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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
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
Granola Larabar
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
Nutrition Facts
Peanut Butter Larabar
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.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
I made the version with the homemade granola today and topped them off with a few mini chocolate chips. YUM! Thanks for sharing!
Steph says
wow, we go through so many granola bars and every time I have made my own they come out dry. This recipe worked great and tasted wonderful! For anyone who has to deal with a small town grocery and cannot find the dates, Sunsweet sells "D'Noir Prunes" (preservative free) that work the same! Once you have the prune/ water mixture you can do so many varieties... thank you SO much for sharing this!
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) says
I have never tried a Lara bar, but I'm inclined to try making my own. These look wonderful. Thanks!
Caitlin says
I've been wanting to try making these! I can't believe how much work you do for this blog - thank you so much! Know that your efforts are truly appreciated. I stop in here everyday. :)
Jennifer says
Yea! Thanks for posting so others can learn how easy these are to make! I have frozen them, mostly so I don't eat too many in one day :) Grab a frozen bar, toss it in my lunch bag and it's thawed out by mid-morning.
Anne says
Yum! I've already made a bunch of these, but since I am the only one in my family who will eat whole foods, I have way too many on my hands! Believe me, no amount of coaxing will get anyone to take a bite of something made without sugar. Anyway, my question is: How long will these last?
Caroline says
You are my new heroes! I just discovered your site and immediately had to blog about you! The best part for me is that you acknowledge and include us food allergy types.
check out what I wrote about your amazing pledge, journey and inspiration to us....http://www.gratefulfoodie.com/real-food-rea-food-allergies-really-good-health/
Amy says
Have you tried making these after soaking and then baking the nuts? I'm just wondering about the phytic acid issue of using raw nuts.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Amy. I have not tried soaking and baking the nuts, but I understand this would help to reduce the phytic acid if it is a concern for you. Jill
beverley says
They look lovely. I am very English me, so how much is a cup worth?
Shannon says
In case you haven't figured it out, yet one cup equals approximately 250ml. Hope this helps you!
Shannon says
Here is a link I found for conversion to metric. Most of these ingredients are not liquid so it is a little harder to say what exactly equals one cup. http://www.jsward.com/cooking/conversion.shtml
Nikki says
Can't wait to try these! I think we should call them Lisabars!
100 Days of Real Food says
Ha ha...that is hilarious!
Erica says
I just made these in the vitamix. I twisted the recipe a bit and they came out way too moist, there is no way I can make these into bars. I may just mash them into a bunch of granola to thicken it up. The batter is so delicious and if nothing else I will mix it into my oatmeal!
Bex says
I love larabars!!! I AM TOTALLY MAKING THESE!!!
And to Heather: of course I think a food processor is worth it but if you do have a blender I imagine that would work. You might try using half chopped dates and half date syrup.
Heather Reeher says
I love this blog and all of the recipes...my problem is that I don't have a food processor! I would love (if possible) other adaptations for how to make (ie, stand mixer, blenders, etc) various recipes without a FP.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Heather. I think a stand mixer would work with either the dough hook or paddle attachment, although I've not tried it. Good luck. Jill
Randi says
I can not wait to try these. What is a good (reasonable) price for the dates? Does anyone know how much they are at Costco?
Cindy says
$9 for 2 pounds of Medjools in 2015. Excellent price. Really delicious. Not organic if that matters to you.
Christina says
I worked on making these on my own a while back. I loved the results and your recipe looks even better than mine. I didn't think to add the water. The problem I had is that the mejool dates are so expensive that when I priced out how many I made vs. buying a Larabar it came out even. I've found other kinds of dates that are cheaper (you should have heard me exclaiming in the store, "I finally found cheap dates!"), but there is no way they would work for this. Any suggestions? I don't have a cosco, since I saw that in another post.
Emily Harns says
I buy the cheaper dates and soak them in water for at least an hour. Then I drain them and use for the recipe - hope that helps :)
Carrie says
Use half Raisins and half cheap dates. Water soaking helps, I use boiling water.
Laura says
I use cheap dates as they are and work fine- my family loves the cashew and sunflower seed bars!
jen says
Thank you for all of the recipes and information on foods. I have read and used a lot of the recipes on this website for over a year or so. The recipes are easy to follow and i like the well detailed photos of the recipes. I can't wait for more post.
Rachel @ The Mallory Report says
These look delicious! I can't wait to make the peanut butter version. I wouldn't have thought to make my own larabars, but I definitely will now! This also makes me think of what else I buy at the store that could be made fresher at home...
S says
Like Lynn asked above... Is a Vitamix ok?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
I don't know that a blender would work, although I've not tried it and I'm not familiar with a Vitamix. I just think they might get too thick for a blender. I think a stand mixer could work if nothing else. Good luck. Jill
Jenifer says
I LOVE my Vitamix for smoothies and the like, but I've found that trying to use it for things like this it doesn't work very well. The shape of the blade (curving upward instead of flat along the bottom) leaves a lot of stuff not chopped or blended well. (Making hummus in it was a total disaster.... so many chick peas just left whole.) I've had the same problems with nuts & such.... and getting the stuff out from under the blades is almost impossible if you're wanting to eat it. (cleaning is a breeze, but I want to eat the food before cleaning it, ya know!)
Lori B. says
I dont buy those premade nut/fruit bars because of the cost, but your recipe looks really good. One of my kids conveniently is allergic to all nuts except almonds... I know, weird. Thanks for doing your site!!
Meaghan says
Do you know if sunflower seed butter (Sunbutter) would work instead of peanut butter? My son has a peanut allergy, but all the other nut butters I have found are made in shared facilities. I know Sunbutter didn't quite work for the energy balls I tried.
Angela says
Medjool dates are like most dried fruits - not safe for people with peanut allergies.
100 Days of Real Food says
Medjool dates are actually fresh...not dried.
Angela says
Sorry I should have been more clear in my comparison.
My main point was they are processed in a facility that also process nuts, therefore they are not nut free.
Nicole Eagle says
I just looked up the their website for the natural delights madjool dates which states that thier dates are processed in a factory that processess nuts(http://www.naturaldelights.com/about-perfect/
Angela says
The Natural Delights Medjool Dates pictured above say on the label "may contain nuts".
Stacy says
FWIW, the Trader Joe's medjool dates do not have any nut warnings on the packaging.
Sarah says
Do you use the sweetened or unsweetened Sunbutter? I find the unsweetened version works great instead of PB or other nut butters in my recipes. Also, make sure the sunflower butter is natural, not made with Palm oil to keep it stable for best results.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Meaghan. I'm not sure if the sunflower seed butter would work. If it's thinner than peanut butter, maybe leave the water out until you figure out the right consistency. Or, you could try the one recipe that's nut free. Good luck. Jill
Meaghan says
Thank you for the suggestion. I tried the granola one and it is delicious. I felt brave and got creative with another batch. I used dates, chopped nuts, come chocolate chips, a spoon of Sun Butter and some water. It tastes great (I think a little less water next time). I'm so excited to have found this new treat for the family!
Lynn says
Can I make these in a Vitamix? I don't have a food processor but I just got a Vitamix. Anyone try to make them there machine?
Gigi says
I tried making this recipe in my blender (I have a Ninja). I ended up having to put a lot more water to get it moving and so they came out a little mushy (BUT AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!). I tried it again with just the nuts and the dates and they are much less sticky. Instead of putting it all in the blender together, I put the nuts in first and chopped them. Then added the dates (which I chopped a bit before putting it in the blender). I want to try it with the peanut butter again though because the original recipe has a really good flavor. You'll probably have to end up playing around with it a bit, but definitely put the nuts in first.
Anna says
I make lara bars all the time in my Vitamix! I like making the 'brownie bite' ones. 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of peanuts, and a little under 1/2 cup of medjool dates (I eye ball it). I put them in all at the same time and they turn out great!
Kim says
Just curious.. which recipe do your kids like the most? Can't wait to try these... hope my kids like them as well!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kim. Mine liked the granola ones. Hope they enjoy them. Jill
Amber says
They last as long as your ingredients last--usually the nuts are the first to go rancid. I've kept them for a couple of months in a cool, dry place and they're still great!
Chrissy @ muse of the morning says
Hi Lisa! These sound amazing- I'm going to make some later today I think! Do you know how long they will last? Thank you for sharing!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Chrissy. I've been keeping mine in the refrigerator in a tupperware to try and keep them fresh. I'm guessing they should last at least a week, if not a little longer. Hope you enjoy them. Jill
Ashleigh says
Oh. My. Deliciousness. Thank you so much! I just walked past the Larabars at the grocery store, drooling...but knowing that the budget just wouldn't appreciate them. :)
Can't wait to give them a try - and as a family who is mostly gluten free is fantastic.
Lindsey Brones says
Well I can't wait to go buy some of these yummy dates!! Thanks for the great recipes I hope my kiddos enjoy!!
Greta says
I actually use peanuts instead of peanut butter
And process with any kind of dates. Works great
And the kids love them.
Kim says
Dates, cocoa powder, instant coffee and almonds (instead of cashews). Yummy!
OR
Dates, almonds, cinnamon and a splash of vanilla!
I make mine into round balls. I also freeze them.
Stacy says
THANK YOU! I could not get mine to stick into a bar for anything! Balls worked just fine, and I sure my sons will enjoy "Laraballs" even more than "Larabars". :)
Tara says
I've been making my own lara bars since I first found your site, simply because they were cheaper than buying them at the store. My baby LOVES them. I have to hide them from him and only give him one a week or else he digs through the kitchen trying to find the rest of them.
I've substituted almond butter for peanut butter before with equal results. I also have added chocolate chips from time to time. As for the key lime pie, I added a small amount of lime juice, lime zest, and some coconut and came up with something decent, but the lime flavor only lasted a couple of days and then became kind of bland.
Shannon says
Have you ever tried adding a small amount of salt to your key lime pie recipe? Salt makes such a huge difference to recipes...it brings all the flavors together. Just a thought! :)
Katie | Healthnut Foodie says
We love homemade Larabars! I've even got a couple different versions coming out in my next book. The cookie cashew one looks great!
Tonya Mae says
Thank you so much for sharing these recipes. I can not wait to make some! :-)
Amanda says
I think your version is prettier than the store ones, too.
Angela says
I would be careful calling a recipe nut-free. The Natural Delights medjool dates are not nut free and most seeds are not nut fee.
I have a nephew with severe deadly nut allergies. People try to tell his mother that the didn't put nuts in things so its safe for him. The problem is that when you read the labels of the ingredients they say things like 'may contain nuts', 'made on equipment that also processes nuts', 'made in a facility that processes nuts', or something similar - none of these things are really nut free nor are the safe to give him.
Just thought you might like to know.
Reanna says
Those of us with severe nut allergies already have a pretty good understanding of what we can and cannot have. I have to watch the "made on equipment that also processes nuts" warning, too. But once we find our safe foods we can make the "nut free" lara bars, or anything else for that matter. I think that's Lisa's point. You do have to be very careful buying bulk dried goods and everything else that comes in some sort of a package. But it eventually becomes par for the course and you adapt. I've also discovered that almost any recipe calling for nuts will turn out just fine in their absence and processed white flour is easily substituted with white whole wheat flour, sifted if you're worried about the end result being too heavy.
R
100 Days of Real Food says
The recipe is in fact "nut-free" as stated, but for someone to ensure it's "allergy safe" they would most definitely need to go through the normal precautions they likely deal with on a regular basis. Thank you for pointing that out...we certainly wouldn't want to compromise anyone's safety!
Angela says
I am quite confused how a recipe can be labeled "nut-free" when the Natural Delights Medjool Dates are labeled "may contain nuts".
As person who cooks for a family member who could die from consuming nuts, I am extremely careful. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) as well as our allergist recommend to avoid foods that say "may contain nuts" because even without any nuts visible the protein in the nuts that causes an allergic reaction can be transferred to other foods during packaging.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Angela. As with many products that include a disclaimer label stating "may contain nuts", individuals need to go through their normal precautions that they are likely to deal with on a regular basis. But, the recipe noted as "nut-free" does not contain any nuts. Jill
Carla says
I use dates, dried cherries, cocoa, unsweetened coconuts and cashews to make a "chocolate covered cherry" version of a Lara bar. Yummy!
Leah CS says
What quantities did you use for the chocolate cherry bars? Thanks!
Julia says
Any idea on hw to do the key lime bars? I live for those!
Lydia says
Why Medjool dates? How are they different from other dates? I've never seen the Medjool ones for sale locally.
100 Days of Real Food says
Lydia - I tested the recipe with Medjool (a high quality date), but you could certainly experiment with other varieties.
Sarah says
Lydia, Medjool dates are usually hidden in the produce section. They are bigger and plumper than others. Do you shop at Costco? They are carried in 2 lb tubs in the produce section.
Amy says
Costco also sells dried, pitted dates on the aisle with the dried fruits. I use these for my homemade Lara bars.
Jenifer says
You have to be careful with many of the dried fruits as they are loaded with extra sugar. Not saying that's the case with the ones you have, but I have bought some before thinking they were great only to see all the added sugar on them. Ugh.
Desiree says
They work with all types of dates and dried fruit. In fact dried cherries are my favorite. Or another yummy bar is roasted peanuts and raisins it makes a peanut butter and jelly bar.
danielle says
Would these recipes be too thick to use a 12-speed blender rather than a food processor?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Danielle. I do think they would be too thick for a blender. I think if anything you'd have better luck with a stand mixer if you don't have a food processor. Good luck. Jill
Desiree says
I have made lara bars in a blend tec blender before. Just do your nuts and dates separately. It makes the dates into more of paste. Make sure they are soft, by soaking them beforehand this helps. Also it helps if your blender is a high powered blender.
marilyn says
I just found your blog. I wonder if you've found Erin's site? nomorecrohns.com? She has lots of recipes and tips on scd . I eat that way and it is a lifesaver.
Sarah C. says
These sound great! I think they will really satisfy my sweet tooth (I am not eating sugar).
I was wondering if almond butter could be substituted for the peanut butter?
Also, have you ever added banana for flavor?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Sarah. I've not tried the almond butter but it sounds like someone else did and it worked fine. I have not ever added banana to them. Jill
Jennifer says
Can these be frozen?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jennifer. I don't see why not. Jill
sue says
Thank you so much for all your hard work! I am so thankful that a friend introduced me to this blog. You have made the transition to eating whole foods so much easier and alot less overwhelming! These are great recipes for our family since we have dairy and gluten allergies!