Overview 🕒
🥣 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
💲 Cost per Serving: ~$1.50
🍫 Servings: Makes 12 bars
Table of Contents
Kudos Granola Bars were once a favorite snack, combining crunchy granola, chewy textures, and a sweet chocolate coating. If you’re nostalgic for these classic treats, this homemade version brings them back with a healthier twist! Perfect for an on-the-go breakfast, post-workout snack, or afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Kudos Granola Bars ❤️
1. Brings Back Sweet Memories
If you grew up loving Kudos bars, this recipe will take you on a nostalgic trip back in time. It recreates the same chocolatey, chewy magic while offering a healthier, homemade twist.
2. Packed with Wholesome Ingredients
These bars are made with real, nutrient-rich ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruit. They provide a balanced mix of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness to keep you energized and satisfied.
3. Perfectly Customizable
Whether you prefer chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of coconut, you can adapt this recipe to match your cravings. It’s like having a different bar every time!
4. Great for Meal Prep
Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have convenient snacks for the whole week. These bars are perfect for packing into lunchboxes, stashing in your gym bag, or keeping on hand for busy mornings.
5. Easy to Make
With just a few simple steps, this recipe is approachable even for beginner bakers. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques are needed—just mix, press, and enjoy!
6. Kid-Friendly and Fun
The chocolate drizzle and chewy texture make these bars irresistible to kids. Plus, they’re a great activity to make together—let your little ones help with mixing or decorating.
7. Versatile for Any Occasion
From breakfast on the go to an afternoon snack or even a light dessert, these bars are suitable for any time of day. They’re also a hit at parties and potlucks!
8. Healthier Alternative to Store-Bought Bars
Skip the processed ingredients and excess sugar found in store-bought granola bars. This homemade version gives you complete control over the flavors and nutritional profile.
9. Portable and Convenient
Wrap them individually for an easy grab-and-go option. These bars are perfect for travel, hiking, or as an emergency snack during a busy day.
10. Budget-Friendly
Why buy expensive packaged bars when you can make your own at a fraction of the cost? Plus, you can use pantry staples you already have.
These homemade Kudos Granola Bars aren’t just a snack—they’re a treat filled with love, memories, and wholesome goodness. Whether you’re indulging in nostalgia or simply craving a healthier option, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe! 🍫✨
How to make Kudos Granola Bars
Ingredients 🌟
For the Granola Base:
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats work best)
- 1 cup rice cereal (for a light, crispy texture)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or peanuts)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
For the Binding Syrup:
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ⅓ cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- ½ cup dark or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil (for a glossy finish)
Instructions 🍴
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, rice cereal, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, and dried fruit. Stir until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Make the Binding Syrup
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, and coconut oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine and Press
Pour the warm syrup over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press firmly into an even layer. Use the back of a spatula or the bottom of a glass to pack it tightly.
Step 4: Bake or Chill
For a baked version: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the bars for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool completely. For a no-bake version: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour until firm.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Drizzle
Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the granola bars in a zigzag pattern. Allow the chocolate to set before cutting into bars.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Lift the parchment paper out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Slice into 12 bars. Enjoy immediately or store for later!
Tips for Perfect Kudos Granola Bars 🥣✨
1. Pack the Mixture Firmly
To ensure your bars hold their shape, press the mixture tightly into the pan. Use the back of a spatula or the bottom of a glass to compress the ingredients evenly and firmly. This prevents crumbling when you slice the bars.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor and texture, make sure your oats, nuts, and dried fruit are fresh. Stale ingredients can impact the taste and reduce the crunch factor.
3. Customize the Texture
If you prefer chewier bars, increase the amount of honey or almond butter slightly. For crispier bars, bake them a little longer until the edges turn golden.
4. Chill for No-Bake Bars
If you’re making the no-bake version, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour to let the mixture set properly. This step is crucial for achieving firm, cohesive bars.
5. Drizzle Strategically
For an even chocolate drizzle, use a small spoon or piping bag. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly before drizzling to prevent it from running too much.
6. Cut with Care
Use a sharp knife to slice the bars cleanly. For a no-stick cut, run the knife under hot water, dry it, and then slice through the chilled bars. Repeat as needed to keep the cuts neat.
7. Experiment with Sweeteners
Adjust the sweetness to your preference. Honey offers a classic flavor, maple syrup adds a touch of richness, and agave syrup creates a neutral sweetness.
8. Keep the Proportions Balanced
Stick to the suggested ratios of dry to wet ingredients. Too much liquid can make the bars sticky and hard to set, while too little will make them crumbly.
9. Use Parchment Paper
Line your pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan and slice them without sticking.
10. Store Properly
To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, individually wrap the bars and freeze them for up to three months.
11. Add Crunch Last
If you’re including delicate toppings like coconut flakes or crisp rice cereal, mix them in at the end to maintain their texture during binding.
12. Adjust for Allergies
Substitute ingredients like sunflower butter for nut butter or seeds for nuts to make the bars allergy-friendly. They’ll still be just as delicious!
By following these tips, you’ll create perfect Kudos Granola Bars every time—crispy, chewy, chocolatey, and irresistibly delicious! 🥣✨
How to Customize This Kudos Granola Bars 🎨
One of the best things about homemade Kudos Granola Bars is how easy they are to adapt to your taste, dietary needs, or creative ideas. Here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own:
1. Make It Nut-Free
Replace the almond or peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini, and swap out the nuts for seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, or chia. This version is perfect for school-safe snacks or those with nut allergies.
2. Add a Protein Boost
Mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or chocolate works great) to the dry ingredients. For an extra protein hit, include chopped protein bars or roasted chickpeas in the mix.
3. Create a Tropical Version
Give your bars a vacation vibe by using dried pineapple, mango, or papaya. Add shredded coconut and replace the chocolate drizzle with a white chocolate or yogurt drizzle for a light, tropical twist.
4. Go for Candy Bar-Inspired Flavors
Turn these into a healthier version of your favorite candy bars! Add caramel bits, mini marshmallows, or a swirl of peanut butter for a decadent treat. Think “s’mores” with graham crackers, chocolate chips, and marshmallows.
5. Incorporate Superfoods
Boost the nutrition by adding flaxseeds, hemp hearts, or spirulina powder. These ingredients won’t overpower the flavor but will pack an extra punch of nutrients.
6. Experiment with Chocolate Options
Switch up the drizzle with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix of both. You can even use vegan chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a healthier alternative.
7. Add a Spicy Kick
For adventurous flavor lovers, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon into the binding syrup. This adds a warming kick that complements the sweetness of the bars.
8. Choose Your Sweetener
Swap honey or maple syrup with agave nectar, date syrup, or even brown rice syrup. Each sweetener adds a slightly different flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite.
9. Use Seasonal Ingredients
Celebrate the season by adding ingredients like dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds in the fall, or freeze-dried strawberries and blueberries in the summer.
10. Go Gluten-Free
Make these bars entirely gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and checking that your rice cereal and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
11. Add a Savory Twist
If you love sweet-and-salty combinations, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle. For more savory options, try roasted nuts with spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder.
12. Turn It Into Energy Balls
Instead of pressing the mixture into a pan, roll it into bite-sized energy balls. They’re easy to grab and perfect for a quick snack on the go.
13. Make It Vegan
Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey, and choose vegan chocolate chips for a completely plant-based treat.
Customizing your Kudos Granola Bars lets you enjoy a new variation every time you make them. From kid-friendly treats to post-workout snacks, the possibilities are endless—let your creativity shine! 🎨✨
What to Serve with Kudos Granola Bars 🍫
What to Serve with Kudos Granola Bars 🍫
These delicious Kudos Granola Bars are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and beverages. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, here are some ideas to create a complete and satisfying meal:
1. Fresh Fruit
Pair your granola bars with fresh apple slices, orange wedges, or a handful of berries for a refreshing and nutrient-packed side. The natural sweetness of the fruit complements the bars beautifully.
2. Yogurt Parfait
Crumble a granola bar over Greek yogurt layered with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey. This makes a protein-rich and satisfying breakfast or snack.
3. Smoothie or Smoothie Bowl
Serve the granola bars with a Berry Smoothie Bowl or a simple banana and peanut butter smoothie for a balanced and colorful breakfast.
4. Coffee or Latte
Pair the bars with a hot cup of coffee, cappuccino, or latte. For a unique twist, try a homemade Cinnamon Tea or matcha latte.
5. Cottage Cheese with Toppings
Serve the bars with a side of cottage cheese topped with honey, granola, and fresh fruit. The creamy, savory texture of the cottage cheese is an excellent contrast to the sweet, crunchy bars.
6. Nut Butter Dip
Enjoy the granola bars with a small side of almond butter or peanut butter for dipping. It’s a fun, protein-packed way to add even more flavor and texture.
7. Hot Chocolate
For a comforting treat, pair the bars with a cup of rich, homemade hot chocolate. The sweetness of the drink pairs perfectly with the chocolate drizzle on the bars.
8. Cheese and Crackers
For a sweet-and-savory combo, pair the bars with mild cheeses like cream cheese or brie, and some whole-grain crackers on the side.
9. Fruit Salad
Prepare a fresh fruit salad with ingredients like mango, kiwi, and pomegranate seeds. The vibrant flavors and juicy textures create a refreshing balance to the bars.
10. Trail Mix Snack Platter
Create a snack platter with the granola bars at the center, surrounded by trail mix, roasted nuts, and dried fruit. It’s perfect for sharing or enjoying as a midday pick-me-up.
These pairings make Kudos Granola Bars even more versatile and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own or with these sides, you’ll have a delicious and balanced meal every time! 🍫✨
Nutrition Facts (Per Bar)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~180 kcal | ~4g | ~24g | ~8g |
Kudos Granola Bars FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Do they make Kudos bars anymore?
No, Kudos bars are no longer in production. Mars, Inc., the company that manufactured them, discontinued the product several years ago. Despite their popularity, you can now only recreate the magic with homemade versions like this recipe!
Do they still sell Kudos granola bars?
Unfortunately, Kudos granola bars are no longer available for purchase. They were discontinued, leaving fans nostalgic for their unique combination of crunchy granola and chocolatey coating.
Who owns Kudos bars?
Kudos granola bars were owned and manufactured by Mars, Inc., the same company known for iconic brands like Snickers and M&M’s. Mars discontinued Kudos as part of its product line adjustments.
Is it OK to eat granola bars every day?
Yes, Kudos granola bars can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Opt for homemade or low-sugar options to avoid excess processed ingredients. This homemade recipe ensures you control the ingredients and keep it nutritious.
Why did Kudos bars fail?
Kudos granola bars were discontinued due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences toward healthier snack options. While they were a nostalgic favorite, their chocolate-heavy recipes didn’t align with modern trends for clean-label and low-sugar snacks.
Are Goodness Knows bars being discontinued?
Yes, Goodness Knows snack bars, another product by Mars, Inc., have also been discontinued. Like Kudos bars, they were removed from production due to changing market demand and the company’s focus on other product lines.
These FAQs reflect the history and discontinuation of Kudos granola bars while offering insight into how you can recreate them with healthier, customizable homemade alternatives! 🍫✨
Recommended Products 🛒
8×8 Baking Pan: USA Pan Square Baking Pan – Perfect for baking granola bars evenly.
Silicone Spatula: OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatula – Ideal for mixing and pressing the granola mixture.
Glass Storage Containers: Prep Naturals Glass Containers – Great for keeping your granola bars fresh.
Parchment Paper: Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper – Non-stick and easy to use for clean slicing.
Final Thoughts
These homemade Kudos Granola Bars are the perfect combination of nostalgia and nutrition. They’re crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey with endless customization options to suit your taste. Whether you’re craving a healthier snack or a fun treat for the family, these bars are sure to please. Try them out and share your favorite combinations in the comments below! 🍫✨