If you love KIND Bars but want a healthier, budget-friendly option, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Easy Homemade KIND Bars! Packed with crunchy nuts, sweet dates, hearty oats, and a hint of rich dark chocolate, this recipe brings all the flavor and nutrition of your favorite snack without any preservatives or mystery ingredients. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought bars in the first place!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade KIND Bars Recipe
Making homemade KIND Bars means you’re in full control of what goes inside. No additives, no excess sugar just wholesome, simple ingredients. Plus, these bars come together in just about 30 minutes! Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast on-the-go, a pre-workout energy boost, or a satisfying afternoon snack, these bars check all the boxes. They’re gluten-free (with certified oats), customizable, and perfect for meal prep.
Benefits at a glance:
- Healthier than store-bought
- Budget-friendly
- Super quick to make
- Great for kids and adults
- Customizable for any diet
Ingredients You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Homemade KIND Bars:
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Simple, pantry-friendly, and packed with nutrition!
How to Make Homemade KIND Bars
Follow these easy steps for perfect homemade energy bars every time:
- Prep your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a small baking dish with parchment paper.
- Process the dates: In a food processor, blend the pitted dates until they form a sticky paste.
- Mix everything together: Add the mixed nuts, oats, honey (or maple syrup), and sea salt. Pulse a few times until just combined. Stir in the dark chocolate chips by hand.
- Press and bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish and press it down very firmly. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool and cut: Let it cool completely before slicing into bars.
How to Serve Homemade KIND Bars
Serve these healthy Homemade KIND Bars at breakfast with your morning coffee, toss one into your bag for a midday pick-me-up, or crumble one over yogurt for a nutritious dessert. They’re perfect for road trips, work snacks, and lunchboxes too!
For a fancy touch, drizzle some extra melted dark chocolate on top before serving.
How to Store Homemade KIND Bars
To keep your DIY KIND Bars fresh:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Refrigerate to keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
- Freeze for up to three months — just thaw a few minutes before eating.
(Pro Tip: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for easy grab-and-go snacking.)
Tips for Perfect KIND Bars Every Time
- Use soft dates: If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes before blending.
- Press firmly: Compact the mixture as much as possible before baking to prevent crumbly bars.
- Customize: Add chia seeds, flaxseeds, coconut flakes, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer sweeter bars, add a tablespoon of extra honey or a few more dates.
Variations You’ll Love
- Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the mix and sprinkle chocolate chips on top after baking.
- Tropical Twist: Add dried pineapple, mango, and shredded coconut.
- Nut-Free Version: Swap out nuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
FAQs About Homemade KIND Bars
Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, pistachios, or even peanuts work great.
Are Homemade KIND Bars gluten-free?
Yes — just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I skip baking them?
Yes! If you prefer raw bars, simply chill them in the fridge for a few hours instead of baking.
Can I make these vegan?
Of course! Use maple syrup instead of honey, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
Skip the store-bought energy bars loaded with processed ingredients Homemade KIND Bars are healthier, fresher, and so much more satisfying! Once you see how easy it is to make them at home, you’ll never look back. Customize them to suit your taste, store them for busy days, and enjoy a sweet, nutritious snack whenever you need a boost.