Larabars Recipe

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4.98 from 38 votes
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These homemade larabars are an easy and simple recipe that comes with ten flavor options! They make a healthy and all-natural snack that everyone will adore! 

lara bars.

If you’ve made our protein bar or granola bars before, you know that we prefer anything homemade versus anything store-bought.

We know what goes into them, they often taste better, and they are cheaper to boot. These homemade larabars are no different! 

Table of Contents
  1. What are larabars?
  2. Why you’ll love this homemade larabar recipe
  3. Larabar ingredients
  4. How to make Homemade Larabars
  5. Flavor variations
  6. Tips to make the best recipe
  7. Storage instructions
  8. Recommended tools to make this recipe
  9. More healthy snacks to try
  10. Frequently asked questions
  11. Larabars (10 Flavors) (Recipe Card)

What are larabars?

Larabars are snack bars made with simple and natural ingredients such as dried fruits and nuts. They are great for those with dietary restrictions, as all their bars are naturally gluten free, dairy free, and vegan.

With minimal ingredient lists and fun flavors, Larabars offer a convenient and healthy snack or meal replacement option.

Why you’ll love this homemade larabar recipe

  • Cheaper than storebought. Larabars typically retail for around $3 per bar, which gets super expensive when you add it up! 
  • Simple ingredients. The only ingredients used are nuts, dried fruit, spices, and mix-ins! 
  • No baking required. Everything is made in just one blender or food processor. 
  • 10 flavor options. Just like the original larabars, this homemade recipe has tons of flavors to try. Homemade Larabars
  • Wholesome. Each bar is packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals! 
larabars.

Larabar ingredients

Depending on which flavor you choose, the nuts and dried fruit may differ slightly, but most use dates as the base. Here is what you’ll need for the base recipe:

  • Medjool dates. The most superior of all the date options available! These are soft, naturally gooey, and blend easily! If you don’t have Medjool dates, you will need to soak the dates in warm water for an hour before blending them down. 
  • Almonds and cashews. Raw and unsalted. 
  • Coconut. Unsweetened shredded coconut flakes. 
  • Coconut oil. Helps keep the bars sturdy and stable at room temperature.  

How to make Homemade Larabars

  • Step 1: Line an 8 x 8-inch pan or loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Step 2: In a high-speed blender or food processor, add your nuts and blend until a crumbly texture remains.
  • Step 3: Add your dates, shredded coconut, and coconut oil and blend until a thick dough remains. Ensure you scrape down the sides regularly to ensure it is fully incorporated.
  • Step 4: Transfer the Larabar batter into the lined pan. Refrigerate until firm.
  • Step 5: Slice into bars and enjoy.
homemade larabars.

Flavor variations

As we mentioned earlier, this post comes with ten flavors to try, including all the popular lara bars flavors: 

  • Cherry pie. 1 cup almonds, 3/4 cup Medjool dates, and 3/4 cup unsweetened dried cherries. 
  • Carrot cake. 3/4 cup almonds, 1/4 cup walnuts, 3/4 cup Medjool dates, 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup shredded coconut, 1/4 cup dried pineapple, 1/4 cup shredded carrots. 
  • Cashew cookie. 1 1/2 cups Medjool dates, 1/2 cup cashews, 1/4 teaspoon salt. 
  • Almond butter chocolate chip. 1 1/2 cups Medjool dates, 1/2 cup almonds, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips. 
  • Blueberry muffin. 1 cup cashews, 1 1/4 cups Medjool dates, 1/4 cup dried blueberries. 
  • Chocolate chip brownie. 3/4 cup almonds, 1/4 cup walnuts, 1 1/2 cups Medjool dates, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips. 
  • Chocolate chip cookie dough. 1 1/2 cups Medjool dates, 1/2 cup cashews, 1/4 cup chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt. 
  • Peanut butter jelly. 1 cup medjool dates, 1/2 cup dried cherries, 1/2 cup peanuts. 
  • Peanut butter cookie. 1 1/2 cups Medjool dates, 1/2 cup peanuts, 1/4 teaspoon salt. 
  • Cinnamon roll. 3/4 cup almonds, 1/4 cup walnuts, 3/4 cup dates, 1/4 cup raisins, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon. 

Tips to make the best recipe

  • Use quality ingredients. Fresh nuts and dried fruits are imperative to the best flavor and texture of the bars. Avoid using old or rancid nuts or dried fruit that lack moisture. 
  • Get the best consistency. If you find your mixture too thick, add a drop or two of water to get things moving. If you like chunkier textures, avoid over-processing.
  • Experiment with flavors. Sure, we have 10 lara bars flavors to try but feel free to experiment with their other flavors, like apple pie and pecan pie.
  • Change up the shape. While traditionally enjoyed as bars, you can shape them as balls (like energy or protein balls), cookies (like no bake cookies) or festive shapes too!

Storage instructions

To store: Leftover bars will become a little soft at room temperature, so keep them in the fridge, covered, for up to two months.

To freeze: Wrap the bars in parchment paper and place them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 6 months. 

  • Food processor. The MVP of kitchen tools for these bars. 
  • High speed blender. No food processor? If your blender has ice blending capabilities, you can use that instead! 
  • Square pan. To set before slicing! 
homemade lara bars.

More healthy snacks to try

Frequently asked questions

Are larabars healthy?

Compared to commercial snack bars loaded with refined sugar, lara bars make a healthy and wholesome snack that uses raw nuts and dried fruits in their base.

Are larabars whole30?

Some Larabars are suitable for those following a whole30 diet, including cherry pie, peanut butter cookie, and cashew cookie.

Are larabars gluten free?

Yes, lara bars are 100% gluten-free.

larabars recipe.

Larabars (10 Flavors)

4.98 from 38 votes
These homemade larabars are an easy and simple recipe that comes with ten flavor options! They make a healthy and all-natural snack that everyone will adore! 
Servings: 12 Bars
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Line an 8 x 8-inch pan or loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a high-speed blender or food processor, add your raw cashews and raw almonds and blend until a coarse texture remains- Do not over blend or you’ll be left with nut butter.
  • Add your pitted dates and blend until just combined. Add your unsweetened shredded coconut and continue blending, scraping down the sides at regular intervals. Once a thick dough remains, add your coconut oil and blend once more. 
  • Pour your batter into the lined pan and press firmly in place. Refrigerate until firm, before slicing into 12 bars. 

Notes

* You can omit the coconut oil completely. I kept it in because it added a smoother texture to the bars.
If the Larabar dough seems a little too wet, add some extra almonds or cashews. If the Larabar dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water. 
TO STORE: Leftover bars will become a little soft at room temperature, so keep them in the fridge, covered, for up to two months.
TO FREEZE: Wrap the bars in parchment paper and place them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 6 months. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 3.5gFat: 4gFiber: 7gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 3.3mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.3mgNET CARBS: 6g
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    So delicious! I made these for some treats during our Whole 30 experience and they were amazing. A diabetic friend of mine really loved them too! East to make and just sweet enough!

  2. 5 stars
    Used walnuts for the cashews because that’s what I had on hand. My dates were def a little dry – added 2 TB water. Also added 2 tap drk cocoa powder. Yummy!

  3. I used walnuts instead of cashews because I didn’t have any. They were delicious!!! I will definitely make these again.

  4. Good morning. I’ve tried making these 2x now and I am unable to get them to chewy. Mine seem to fall apart easily. Any suggestions on what I might do to do a better job at getting them to look like the photo?

  5. Hello! Do you think these would work without the almonds? Substituting pecans or pine nuts perhaps? I am annoyingly allergic to almonds…