Copycat KIND Bars

Copycat KIND bars, loaded with all your favourite nuts and seeds. They are sweet, crunchy, and energy-packed, ideal as an on-the-go snack or quick breakfast alternative.

These homemade KIND bars are the perfect on-the-go snack that is…

• crunchy, crispy and nutty
• with 4 grams of protein per bar
• high in dietary fibre and healthy fat
• prepared in only 5 minutes
• vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar free
• plant-based and allergy-friendly
• highly customisable to suit your taste
• made in only one bowl

How to Make Your Own KIND Bars

These homemade energy bars are ready with little to no effort, in a single bowl and with 5 minutes of prep time.

1. Preheat the oven to  300°F/150°C and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Add all the ingredients to a large bowl. Stir until well-mixed.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon, smooth into a tightly packed, even layer.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure to bake them thoroughly so they hold together when cooled.
5. Cool completely, then slice into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Variations of Copycat KIND Bars

This is one of those recipe where you can go kind of crazy with the ingredients, as long as you stick to the original ratio of nuts to liquid. You can:

• Use any kind of nuts you want. The ¾ cups of chopped almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts can be replaced or mixed with chopped pecans, cashews, peanuts, or whichever nuts you prefer. I do suggest, however, that you keep one cup of whole almonds in the recipe, as this really adds to the texture and flavour of the bar.
• Substitute maple syrup with honey if not vegan.
• Feel free to omit sesame seeds, or replace them with other seeds of your choice, such as sunflower, hemp, pumpkin or more chia.
• Chocolate chips are optional, but highly recommended. Another alternative is to wait for the bars to cool, and then drizzle with melted chocolate.

Tips to Make the Best Copycat KIND Bars

• If you have the time, toast the nuts. Buy raw nuts, and then quickly toast them in a pan. This way they will last longer and taste better.
• Cool the bars in the pan. Once they are baked, leave them in the pan until completely cool before you slice them. This will make them hold together better.
• Use a sharp, oiled knife to cut the bars. This ensures clean, even slices.

How to Store and Transport Homemade KIND Bars

These bars are best when stored in the fridge for up to a week and served nicely chilled, but they can also be left unrefrigerated for up to four days. In this case, they will be slightly softer.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring them with you as a quick and healthy snack, though. The best way to transport them is to wrap them in parchment paper.