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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.
Ters says
Thank you!! I finally bought some dates just to try out this recipe and they were so delicious and super easy. I made the peanut butter version as well as the granola version and they both were a big hit with my husband and out 2-year-old. I'm going to try some with dried carnberries next!
Lisa says
I made Lemon Lara bars after buying a few different types. Well of course they were super easy, but they are also our flavor of choice so far. Just lemon zest and a little lemon juice mixed with dates and cashews. Yummmm! My 2 year old cannot get enough of them:)
Gracie says
Larabar company supports PROP 37! Glad you are making your own bars now. Fight GMO's
Rachel says
Thanks for the post! You should also check out the following website for more delicious homemade larabar recipes. Chocolate Covered Katie is a vegan healthy dessert blog and her recipes are nothing short of fabulous! She makes her larabars into balls and calls them Fudge Babies-Girl Scout Cookie is my favorite flavor and includes unsweetened coconut.
http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/chocolate-covered-recipes/fudge-baby-mania/
Michelle says
Another reason to make them yourself:
http://www.naturalnews.com/036834_Kashi_Larabar_boycott.html
Debbie says
I cannot wait to try these.
Randi says
Does anyone have a problem with them being oily? I tried two different kinds of peanut butter but still pretty oily.
Taylor says
I did also! I made the cashew cookie and I am not sure if I did something wrong. I mean really oily...
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Taylor. Try not letting it stay in the processor so long...the longer it goes around the more oil released from the nuts. Jill
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Randi. I have found they can sometimes get a little oily if you run them in the processor too long. Maybe try shortening that time a little. Jill
Dianna says
I can't find the dates you use.... All I could find were Sunsweet brand California dates? Is that a major no-no?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Dianna. Others have reported using them and they've had success. The Mejdool dates are found in the produce section. I know I've seen them at the conventional grocery stores as well. Jill
Elisa says
I made peanut butter larbars and rolled them in oats. My sons, husband and I all loved them. Unfortunately, my husband is allergic to a preservative or pesticide(we think) that we haven't identified yet. I made them with the Sunsweet brand and he had a reaction. I am going to try the Natural Delights brand and see what happens.
Ann Shaw says
Can you freeze these?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Yes, I don't see why not, although they will stay in the refrigerator for probably a week or 2 as well. Mine never last long enough to freeze! :-) Jill
Jenny says
I just made these (the nut free version, using sunflower seeds). OH MY GOODNESS! They were divine!!!
Dani @ Fitness Food And Style says
We absolutely love these!!! We sometimes make them into small balls and roll in cocoa, shredded coconut, gogi berries or crushed pistachios for the kids lunches. Our kids are converted "clean eaters" ;)))) so glad I found your blog xxDani
Diana @ Eating Made Easy says
These look great! Such a good, quick snack idea.
Leslie K says
Question - I used dates, sunflower seeds, almonds, coconut and cocoa powder, but I got a little carried away with the water. Even after refrigerating, they're the consistency of cookie dough. What can I do to tighten it up a little?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Leslie. I would think if you just decrease the water that would help. Jill
Kristin says
I always buy the Lara bars so, I'm super excited to try and make some of my own! Do you think I could substitute pitted prunes for dates? It's what I have on hand. ;)
Lisa says
You could certainly try that, but I don't think it would be nearly as good...the dates are rather sweet.
Amy says
Love this idea so I tried some tonight. I don't have a food processor so I used my blendtec blender. It seemed so stiff the blender was choking so I added water now I can't get it to a solid consistency. I keep adding dates up to almost 1.5 c. . Do you think it's the blender? I guess if I can't make bard from it, I can always use it as a spread.
Lisa says
I have not tried them in a blender yet myself, but from your experience it doesn't sound like it worked as well as the food processor. Good to know!
christy says
My husband can't digest nuts well (not alergic) so I sub nut butter that I either buy or make first and they taste almost as good (a little less crunch).
Jan says
Dates and cashews are super expensive but Larabars are $1- I wonder how much the home made cost to make?
christy says
I get 6 bars from about 15 dates and 1/2 c peanuts or nut butter, etc. so less than a dollar. Plus I love the way I can choose the variety and also add protien.
Geet says
I just made the cashew cookie bar and they are amazing.i added less dates and peanut butter though because yesterday when I made them thy were too sugary for me.I was sugar wasted lol.
Brittany says
You inspired me to look for Lara Bars when I was at Whole Foods. 5 ingredients! Can't beat that! I have to admit, the first bite was...surprising but as I fought through it I actually began to enjoy it! I'm sold. I will have to add oats or something to sell the kids on it though! Thank you.
Allegra says
Thank you for sharing this recipe! I will have to try this. Even though I eat healthy real food... I have never made my own granola bar or protein bar. Eating healthy can be overwhelming. It's all a journey, you know? I went from not being able to boil water and constantly eating out, to eating organic (lots of organic junk food!) to making simple meals at home, to fancier meals... now I'm working on expanding my horizons and making things from scratch like chicken broth and now... Larabars! Yay!
Morgan says
Made these a few days ago and they were delicious! I have never had a larabar but have seen them referenced on this site. I wasn't really sure though how big they are supposed to be. Mine were tiny when I tried to get 12 squares out of the recipe. Can you give me some dimensions?
Lisa says
Morgan - You can make them whatever size you'd like...the ones pictured are the size that mine came out (hopefully you can use my daughter's hand in the picture as a reference!).
kathy bradford says
Do you find that it is cheaper to make these as opposed to buying them? I've been buying them and wondered if they were worth the extra cost. Thanks
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kathy. I haven't actually priced them out, but, I'm guessing it is cheaper to make them. Not to mention, I actually think the homemade ones are tastier :-). Jill
Courtney says
Hi, I did some pricing on these yesterday actually. It really depends on where you are getting your ingredients and if the larabars are on sale. At my earthfare, the dates are 6.99/lb. Yesterday I was in Publix, where the same brand is 6.59/lb, but they have another brand as well that I THINK was 4.99/lb. This week, Publix also had larabars on sale for $1 each and I had a coupon for $1 off 3 (so, $.75 each). I was able to make two batches of larabars out of slightly less than a pound of dates at earthfare ($5.83 at $6.99/lb...I had already bought them before I realized Publix even stocked them). I cut them smaller than a regular larabar, but I would estimate I got enough for 5 or 6 regular size larabars. With the other ingredients I added in, I think it would come out to slightly above $1 each. So, if I had gotten the cheaper dates at Publix, they would have definitely been cheaper, but as is, I think it came out to about the same price (but much yummier).
Lisa says
Good to know Courtney...thanks for sharing!
Lori B. says
Really appreciate when people take the time to do the math. thanks!!!!
Lori B. says
Just bought fresh dates in the produce section at Kroger in Atlanta for $3.49/lb very pleased!
Amber Massengill says
Just made the cashew ones. Yum!!!! Haven't ever had these before, but have been looking for more snack ideas for the kids. Can't wait for them to wake up from their naps to try these!
S says
Yum-o! I made the peanut butter version last night. Easy Peasy! I could so imagine adding a little coconut to the mixture after removing from the food processor, or a few small chocolate chips for a treat. Thanks for sharing the simple recipe.
Colleen Grossner says
Lisa, what an awesome post! So organized and filled with options! I want to try your whole made granola! I thought I would add my "Laraballs" post here, in case anyone is interested in different flavors. I think the most popular one is Skinny Mints (sort of a Girl Scout Thin Mints flavor), and as a few others mentioned, dried cherries are SO yummy, like in a PB&J flavor! Happy day to everybody! Oh, here's the link! http://fresh-you.blogspot.com/2002/01/learn-about-laraballs.html Yum, so awesome that these treats are GOOD FOR YOU!
Lisa says
These look so good. I am going to try these tomorrow. I have been looking for this recipe and I am so happy to see you have. Thanks so much for this!
Beth says
Made the cashew bars today, (after my 10 year old had to help me figure out my new food processor, how sad for me!!) and must say they were worth the fight!! They taste just like the cashew Larabars!! Can't wait to make the other favors!
Lori B. says
I am a total loser and have never had a Larabar. I always think protein bars taste nasty.... then..... OMG!!! I just had the chocolate brownie one and almost died! Knowing that a homemade one could be better I am going to Costco tomorrow to get those dates!!! I will never.....ever crave a traditional brownie again!!! Holy Crap!! I cant stop thinking about that fantastic bar!
christy says
after eating real foods and homemade larabars I happened to get a conventional protien bar to take to relay for life and after one bite I couldn't eat it because all i could taste was chemicals. My 6 year old wanted some and after one bite made a face and wouldnt eat any more. Now that i make my own the regular larabars even have a little taste but I always keep a few in my car for emergencies. If i could only figure out how to preserve mine in the florida heat that would be great.
Rebecca Prange says
Hey Christy,
How about freezing them, then keep them in a tiny cooler or insulated lunch bag or insulated cup with lid. You could wrap them in parchment paper and cover with ice, too.
Lori B. says
Just made these for the 3rd time! Oh so simple and easy to change up the flavors. I make them into 1Tablespoon balls with a cookie scoop, then I roll them into smooth balls. I started making them with some added chocolate chips and have started to cut back on them. My kids just love them!
Natalie says
Jen M. I just added white beans to mine and they are great. (about 1/2 cup). They were sticky (dates, peanut butter). I added oatmeal and then rolled them in nuts. You'll have to play with it. I add white beans to many things! (Even pureed into pancakes!)
Jen M says
Have you tried adding protein powder to them? They look yummy but I am always trying to add protein where I can.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jen. No, I have not tried protein powder. Peanut butter is also a good option for protein which some of the recipes call for. Jill
christy says
I regularly add protien powder, which dries them so I have to add extra water. I always go in this order in my food processor
Dates, raisins and dried fruit
nuts or seeds or coconut
nut butter
flax meal and protien powder
water to get right moisture
The possibilities are endless starting with the basic half and half dates and nuts. be careful of dried fruit though because so much has added sugar.
Mama Jenn says
Thanks so much! I finally figured out where the Lara bars were in my grocer's section, bought some(although I cringed at the price) and my entire family thought they were delicious! I was trying to figure out a way to incorporate them into our budget. Thanks for posting the recipe, I can't wait to try it soon!
liz says
Hi I'm a new blogger check this out!! Oh and these lara bars are sooo good much better than the store!!
Kristin says
Thank you Lisa for all of your hard work and determination in the kitchen. The Lara Bars are excellent and my entire family loves them! You are such an inspiration and have inspired me to chair a wellness group within our school. It's hard to change societies way of thinking (sugary snacks for rewards, etc.) When I need a pick-me-up I just go to your site, and it always works!
Thanks!
Desiree says
I love making my own lara bars. My new favorite is dried cherries, unsweetened coconut, and almonds---so good. I have a video here making them if you http://www.unconventionalkitchen.com/homemade-lara-bar-recipe want to see them made. Sometimes that helps me to have a visual.
Denise says
Thank you! Thank you! I think its great that you included a nut free recipe. As a parent of a child with severe tree nut allergies I know to look at every package and to be especially careful with finding out if seeds and dried fruit are manufactured in a facility with tree nuts. I don't expect everybody who writes recipes to do that research for me. The fact that you even thought to include a nut free version is awesome. I have found safe sunflower seeds in bulk online. I'm assuming and hoping I can find some safe dates. If not I will sub organic raisins. The granola flavored bars could also be made nut free by using a nut free granola recipe. The peanut butter recipe would work with sunbutter. I bet the crunchy style one would work great. I finally got a food processor so I will be experimenting as soon as I get those seeds in the mail.
Angela says
These seem so wonderful. Do you think dried cranberries and blueberries would make a good variation for a change of pace?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Angela - I have not tried them, but, it sounds like a lot of readers have had success with different varieties of dried fruit. Jill
Amanda says
Made your recipe yesterday, and they are DELICIOUS! What a fabulous treat to have when craving something sweet!
Martha Urquhart says
Hello: I have been making snack bars and selling them at farmer's markets for almost a year. I've been told that they remind people of the "larabars" (which I had not heard about until then).
I don't use peanut butter as there are too many allergies to peanuts. I do use flaxseed to get the Omega-3's and antioxidants (and fibre) that flaxseed offers.
They do taste great! Mine have even less ingredients in them so are even less complicated. Healthy eating really is simple! And it's amazing how great one feels when one is choosing whole foods over the processed foods.
Martha
Cindy says
May I have your recipe? Pretty please? [email protected]. I'm in Arizona.
Pam@behealthybehappywellness says
I make these all the time - I do put a bit of sea salt in my peanut butter ones, and sometimes I'll add a bit of dark chocolate. YUM! Another thing I often do is roll them into balls instead of forming bars - easier for the kids to eat a few as they often don't want a whole bar.
Ann says
Do you make your own yogurt?? I just started doing this about 3 months ago! It is the most amazing yogurt ever! I think my yogurt maker is probably one of my favorite purchases ever! If you haven't done it before you should try it. It's simple and the plain yogurt (I use whole milk) doesn't need any sweeteners beside fruit or berries. Yum!
I have made Lara bars before and thought they tasted good but were such a sticky mess I haven't done it for a while. I am inclined to try your recipes though!
I do love your blog!