-school BTS fervor that can’t be taken away from me! And I shall purchase all the sparkly rainbow-colored pencil cases I please! Hmph!
Ahem… anyway, one of my fave snacks from back in the day were KIND bars. Does anyone know whether or not I’m supposed to be screaming KIND like that? Let’s just say I’ve been screaming INTERNET, ADULTING and those other words in an ode to KIND bars.
And now that I think about it, screaming the words INTERNET and ADULTING right next to each other totally was not a good idea. Moving on!
One thing I miss the MOST (there I go again) with store-bought snacks are KIND bars. Weren’t they the best? All the nuts and the good stuff (i.e. add-ins), without any of the filler. Btw, if you’re in the mood for no-filler, guilt-free snacks, you’ve got to make my Oil-Free Paleo Cinnamon Nut Granola!! It’s refined-sugar free, super easy to make, and soon-to-be your favorite healthy snack.
Besides these low carb homemade KIND bars, of course. 😉
So it’s been my plot, my plan, my machination (back to school makes me scheme for no good reason) to create homemade KIND bars like it was nobody’s business! Allow me to present to you my 5 Ingredient Homemade KIND Nut Bars.
I wanted to start with a really basic recipe, something super simple and made with the fewest ingredients possible. Then, upgrade at a later date (spoiler alert!!). I may or may not have a few saucy things planned for future homemade KIND bar recipes (second spoiler alert!!! But not really bc it’s the same one as before!!). 😉 UPDATE: the sauciness has arrived, in the form of homemade dark chocolate sea salt KIND nut bars!
These 5 Ingredient Homemade KIND Nut Bars are:
- made with just 5 ingredients (in case you weren’t listening)
- just 106 calories per bar
- … with only 5 grams of sugar, 8 grams of carbs
- 4 grams of protein each!
- … and yes, could be made with just 3 ingredients if you use just 1 nut and skip the salt
- made in just one bowl
- prepared in less than 5 minutes
- vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free
- crunchy, crispy, TASTY
- the perfect combo of salty and sweet
- plant-based and allergy-friendly
- the perfect on-the-go-snack that’s low carb!
- or a delicious dessert
- cool enough to get ya back in the back-to-school game!
Grab just 5 ingredients and just one bowl. These 5 Ingredient Homemade KIND Nut Bars will be ready before you know it! I was literally shocked by how quickly I could prep them. 🙂 Gold star!! Okay, I’ve got to tone down my back-to-school obsession! I’m just so excited to be in the kitchen with you, making tasty and healthy homemade treats. I can’t wait to hear what you think. In the meantime, tell me:
What are you most excited about for the back-to-school season?
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤
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5 Ingredient Homemade KIND Nut Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar Free)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
5 Ingredient Homemade KIND Nut Bars (V, GF, DF): a easy, one bowl recipe for irresistibly salty and sweet homemade KIND bars. Protein-Packed, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar Free.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds
- ½ cup peanuts
- ½ cup vegan gluten free brown rice crisp cereal
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Add almonds, peanuts, cereal and salt to a large bowl. Stir until well mixed. Pour maple syrup over this mixture. Fold until well incorporated.
- Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a rubber spatula, smooth into a tightly packed, even layer. Bake for 30-40 minutes (mine took 35 mins). Bars must bake thoroughly, or they won’t hold together when cooled.
- Allow to cool for 1 hour, or until completely cooled. Use a heatproof spatula to gently lift and loosen bars from parchment. Slice into 12 bars (6 rows by 2 columns). Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
Notes
– Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up 1-3 weeks. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
– More Energy Bars: 4 ingredient no bake peanut butter cookie energy bars, cranberry almond butter breakfast bars, no bake chewy chocolate chip energy bars.
– More Energy Snacks: no bake cookies, cherry chocolate energy bites, banana breakfast bars.
– Nutrition Info: is an estimate based on 12 total bars.
- Category: Energy Bars, Snacks, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar Free, Protein-Packed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 106
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 51mg
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 4g
© beamingbaker.com. All content and images are protected by copyright. Please do not use my images or recipe without my permission. If you wish to republish this recipe, please re-write the entire recipe using your own words and include a link to this post for the recipe.
If you enjoyed this 5 Ingredient Homemade KIND Nut Bars recipe, then you’ll just love these plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes:
☀︎ Gluten Free Vegan Snack Recipes
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt KIND Nut Bars | Gluten Free No Bake Brownie Energy Bites | Gluten Free Vegan Banana Nut Muffins | 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars | Good Morning Breakfast Cookies | Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies | No Bake Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars | 4 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Energy Bars ☀︎ All Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Protein-Packed and Whole Grain.
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Debbie says
July 8, 2019 at 5:01 pmDelicious. I’m having trouble getting 12 bars in an 8×8 pan though. I’m not sure how you achieve this and still have a decent portion size. Can you help?
★★★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
July 11, 2019 at 11:20 amHi Debbie! Are the ingredients not spreading out to fill the pan, or are you trying to figure out the best way to cut them?
Lianne says
June 12, 2019 at 5:37 amHi, can’t wait to try these, but i’m having trouble finding gluten free brown rice crisp cereal ( I live in Ireland & they don’t seem to sell the here) is there any else I could use as a replacement? Would buckwheat flakes work?
Thanks
★★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
June 14, 2019 at 11:00 amHi Lianne! Hm, not quite sure as I haven’t tried it myself. I did have another reader use puffed quinoa with good results. Hope this helps, and let me know how it turns out!
Sheryl Hammer says
June 2, 2019 at 6:49 pmI just made these bars and they are delicious!! I love Kind bars and can’t wait to try your other variations. However, they did crack a bit when I cut them up Any tips on getting 12 nicely cut bars?
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
June 3, 2019 at 12:46 pmHi Sheryl! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed them! 😊 As for cutting tips: make sure you pack the pan as tightly as possible, and let the bars cool in the pan a bit longer so they firm up as much as possible. Cracked bars happen, but the unique shapes they make are half the fun! 🙂 Hope this helps!
Therese says
March 29, 2019 at 11:09 amThis recipe looks and sounds delicious! I am looking for another option other than using honey as a binder and am wondering if I can heat the maple syrup in a pan to a certain temp (like I do with honey) and then just pour it on the dry ingredients to mix together. Or if you would recommend using other syrups/sweeteners?
Thanks!
Krystal Wilson says
November 7, 2018 at 7:30 pmHi these look amazing
Do you think they would still work if i add a few different types of nuts and some sultanas and cranberries and put a thin layer of dark choc on top ?
Thank you
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
November 8, 2018 at 1:28 pmHi Krystal! Yes, that’ll work. 🙂 Add the dark chocolate after they’re cooled. Enjoy!
JP says
October 25, 2018 at 1:50 pmI tried this in my toaster oven, 325 for 30 minutes was too hot and it burned some and didn’t hold together well. Thought about it and realized that since the idea is to make the maple syrup thicken up it would make more sense to thicken it first before mixing. I simmered some syrup for a few minutes, let it cool, and it became very thick. Heated it up again to thin it out so I could pour it, poured it into the dry ingredients, mixed it, and spread it on a tray and baked it for 20 minutes at 300. Came out great, stuck together well, no issue with burning. Might not even need to bake it at all since the syrup thickens so much when it cools.
★★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
October 25, 2018 at 3:28 pmHi JP! Yes, toaster ovens can be a bit tricky to bake in. Hehe. I loved hearing about your technique! Pretty much like making candy. Enjoy!
Andrijana says
July 28, 2018 at 2:07 amMight be a silly question, but can I use rice syrup?
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
July 30, 2018 at 2:47 pmNot silly at all! I think that should work! 🙂
G says
July 20, 2018 at 4:17 pmHi. I love your recipe. The bars look so delicious! I have a question though. Why do some recipes call for baking the bars while in others, the syrup is heated and poured on the nuts, which then are cooled in the refrigerator. Is there a difference in taste between no bake and baked KIND bars?
Thank you
Ginny Marie says
July 20, 2018 at 3:38 pmWhat kind of puffed rice cereal do you use? I’m having trouble finding one. The arrowhead mills I bought is cross-contaminated with gluten and I know Rice Crispies contain gluten.
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
July 23, 2018 at 4:21 pmHi Ginny! I typically use Barbara’s Brown Rice Crisps Cereal. Hope this helps! 🙂
Mary Lou Smith says
July 15, 2018 at 6:54 pmI just this moment found your site. Haven’t made any of the bars yet but definitely plan to, for they look delish. I buy something at Wal-Mart called Figgy Pops. Little energy balls made with fresh figs, cherries, cashews and coconut flakes or chips. It is almost ripe fig season around here, and I have been scouring the internet looking for recipes. Can you come up with directions to make something like I described? They have other flavors also, but that is my fave!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
July 17, 2018 at 4:38 pmThanks Mary Lou! I’m loving your recipe suggestion! Unfortunately, figs cost an arm and a leg here!! . Have you tried my no bake pecan pie bites? Try making those with dried figs instead of dates and adding in some cherries and coconut at the end. 🙂
Andrijana says
July 28, 2018 at 2:10 amYuuuuuum!!! I just came on to ur site too. This nut bar looks amazing. Gonna make some ASAP.
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
July 30, 2018 at 2:47 pmYay!!!! Hope you enjoy!
Rebecca says
April 16, 2018 at 8:36 amDo you think I could achieve the same results using agave nectar? I’m out of maple syrup at the moment, and I’m impatient, lol!
Belinda Folder says
March 17, 2018 at 9:00 pmWould this work with sugar free maple syrup or do you need the sugar component to set them?
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
March 19, 2018 at 11:50 amHi Belinda, I’m not sure as I haven’t tried it yet. Let me know how it works out if you do!
Elnora Chambers says
February 6, 2018 at 2:44 pmThis recipe looks great ! Do you think it would work with honey instead of maple syrup? It’s possible I’m the only person on earth who doesn’t like it. Lol.
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
February 7, 2018 at 9:58 amThank you, Elnora! 🙂 Honey should work. 🙂 Haha–well, I’ve met a few who would agree with you! 😉
Jolanta says
January 31, 2018 at 5:56 pmHi,
I am looking for an advice from an expert. I am not sure why but my bars are not crunchy. They are very soft and floppy. Do you have any idea why. I have tried different ingredients, proportions and texture.
I hope you can help.
Thanks,Jola
★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
February 1, 2018 at 2:19 pmHi Jolanta, sounds like there might be too much wet–the maple syrup, and the bars haven’t baked long enough. Try increasing the bake time and/or reducing the maple syrup. Also, have you checked your oven temp lately? Sometimes the oven can get a little wonky! Good luck. 🙂
Linda Ross says
January 20, 2018 at 5:49 pmThese are sooo good. I didn’t have any crisp brown rice cereal so I crushed up some brown rice cakes!! Thank you.
★★★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
January 22, 2018 at 8:51 amSuch a good idea to use the brown rice cakes! I’m so pleased to hear you enjoyed them. 🙂
Maylen Tamayo says
November 14, 2017 at 7:52 pmThese bars are addictive. I have made the recipe more than 10 times, with some small modifications, I don’t put cereal, only nuts such as macadamia, cashews, pistachios and almonds.
★★★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
November 15, 2017 at 12:58 pmI’m so glad you like them, Maylen. 🙂 I love that you made your own customizations–they all sound incredible!
Becky says
October 25, 2017 at 4:40 amIs it possible to use honey instead of maple syrup? I’m not vegan but I am diabetic. Both are sugars, but honey has properties that are better for me than plant-based sugars. I love Kind bars, but they are expensive.
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
October 25, 2017 at 4:19 pmHi Becky, yes, I think that’s possible! I’ve had quite a few readers tell me that they used honey and the KIND bars turned out great. 🙂 Homemade treats that reduce expenses are the best! 🙂 Can’t wait to hear what you think.
Gena says
October 17, 2017 at 8:18 amHi! Have you ever tried making these without the peanuts? My daughter has a peanut allergy, and I was wondering if I could expect similar results if I substituted cashews. Thanks! These look wonderful and I’m excited to try them out!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
October 17, 2017 at 3:35 pmHi Gena, so sorry to hear about your daughter’s peanut allergy. Yes, I think using cashews instead of peanuts will work out just fine. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear what you and your daughter think! Happy baking!
Carmela Kieffer says
October 13, 2017 at 9:10 amThese are just what I’m looking for a quick protein filled snack! What is the nutritional information for these bars?
★★★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
October 17, 2017 at 3:12 pmAwesome, Carmela! I just calculated the nutrition info for you. 🙂 You’ll find it in the recipe card, below Notes. Enjoy!
Nisha says
September 14, 2017 at 1:20 pmI thought KIND bars were vegan?
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
September 15, 2017 at 7:04 amHi Nisha, quite a few KIND bar varieties aren’t vegan, unfortunately. Most have honey in them. Either way, it’s super fun to make your own at home! 🙂
Christine says
August 27, 2017 at 11:13 amI want to try making this, but I have a question: I am guessing you use raw almonds to make them? I am sorry if it’s a dumb question, but just wanted to make sure…
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
August 29, 2017 at 3:47 pmHi Christine, that is SO not a dumb question! 🙂 The almonds I use are roasted. Can’t wait to hear what you think! P.S. Always feel free to ask. 😉
Michele says
August 18, 2017 at 11:00 amThese kind bars look so good and so healthy. It’s just what I’ve been wanting. I just found your website site. I can’t wait to make a bunch of your recipes they look amazing! I need a new food processor. What kind do you recommend what brand what model number do you use?
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
August 18, 2017 at 3:53 pmHi Michele! And welcome! 🙂 They’re seriously one of my family’s favorite treats. For the food processor, I LOVE this one (aff): Food Processor It got me through the entire summer of blending up frozen fruits for ice cream (and making nut butters, no bake bars, etc.). Enjoy!
Michele says
August 19, 2017 at 4:43 pmThank you so much for the information on the food processor I’m going to definitely check it out sounds great!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
August 23, 2017 at 12:41 pmMy pleasure! Enjoy!
Sam says
August 17, 2017 at 6:12 pmHi, I’m just wondering how to tell when the bars are thoroughly cooked? I haven’t made them yet so don’t know if it’s obvious.
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
August 18, 2017 at 3:49 pmHi Sam, it’s actually not that obvious lol. It’s a bit of trial and error. When the bars are baking, the maple syrup will start to bubble. When the bubbles have mostly dissipated, you’re almost there. Basically, you need to bake them for about 35 minutes–or right up until they’ve ALMOST burned. Lol. When they’re cooling, they’ll start really hardening up. And cool completely before slicing. After the first batch, you’ll have a better idea based on your oven. 😉 Hope this helps!
Donna says
August 24, 2017 at 1:10 amThanks for expanding about the baking. My oven has been “off” on the degrees so I really have to watch whatever I bake. Frustrating but doable. lol I’ll look for the bubbling… plan to make these tomorrow. They look fabulous – I’m a fan of Kind bars but these look even better. Hope I can stop at one… no I mean two. ha ha Thanks for sharing!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
August 24, 2017 at 3:57 pmMy pleasure! Oh, it’ll definitely be at least two (speaking from experience here). Be sure to let me know how they turn out! 🙂
Donna says
September 20, 2017 at 4:51 pmWell I’m making my fifth batch right now. My first two crumbled… very delish no matter… so I lightly chopped the almonds and that did the trick. Still my oven sucks! Really had to play with cook time. Ugh. . I have shared these with two vegan friends and four non, and everyone LOVED them. I believe a few have subscribed to your blog. BTW, I’m not vegan… just more vegetarian so that’s a great compliment on your recipe! Thanks so much for sharing!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
September 22, 2017 at 7:49 amWow, I feel like you should totally get a gold star for sticking to it ’til ya figured it out. You rock, Donna! I’m glad that lightly chopping the almonds helped things along. I absolutely LOVE hearing when non veg folks love these treats too. 🙂 Thank you for the compliment & taking the time to report back! Can’t wait to hear what you try next. Hugs. 🙂
GlendaGlendaGlenda says
October 17, 2017 at 11:13 pmCan you use rice crispies for brown crispy cereal
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
October 20, 2017 at 9:53 amHi Glenda, yes you can! 🙂 Enjoy!
Chris says
August 8, 2017 at 3:11 pmI love the healthy grains KIND bars, my toddler and I both eat them. Great for my on the go life. I couldn’t resist trying these!
They are delicious! I used chopped salted almonds and peanuts, easier on toddler teeth. I also omitted the salt and added a 1/4 cup of Enjoy Life chocolate chips. Baked for 35 min as per your suggestion. They turned out great!! No toddler approval yet but you have mine. These will be a staple in my house now. Not sure if the freeze well but I may make another pan and try it out. This batch will be gone soon. Thanks for another great recipe!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
August 9, 2017 at 12:40 pmRight? I’ve always had a soft spot for KIND bars, but unfortunately they’re not vegan. 🙁 Such a great idea to make these with chopped nuts for the little one. I’ve got plans for this basic recipe… and hearing about your subs/add-ins gets me even more excited! Thanks for letting me know how these turned out. Can’t wait to hear what you try next, Chris! 🙂
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says
August 8, 2017 at 6:23 amThese homemade KIND bars look absolutely delicious, and quite addictive! I could snack on these all day! Hope you have an awesome week, Demeter! xo
★★★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
August 9, 2017 at 12:37 pmThanks so much, Marsha! 🙂 You would totally love snacking on these all day! Hugs! xox
Sara says
August 7, 2017 at 5:19 pmBack to school time is most definitely a thing, even when you’re out of school! I’m now a teacher so I guess I still have at least a few years to hang on to “back to school” time. And I’m totally fast-forwarding to thinking about the holidays too, so you’re not alone in that, but I too am trying to keep quiet about it until it’s like, September at least! Anyway, these bars look just about perfect for snacking or even a quick breakfast on the crazy back to school mornings. Who knew an innocent little bar could look so beautiful?! Plus they look SO crunchy, an essential in any good bar if you ask me!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
August 9, 2017 at 12:18 pmRight?? Well for you, that’s even more true! 😉 Yep, these bars are just the thing for those hectic mornings. Thanks for stopping by, Sara! 🙂