How To Make Homemade KIND Nut Bars: A Complete Guide Recipe

I’m excited to introduce my homemade Healthy Snack Bars featuring a delicious mix of chopped almonds, cashews and peanuts, combined with raw honey, natural almond butter and a splash of vanilla extract. Sea salt and dried cranberries bring a subtle kick that makes these bars uniquely satisfying for balanced days.

I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen lately and came up with a way to make my very own KIND Nut Bars. I love these bars because they offer that healthy, granola healthy vibe without costing a fortune.

I start with a mix of 1 cup raw almonds, 1 cup raw cashews, and 1 cup raw peanuts all roughly chopped up. Then I mix in 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup natural almond butter for that perfect binding sweetness, along with 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of 1/4 tsp sea salt to round out the flavors.

Sometimes I toss in a bit of 1/4 cup dried cranberries for an extra kick. I’ve always been a fan of yummy snacks, and these healthy snack bars bring that perfect balance of crunch and flavor.

Trust me, if you try these, you’ll wonder why store bought healthy bars ever seemed that appealing.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I adore how the mix of almonds, cashews and peanuts gives it a crunchy texture that always makes me smile. Second, the combo of honey with almond butter creates a natural sweetness that feels just right, and I love that it isn’t too sugary. Third, it’s super easy to whip up even if I sometimes mess up the measurements, so it fits my busy routine perfectly. And lastly, making these nut bars at home saves me money compared to buying them at the store, which is a huge bonus for me.

Ingredients

• Raw almonds provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats along with a crunchy, nutty flavor.
• Raw cashews are creamy, supplying protein and good fats, plus a mild, soothing sweetness.
• Raw peanuts pack extra protein and robust flavor, giving a satisfying crunchy bite.
• Honey is nature’s sweet glue that binds ingredients with a subtle, floral taste.
• Almond butter adds creamy texture and a deep nutty flavor that enriches the bars.
• Vanilla extract gives a warming, mellow sweetness which rounds the overall flavors nicely.
• Sea salt enhances tastes by balancing sweetness and intensifying the natural nut flavors.
• Dried cranberries bring a tangy burst of flavor and a colorful, vitamin boost.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
• 1 cup raw cashews, roughly chopped
• 1 cup raw peanuts, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup honey (use raw if you can)
• 1/4 cup natural almond butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional but adds a nice kick)

How to Make this

1. Roughly chop your almonds, cashews, and peanuts, and get your dried cranberries measured out (if you want that nice kick).

2. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, almond butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt over low heat. Stir it around until it gets a little runny and smooth; don’t let it boil though.

3. If you like your nuts with a bit more crunch, lightly toast them in a dry pan for about 5 minutes until you see some color. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.

4. Put your chopped (and possibly toasted) nuts in a large bowl. Toss in the dried cranberries if you’re using them.

5. Pour the warmed honey mixture over the nuts and cranberries. Mix it all together really well so every bit gets a coating.

6. Line a small baking pan with parchment paper. Then, press the nut mixture into the pan firmly so it stays together when set.

7. Stick the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let it firm up into a solid bar form.

8. Once chilled, take it out, cut it into bars, and enjoy your homemade KIND Nut Bars!

Equipment Needed

1. Chef’s knife and cutting board
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Small saucepan
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Dry pan (for optional toasting)
6. Large mixing bowl
7. Small baking pan
8. Parchment paper
9. Refrigerator (to chill the nut bars)

FAQ

How To Make Homemade KIND Nut Bars: A Complete Guide Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For raw almonds, try using roasted almonds or even walnuts if you’re feeling adventurous
• If you can’t find raw cashews, pecans or macadamia nuts work pretty well as substitutes
• Instead of raw peanuts, sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas bring a different kind of crunch
• Swap out the honey with some maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a vegan option
• If you don’t have almond butter, peanut butter or cashew butter are good alternatives and will still give you that nutty flavor

Pro Tips

1. Toasting the nuts before mixing them in can really boost the flavor, but be careful not to overdo it or they might turn bitter.
2. Keep the honey mix warm and smooth, but dont let it boil. Boiling can mess up the texture, which might cause the bars not to stick together well.
3. When pressing the nut mixture into the pan, make sure you press really hard and evenly. This helps the bars cut into clean, firm pieces later, without falling apart.
4. Let the bars chill in the fridge for a bit longer if its a warm day. Sometimes an extra half hour helps them set properly so they hold together when you cut them.