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Home » Recipes

Homemade Larabars (4 ways including nut-free!)


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Well, I stand corrected. All this time readers have been telling me I should make my own Larabars at home, and I proudly stood my ground saying I already make too many things from scratch so I would continue to buy them from the store. But that was until I figured out homemade LARABARS taste SO good compared to the packaged ones! On a recent blog post I shared that extra good food is worth the extra effort to me so it should be no surprise that I will have to start making these on a regular basis now!

Plus, since Larabars are such a simple snack, using only a few whole ingredients, that means they are simple to make at home as well. All you need are Medjool Dates, which can be found in the produce section if your store carries them, and some nuts, peanut butter, seeds and/or granola. And thanks to the seed version those who are nut-free can enjoy these bars now, too. They are the perfect “on-the-go” snack, and my girls were so excited when they saw me putting together the pictured platter…it was like torture for them waiting for me to finish taking pictures! My daughters seriously love these things.

Cashew Cookie Larabar

These homemade Larabars taste SO much better than the packaged ones! Made with only a few whole ingredients, they are simple and quick to make for a healthy snack.
78 Reviews / 4.8 Average
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes mins
Course: Snacks & Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Method: Freezer Friendly
Diet: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Print Recipe
Servings: 12 squares
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
  • 1 cup cashews (raw)
  • ¼ cup peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions
 

  • Combine dates, cashews, peanut butter and water in a food processor and puree until mixture starts to stick together. Add a little more water if necessary to help mixture come together.
  • Pick up date mixture and using your hands work to squeeze it together into one big clump. Mash it down on a cutting board or sheet of wax paper to form into one even rectangle shape using the sides of your hands (or a knife) to make the edges straight.
  • Slice into 12 even squares. For best results store in the fridge, although bars can be kept at room temperature.

Notes

Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Cashew Cookie Larabar
Amount Per Serving
Calories 121 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 31mg1%
Potassium 192mg5%
Carbohydrates 14g5%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 20IU0%
Calcium 14mg1%
Iron 0.9mg5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Want weekly REAL FOOD meal plans made for you?→ Check It Out

Granola Larabar

Granola Larabar
78 Reviews / 4.8 Average
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins
Course: Snacks & Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Method: Freezer Friendly
Diet: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Print Recipe
Servings: 8 squares
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granola (homemade (see below for link to recipe))
  • ½ cup Medjool dates (pitted)
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions
 

  • Combine
    , dates and water in a food processor and puree until mixture starts to stick together. Add a little more water if necessary to help mixture come together.
  • Pick up date mixture and using your hands work to squeeze it together into one big clump. Mash it down on a cutting board or sheet of wax paper to form into one even rectangle shape using the sides of your hands (or a knife) to make the edges straight.
  • Slice into 8 even squares. For best results store in the fridge, although bars can be kept at room temperature.

Notes

* Sub coconut oil for the butter in the granola to make this recipe dairy free.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Granola Larabar
Amount Per Serving
Calories 97 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 5mg0%
Potassium 123mg4%
Carbohydrates 17g6%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 15IU0%
Calcium 19mg2%
Iron 0.7mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Want weekly REAL FOOD meal plans made for you?→ Check It Out

Peanut Butter Larabar

Peanut Butter Larabar
78 Reviews / 4.8 Average
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes mins
Course: Snacks & Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Method: Freezer Friendly
Diet: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Print Recipe
Servings: 8 squares
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
  • ½ cup peanut butter

Instructions
 

  • Combine dates and peanut butter in a food processor and puree until mixture starts to stick together. Add a little more water if necessary to help mixture come together.
  • Pick up date mixture and using your hands work to squeeze it together into one big clump. Mash it down on a cutting board or sheet of wax paper to form into one even rectangle shape using the sides of your hands (or a knife) to make the edges straight.
  • Slice into 8 even squares. For best results store in the fridge, although bars can be kept at room temperature.

Notes

Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Peanut Butter Larabar
Amount Per Serving
Calories 135 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 87mg4%
Potassium 236mg7%
Carbohydrates 20g7%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 14g16%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 25IU1%
Calcium 17mg2%
Iron 0.5mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Want weekly REAL FOOD meal plans made for you?→ Check It Out

Also be sure to check out my nut free Larabar recipe.

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38.8K shares

About Lisa Leake

Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and #1 New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.

Comments

  1. Andrea says

    September 24, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    How big is a bar? The clump I made will make maybe 4 that would be the size of a store bought larabar.

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      September 25, 2020 at 9:17 am

      It should make 12 small squares. - Nicole

      Reply
  2. [email protected] says

    January 03, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    5 stars
    We just made the Cashew Cookie Larabars and they were delicious. So easy to make. We will definitely be making these again.

    Reply
  3. JONNY says

    August 06, 2018 at 6:06 pm

    5 stars
    Hello
    What temperature do you bake at after the food processor? Did I miss something in the post?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      August 22, 2018 at 8:51 am

      Hi. These are no-bake.

      Reply
  4. Celena says

    March 17, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    5 stars
    I can't believe how easy and fast this was to make. My kids are SUPER picky, and they loved these homemade Lara bars. Even my husband requested me to make this again. I still can't believe my kids ate nuts AND dates. I will definitely be using this recipe on repeat.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Johanna says

    December 12, 2017 at 3:17 pm

    Any ideas for the coconut chocolate chip lara bar?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      December 29, 2017 at 3:44 pm

      We've not tried making that one but it sounds delicious!

      Reply
  6. Hilary Stover says

    October 11, 2017 at 10:29 am

    Have you ever made the peanut butter version with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter? The consistency is a little different in these butters, so I was just curious. Considering trying sunflower butter to make them nut-free and school-friendly.

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      October 18, 2017 at 1:11 pm

      Hi. I've used almond butter.

      Reply
  7. Ally says

    June 30, 2017 at 2:39 pm

    What kind of peanut butter do you suggest?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      July 05, 2017 at 11:44 am

      Hi. Any organic peanut butter with peanuts as its only ingredient.

      Reply
  8. Laura says

    May 17, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    Can you make this in a regular blender?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      May 22, 2017 at 2:04 pm

      Hi. We've not attempted to make these using a blender.

      Reply
  9. Tina says

    March 29, 2017 at 2:19 pm

    5 stars
    Can I do this in a vitamix? I don't have a food processor :(.

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      May 01, 2017 at 3:30 pm

      I've never attempted a thick dough in a vitamix.

      Reply
  10. SW says

    September 26, 2016 at 11:56 am

    How long do these stay fresh outside the fridge? I like larabars because they are an easy thing I can keep in my purse for myself and my kid.

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      September 30, 2016 at 10:14 pm

      I've kept them up to a week. I often freeze them.

      Reply
  11. Julie B says

    August 14, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    5 stars
    Love these recipes. I love the Coconut Cream pie larabars so I experimented and made my own. Using the base recipe I used Raw Cashews, Raw Almonds, unsweetened coconut flakes, dash of cinnamon, splash of water in food processor. They taste even better than the store bought. They are best cold!!

    Reply
  12. P J Walcik says

    August 02, 2016 at 5:17 pm

    4 stars
    Strange, The Ingredients on the Larabar's for Cashew Cookie bar does not contain peanut butter as your recipe does.

    Reply
  13. Kathryn says

    July 22, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    I made the peanut butter one and it was like mush? What did I do wrong?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      July 29, 2016 at 10:32 am

      Hi Kathryn. I've had a similar experience when my peanut butter consistency was a bit runny.

      Reply
  14. Monica says

    June 23, 2016 at 7:05 pm

    You can also do dates and nuts only. Don't need to use peanut butter or water. Pistachios and tart dried cherries w dates, hazelnut and dates, cashews and dates... The list goes on and on. You should process the nuts first, then add a few dates at a time until it forms balls.. So delicious!

    Reply
  15. Valarie says

    May 17, 2016 at 8:59 pm

    So THATS what I did wrong! I never added water so mine was like little crumbles haha

    Reply
  16. Leigh says

    May 17, 2016 at 8:45 pm

    FYI - Costco has amazing dates in their produce section. My kids love homemade larabars too. Sometimes I add grated fresh ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, lime zest & fresh lime juice, dried apricots, or cocoa powder. It's fun to play w/ different ingredients!

    Reply
  17. Ashley says

    March 09, 2016 at 10:46 pm

    What brand dates do you use?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      March 14, 2016 at 1:59 pm

      Hi there. Here is one: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/30/recipes-using-medjool-dates/.

      Reply
  18. Karen says

    March 09, 2016 at 11:55 am

    My kids don't have peanut allergies, but they go to a nut free daycare. I could use "Wow! Butter" in place of peanut butter, right?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      March 14, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      Sure. :)

      Reply
  19. MG says

    February 27, 2016 at 9:09 pm

    Hi! Around here I've only ever found dried medjool dates, is that what those are or fresh? I'm assuming by the package they're dried but not sure. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      March 01, 2016 at 10:29 am

      Those are the right ones. ;)

      Reply
  20. Allison says

    February 26, 2016 at 9:50 am

    I have a friend who is actually allergic to dates but she'd love to try something like this! Any alternatives to that?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      March 01, 2016 at 9:39 am

      Hi. Here is Lisa's nut free version: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/01/recipe-homemade-larabars-4-ways-including-nut-free/.

      Reply
    • Lisa Gross says

      April 11, 2016 at 4:17 am

      5 stars
      I would play with prunes first, or maybe even dried figs. Medjool dates are pretty special, but you should be able to get a similar result with similar textured dried fruit. You might find a bit of maple syrup and a drop of good vanilla extract will mimic the flavor notes of the dates. Just my 2 cents~!

      Reply
  21. ARF says

    January 20, 2016 at 10:33 pm

    How do you clean your food processor or blender afterwards? Doesn't it get really sticky?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      January 24, 2016 at 11:53 am

      Hi there. It depends on which you own. You should follow your manufacturers directions for cleaning. I hand wash mine with very warm water being careful to disassemble and clean each.

      Reply
  22. Tom says

    October 28, 2015 at 7:29 am

    I love your website it has been a huge help to my family and helped to change our lives. We eat a ton of food made with the recipes found here. We also play around with plenty of the recipes. I have a bar I have been making that my family finds irresistible. 1 serving raisins, 1 serving walnuts, 1 heaping tsp cocoa powder, dash of salt and splash of vanilla extract. I process it until it all gets the consistency of little peas and then press it together. We have had them for breakfasts desserts and hiking snacks. Thanks again for promoting a healthy lifestyle.

    Reply
  23. Mari says

    October 12, 2015 at 5:56 am

    The person who invented the recipe and owns the Larabar company is named Lara. :-)

    Reply
  24. AJ says

    October 03, 2015 at 10:19 am

    Why do you call them LARABARs? It just doesn't seem right.

    Reply
  25. Cindy says

    August 21, 2015 at 3:47 am

    5 stars
    HELP!! I am 44 and a fairly accomplished cook, but I did something really wrong with these delicious larabars. I am asking for tips/advice!

    I love to cook in bulk, so I made the cashew cookie larabar tonight in my food processor. Quadrupling the recipe=1/4 cup of water. After attempting to blend for a while, I ended up, in 2 more steps, adding another 1/2 cup water. This may be the problem?

    I was tempted to use a paper towel to oil the wax paper, but I did not. I spread it out thinner than what I see now in your picture. I also cut mine in the shape of a dry granola bar. I see why you cut yours in squares.

    The dough is too delicious to let it go to waste, so even if we have to eat it by the spoonful, we will ;)

    I tried freezing it for 20 minutes, but even so, they are just a hot mess trying to get them off the wax paper. NOT pretty.

    For my second attempt, I am planning on trying the following:
    1. Make only a double batch, and don't use as much water.
    2. Spread more thickly and cut in squares
    3. Possibly use some coconut oil on the wax paper to make removal easier.

    Any other thoughts/comments/advice is very welcome!

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      August 28, 2015 at 12:19 pm

      Oh, sorry. Not sure what might have gone wrong! If it makes you feel better, my kids were eating a whole wheat flax seed brownie recipe yesterday with a spoon because we could not get the center cooked. ;)

      Reply
  26. Dionne says

    August 06, 2015 at 11:27 am

    Can you freeze these?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      August 11, 2015 at 9:34 am

      Hello Dionne. You can.

      Reply
  27. Malinda says

    July 29, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    Does it have to be that specific kind of date?

    Reply
    • Amber says

      July 29, 2015 at 4:08 pm

      I buy my dates from the bulk section of Winco Foods. They do not specify that they are Medjool dates, and may be a little smaller. But I have made many different recipes with them and they turn out just fine.

      Reply
  28. Jamie says

    July 23, 2015 at 11:26 am

    Odd question, but how do you measure a cup of dates?! A measuring cup seems so inexact with the size and shape of dates.

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      July 29, 2015 at 7:02 am

      Hi Jamie. It's an approximate measurement. :) Just use a cup as your gauge.

      Reply
  29. Keri says

    June 12, 2015 at 8:32 pm

    4 stars
    While these were simple to make and tasted great, we found they were more expensive to make homemade than the actual Lara bars. The medjool dates were almost $9 and a small bag of raw cashews were $5! Now granted, I'll be able to make another batch but just one more and it only yielded 8 small, thin-ish bars.

    Reply
  30. Marin says

    May 31, 2015 at 9:57 pm

    Love the recipe for the cashew cookie bar. Not a huge fan of dates per se, but put into a bar like this was very good. It was all I could do to not eat the whole batch. We have a small food processor attachment to our blender and not a full size, so we had to tweak the recipe a bit proportion-wise. Couple of tweaks we incorporated...pureed the dates first then added the cashews and blended together. Came together nicely. Since we use all natural peanut butter we drizzled it in rather measured it out ahead of time. it tends to be a lot runnier than standard Skippy. We also added rolled oats which required adjusting the water and PB amounts. My daughter insists that we add craisins and chocolate chips next time...hey who am I to say no to some dark chocolate. Thanks for the recipe! I plan to continue using it and tweaking it ;)

    Reply
  31. Lisa says

    April 29, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    What do Medjool dates look like?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      May 04, 2015 at 11:31 am

      Hi. Check them out: http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-medjool-dates.htm. ;)

      Reply
  32. Susan says

    April 25, 2015 at 3:18 pm

    5 stars
    Just made these with my son and neighbor's boy. They were SO easy and both boys LOVED getting to help. We just used my small chopper and pulsed it several times. Took less than 20 minutes and easy clean-up. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe!

    Reply
  33. Anne says

    March 28, 2015 at 7:47 pm

    These are great recipes! What food processor would you recommend? I have an old 7-cup cuisinart, and it is having a hard time blending - I have to go in and move it around myself...

    Reply
  34. Wendy says

    March 22, 2015 at 6:51 pm

    Does anyone have the nutritional values? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      April 04, 2015 at 7:55 pm

      Hi Wendy. We don't provide nutrition info. This post helps explain why: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/04/healthy-eating-defined/. There are several websites that will help you with those kind of details, like My Fitness Pal.

      Reply
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Meet Lisa! Lisa is a best-selling cookbook author, wife, mother, and passionate home cook. Lisa began blogging in 2010 and has created a community of millions of people who share her love of healthy living, real food ingredients, and family recipes.

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