Blueberry Vanilla Cashew Snack Bars

Ingredients List

Less than 10 ingredients and no extra fillers needed in this copycat nut bar recipe.

Here’s what you need:

• chopped cashews & chopped almonds
• dried blueberries
• almond meal
• flax seed meal
• pink salt
• vanilla beans
• brown rice syrup

Why use Brown Rice Syrup?

Brown rice syrup is KEY in getting these nut bars to hold together. This stuff was SO sticky, and a little tough getting into the pan, but that is exactly what you want!

I used the back of my rubber spatula, then applied pressure with my hand to spread the mixture evenly and push into all the corners.

Alternatively, you could place a piece of parchment paper over top of the mixture and press using your hands – the parchment paper will prevent your hands from getting sticky.

How to Use a Vanilla Bean

If you’re new to using vanilla beans, all you have to do is slice open the bean lengthwise, open it up and scrape out the seeds using a spoon or sharp knife. Discard the bean pod.

How to Make Copycat KIND Bars

Here’s a brief overview of the recipe, with the full list of ingredients, amounts and instructions in the recipe card below.

1. Preheat oven to 300ºF and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper hanging over edges. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, add chopped cashews, almonds, dried blueberries, almond meal, flaxseed, vanilla beans, and brown rice syrup. Using a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula, stir together ingredients until fully combined. Mixture will be VERY sticky and thick.
3. Transfer mixture into lined pan and press into even layer, making sure to get into all four corners. I used a thick rubber spatula and the pressure of my other hand on the back of the spatula, to evenly press the mixture down into the pan.
4. Bake bars for 18-20 minutes, then allow bars to cool in pan at room temperature. Transfer pan to fridge for 1 hour and allow bars to set entirely. Remove bars from pan using parchment paper edges, and cut into 10 even bars. Wrap bars individually and store in container in fridge up to 2 weeks.

How to Store

I like to wrap my nut bars individually for easy grab-n-go lunch packing. Store wrapped, in the fridge, for up to 2 weeks.

For longer storage, you can also place them in the freezer! Individually wrap each bar in parchment paper and place in a plastic freezer storage bag. Tightly seal, label, date, and freeze for up to 1 month. Simply grab-n-go from the freezer to enjoy as an afternoon snack!