5 Ingredient Homemade KIND Nut Bars (V, GF, DF): an easy, one bowl recipe for irresistibly salty and sweet homemade KIND bars. Protein-Packed, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free. Recipe video included!
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 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)
- … 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
- crunchy, crispy, TASTY
- the perfect combo of salty and sweet
- wonderfully refined sugar free
- plant-based and allergy-friendly
- the perfect on-the-go-snack
- 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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- 1 cup almonds
- ½ cup peanuts
- ½ cup vegan gluten free brown rice crisp cereal
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 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.
- 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.
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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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Back 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!
Right?? Well for you, that’s even more true! 😉 Yep, these bars are just the thing for those hectic mornings. Thanks for stopping by, Sara! 🙂
These homemade KIND bars look absolutely delicious, and quite addictive! I could snack on these all day! Hope you have an awesome week, Demeter! xo
Thanks so much, Marsha! 🙂 You would totally love snacking on these all day! Hugs! xox
I 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!
Right? 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! 🙂
Hi, 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.
Hi 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!
Thanks 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!
My pleasure! Oh, it’ll definitely be at least two (speaking from experience here). Be sure to let me know how they turn out! 🙂
Well 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!
Wow, 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. 🙂
Can you use rice crispies for brown crispy cereal
Hi Glenda, yes you can! 🙂 Enjoy!
These 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?
Hi 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!
Thank you so much for the information on the food processor I’m going to definitely check it out sounds great!
My pleasure! Enjoy!
I 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…
Hi 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. 😉
I thought KIND bars were vegan?
Hi 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! 🙂
These are just what I’m looking for a quick protein filled snack! What is the nutritional information for these bars?
Awesome, Carmela! I just calculated the nutrition info for you. 🙂 You’ll find it in the recipe card, below Notes. Enjoy!
Hi! 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!
Hi 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!
Is 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.
Hi 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.
These 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.
I’m so glad you like them, Maylen. 🙂 I love that you made your own customizations–they all sound incredible!
These are sooo good. I didn’t have any crisp brown rice cereal so I crushed up some brown rice cakes!! Thank you.
Such a good idea to use the brown rice cakes! I’m so pleased to hear you enjoyed them. 🙂
Hi,
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
Hi 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. 🙂
This 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.
Thank you, Elnora! 🙂 Honey should work. 🙂 Haha–well, I’ve met a few who would agree with you! 😉
Would this work with sugar free maple syrup or do you need the sugar component to set them?
Hi Belinda, I’m not sure as I haven’t tried it yet. Let me know how it works out if you do!
Do 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!
I 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!
Thanks 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. 🙂
Yuuuuuum!!! I just came on to ur site too. This nut bar looks amazing. Gonna make some ASAP.
Yay!!!! Hope you enjoy!
What 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.
Hi Ginny! I typically use Barbara’s Brown Rice Crisps Cereal. Hope this helps! 🙂
Hi. 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
Might be a silly question, but can I use rice syrup?
Not silly at all! I think that should work! 🙂
I 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.
Hi 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!
Hi 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
Hi Krystal! Yes, that’ll work. 🙂 Add the dark chocolate after they’re cooled. Enjoy!