There’s nothing quite like biting into a delicious Kind Bar—the perfect blend of nuts, fruits, and sweet goodness. Whether you’re on the go or craving a healthy snack, these bars have become a favorite for many.
But what if you could make them at home? With my Kind Bar copycat recipe, you can enjoy the same tasty treat without the store price. Plus, you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste perfectly.
Making your own Kind Bars means using wholesome ingredients and knowing exactly what’s inside each bite. I’ll guide you through each step so you can whip up these nutritious bars in no time.
Ingredients
To craft my perfect copycat Kind Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature taste and texture:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats – Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- 1 cup raw almonds – Lightly toasted to enhance their flavor.
- ½ cup raw cashews – Adds creaminess and richness.
- ½ cup dried cranberries – Provides a sweet and tangy contrast.
- ½ cup dried apricots – Chopped finely for even distribution.
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds – For an extra crunch and nutritional boost.
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds – Complements the pumpkin seeds with a mild flavor.
- ½ cup natural almond butter – Acts as a binding agent to hold the bars together.
- ½ cup honey – Sweetens naturally and helps bind the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt – Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
Make sure all the nuts and seeds are roughly chopped to ensure even mixing and texture throughout the bars. Preparing your ingredients in advance will make the assembly process smooth and enjoyable.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Kind Bar copycat at home. Each step is designed to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.
Prepare The Ingredients
- Chop Nuts and Seeds
- Roughly chop 1 cup raw almonds and 1 cup raw cashews.
- Measure out 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds and 1/2 cup sunflower seeds.
- Prepare Dried Fruits
- Roughly chop 1 cup dried cranberries and 1 cup dried apricots.
- Measure Wet Ingredients
- Have 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/3 cup honey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ready.
- Gather Dry Ingredients
- Measure 2 cups rolled oats and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
Mix The Base
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sea salt.
- Prepare Wet Mixture
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm almond butter and honey until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry
- Pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly coated.
- Add Dried Fruits
- Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and apricots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Shape The Bars
- Line the Pan
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Transfer the Mixture
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Ensure Uniform Thickness
- Press down to achieve an even thickness, about 1/2 inch, to ensure consistent bar sizes.
Chill And Set
- Refrigerate
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set and firm up.
- Slice into Bars
- Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the mixture from the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into 12 equal bars.
- Store Properly
- Keep the bars stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Tools And Equipment
To master this Kind Bar copycat recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what I use to ensure each step goes smoothly:
- Mixing Bowls
I prefer having at least two large mixing bowls. One for combining the dry ingredients and another for the wet components. This separation ensures an even mix without any clumping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are key. I use a set of measuring cups and spoons to precisely measure ingredients like rolled oats, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl or Small Saucepan
Warming the almond butter and honey is essential for easy mixing. A microwave-safe bowl works great, but a small saucepan set on low heat can be used as an alternative.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
A sturdy spatula or wooden spoon helps in thoroughly combining the ingredients without leaving any lumps behind.
- 8×8 Inch Baking Pan
I line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This size is perfect for spreading the mixture evenly and makes slicing the bars easier after chilling.
- Parchment Paper
Lining the baking pan with parchment paper prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the set mixture.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the bars cleanly once they’ve chilled. It ensures each bar is neat and uniformly sized.
- Refrigerator or Freezer
Chilling the mixture in the refrigerator helps the bars set properly. For quicker results, you can place the pan in the freezer, but be sure to let them soften slightly before cutting.
- Cutting Board
A stable cutting board provides a safe surface for slicing the bars without any slips.
Storage Instructions
Once you’ve crafted your homemade Kind Bars, proper storage ensures they stay fresh and delicious. Here’s how I keep my bars at their best:
- Cool Completely
- Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This helps them set properly and enhances their texture.
- Choose the Right Container
- Use an airtight container to prevent moisture and air from affecting the bars. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work perfectly.
- Refrigeration
- Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keep them in a single layer to avoid sticking together.
- Freezing for Longer Storage
- For extended freshness, place the bars in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen bar, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- Labeling
- Don’t forget to label your containers with the date of preparation. This helps in keeping track of their freshness.
Storage Duration Table
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
- Portioning
- For convenience, consider cutting the bars into individual servings before storing. This makes it easy to grab one on the go without exposing the entire batch to temperature changes.
- Preventing Odor Absorption
- Keep your bars away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator or freezer. Use separate containers or compartments to maintain their natural flavors.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade Kind Bars at their peak freshness, whether you’re snacking throughout the week or saving them for a special treat.
Conclusion
Making your own Kind Bars is both fun and rewarding I love being able to customize them to my taste Whether you’re after a quick snack or a nutritious boost these bars are perfect Plus having control over the ingredients is a huge advantage I hope you try out this recipe and enjoy the delicious results as much as I do Happy snacking!
