Unlock the secret to effortless, wholesome snacking with these incredible homemade Larabars! Crafted from simple, natural ingredients like almonds and dates, these delightful bars offer endless possibilities for customization. Whether you crave the rich indulgence of chocolate, the tropical zest of coconut, the buttery crunch of cashews, or the comforting taste of apple pie, you can create your perfect healthy treat right at home. Best of all, these bars are inherently paleo, Whole30 compliant, budget-friendly, incredibly easy to make, and naturally gluten-free. Say goodbye to expensive store-bought versions and hello to a world of delicious, nutritious, and personalized energy bars!
You might wonder why bother making your own healthy snack bars when you can easily buy them. The answer lies in a trifecta of benefits: unparalleled ease, significant cost savings, and boundless customization. Crafting these date and nut bars at home is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal effort and no baking. When you purchase ingredients in bulk, you’ll find that the homemade version is remarkably more economical than its store-bought counterparts. But perhaps the most compelling reason to embrace the DIY approach is the sheer joy of tailoring each bar to your exact dietary needs or cravings. From paleo snacks to specific flavor profiles, these gluten-free energy bars can be precisely what you want them to be. And, as many have discovered, the biggest draw of these indispensable homemade Larabars is their unbelievably terrific taste, far surpassing anything you’ll find pre-packaged.
The core recipe provided here guides you through making classic cherry pie Larabars, a sweet and tangy favorite. However, we’ve also included an extensive array of exciting variations below the recipe, allowing you to explore flavors like dark chocolate brownie, banana bread, PB&J, cookie dough, apple pie, and many more. Don’t hesitate to let your culinary imagination run wild and experiment with your own unique creations. We’d love to hear about your loveliest homemade Larabar innovations in the comments section! These recipes are brought to you by David Leite.
Why Make Your Own Homemade Larabars?
Choosing to create your own Larabars at home offers a multitude of advantages that extend beyond just a tasty snack. It’s about taking control of your health, your budget, and your taste buds. Here’s a closer look at why these easy no-bake snacks are a game-changer:
- Unmatched Freshness and Flavor: Store-bought bars, while convenient, can sometimes taste stale or overly processed due to manufacturing and shelf life requirements. Homemade Larabars, on the other hand, burst with the vibrant, natural flavors of freshly chopped nuts and moist dried fruit. The difference is truly remarkable, offering a superior sensory experience with every bite.
- Significant Cost Savings: Pre-packaged energy bars can be quite expensive, especially if you consume them regularly. By purchasing ingredients like almonds, cashews, and dates in bulk, you can drastically reduce the cost per bar. This makes healthy snacking more accessible and sustainable for your wallet without compromising on quality or taste.
- Complete Ingredient Control: One of the biggest benefits of making your own Larabars is knowing exactly what goes into them. You can avoid unwanted additives, artificial flavors, excessive sugars, and preservatives commonly found in commercial products. This is particularly important for those following specific diets like paleo or Whole30, or managing allergies, ensuring your snack is as clean and wholesome as possible.
- Endless Customization Possibilities: The beauty of homemade Larabars lies in their incredible versatility. The basic formula of nuts and dates serves as a perfect canvas for countless flavor combinations. Don’t like walnuts? Swap them for pecans! Craving a citrus twist? Add some lemon zest. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your personal preferences, dietary restrictions, or whatever ingredients you have on hand, creating truly unique and satisfying snacks.
- Dietary Compliance Made Easy: For individuals adhering to specific eating plans such as paleo, Whole30, or gluten-free, finding suitable store-bought snacks can be a challenge. These homemade Larabars naturally fit these dietary requirements, providing a reliable and delicious option that you can trust. You can even experiment with nut-free versions using seeds for allergy considerations.
- Quick and Simple Preparation: Despite their gourmet taste, these Larabars are surprisingly easy to whip up. With a food processor and just a few minutes of active time, you can transform whole ingredients into a batch of delicious bars. They’re perfect for busy schedules, meal prepping, or spontaneous snack cravings.
Embracing homemade Larabars means enjoying a superior snack experience that is healthier, more economical, and perfectly tailored to you. They’re not just a snack; they’re a smart, delicious lifestyle choice.
Homemade Larabars FAQs
For the absolute best results with this homemade Larabars recipe, we highly recommend using soft, whole Medjool dates. Their naturally caramel-like flavor and extremely soft, moist texture make them ideal for creating that signature chewy Larabar consistency. However, if Medjool dates aren’t available, any soft, pitted whole dates will work well. If pre-chopped dates are all you can find, they are also acceptable. When using pre-chopped dates, remember they generally require less soaking time—just 2 to 3 minutes—to prevent them from disintegrating. It’s best to soak them separately from any other dried fruits in your recipe. Don’t worry if your pre-chopped dates come with an oat flour or sugar coating; a quick rinse during the soaking process will wash it away, leaving you with perfectly prepared fruit.
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and texture of your homemade energy bars. Once formed and cut, tightly wrap each individual Larabar in plastic wrap. Stored this way, they will remain fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking. For longer preservation, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If you want to prepare a large batch in advance, these bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When enjoying frozen Larabars, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before eating to achieve their optimal chewy texture.
If your Larabar mixture isn’t coming together, the most common culprit is overly dry dates or other dried fruit. Dates provide the essential moisture and stickiness needed to bind the nuts. Ensure you’re using soft, moist dates, and if they feel dry, increase their soaking time slightly. Process the mixture in your food processor for long enough—until it forms a ball and sticks to the sides of the bowl. If it still seems too dry, try adding a tablespoon of warm water at a time while processing until the desired consistency is achieved. Patience with processing is key for that perfect, cohesive bar.
Absolutely! One of the greatest advantages of making your own Larabars is the flexibility to customize them. The base recipe typically uses almonds, but you can easily swap them for cashews, walnuts, pecans, or even a blend of your favorite nuts. For those with nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be used as alternatives, though the texture may vary slightly. Similarly, while dates are crucial for binding, you can experiment with other dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots, or dried blueberries. Just be mindful of their moisture content and adjust soaking times accordingly to ensure your mixture binds properly.
Homemade Larabars
David Leite
Ingredients
For Cherry Pie Larabars
- Mild olive oil, vegetable, or coconut oil, for the pan
- 1 cup packed dried cherries
- 1/4 cup packed, pitted, soft whole dates
- 1 cup warm water, for soaking the fruit
- 1 cup raw almonds
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1/4 teaspoon
ground cinnamon - 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt, (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare your loaf pan: Tear off a generously sized piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Press it firmly into a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, ensuring there’s enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars later. If using plastic wrap, lightly slick it with a mild olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil to prevent sticking.
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Soak the fruit: In a small bowl, combine the dried cherries, dates, and warm water. Allow them to stand for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the fruit becomes noticeably soft and pliable. The exact soaking time will depend on how dry your fruit is initially. If your dried fruit is already exceptionally soft and moist, you can confidently skip this soaking step entirely.
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Dry the fruit: Carefully drain the softened fruit, discarding the soaking water. It’s crucial to pat the fruit completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the bars from binding properly and affect their final texture.
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Process the almonds: Meanwhile, place the raw almonds into a food processor. Process them until they are finely chopped but still retain some texture, avoiding over-processing to a paste-like consistency.
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Combine and process the mixture: Add the thoroughly drained and dried fruit, ground cinnamon, and sea salt (if using) to the food processor with the chopped almonds. Pulse the mixture until the fruit is finely chopped and the entire Larabar mixture begins to stick together, clumping against the sides of the bowl. You’ll know it’s ready when your food processor starts to “hop” or struggle slightly, indicating a thick, cohesive mass. This step may take up to 2 minutes of processing.
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Form the bars: Transfer the sticky Larabar mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Get creative here—you can form the mixture into any size or shape you desire! Place another large piece of parchment paper or oil-slicked plastic wrap on top of the bar mixture. Use this to firmly press and flatten the mixture evenly into the pan. For extra compactness, if you have a second loaf pan, you can nestle it inside the first and press down to achieve a perfectly flat, dense mixture. Leave the top paper or wrap in place. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the bars to firm up.
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Cut and wrap: Using the overhang of paper or wrap, carefully lift the compacted bar mixture from the loaf pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Discard the paper or wrap. Using a sharp knife, cut the rectangle into 6 evenly sized bars. For optimal freshness and portability, tightly wrap each individual bar in plastic wrap.
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Enjoy and store: Your delicious homemade Larabars are now ready to enjoy! They will keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks. For extended freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months. If frozen, remember to let the bar thaw for approximately 1 hour before attempting to bite into it for the best texture.
Creative Larabar Flavor Variations
Unlock a world of flavors with these exciting Larabar variations. Each one offers a unique taste profile, proving just how versatile your homemade creations can be!
Dark Chocolate Brownie Larabars: Indulge your chocolate cravings with this rich and fudgy variation, perfect for a healthy dessert or energizing snack.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 cup packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1 cup warm water; 1/2 cup raw almonds; 1/2 cup raw walnuts; 3 tablespoons bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Apple Pie Larabars: Capture the comforting essence of apple pie in a chewy, wholesome bar, featuring a delightful blend of dried apples and warm spices.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 cup dried apples; 1/4 cup packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1 cup warm water; 1 cup raw pecans or walnuts; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Cashew Cookie Larabars: A simple yet utterly delicious bar that highlights the creamy, buttery flavor of cashews, with an optional hint of chocolate.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 1/4 cups packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1 cup warm water; 1 cup raw cashews; 3 tablespoons bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips (optional); and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Peanut Cookie Dough Larabars: Satisfy your cookie dough desires with this peanut-rich variation, offering a satisfying chew and optional chocolate chips. [Editor’s Note: The use of peanuts makes this version not acceptable on the Whole30 plan.]
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 1/4 cups packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1 cup warm water; 1 cup raw peanuts; 3 tablespoons bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips (optional); and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Pecan Pie Larabars: Experience the rich, nutty goodness of pecan pie in a convenient bar format, a perfect blend of sweet dates and earthy pecans.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 1/4 cups packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1 cup warm water; 1/4 cup raw almonds; 3/4 cup raw pecans; and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Gingerbread Larabars: A warming, spiced treat that evokes the festive flavors of gingerbread cookies, ideal for cooler weather or a comforting snack.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 1/4 cups packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1/2 cup raw almonds; 1/2 cup raw pecans; 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves.
PB & J Larabars: The classic childhood favorite, reimagined as a wholesome and portable snack with the delightful combination of peanuts and dried cherries. [Editor’s Note: The use of peanuts makes this version not acceptable on the Whole30 plan.]
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1/2 cup packed dried cherries; 3/4 cup packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1 cup warm water; 1 cup raw or roasted peanuts; 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Cappuccino Larabars: For coffee lovers, this sophisticated bar offers a subtle coffee kick paired with creamy cashews and almonds, a perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 1/4 cups packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1 cup warm water; 1/2 cup raw almonds; 1/2 cup raw cashews; 1 tablespoon roasted coffee beans; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Tropical Escape Larabars: Transport yourself to a sunny island with this exotic blend of dried pineapple, cashews, and a hint of citrus zest.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 cup dried, unsweetened pineapple; 1 cup warm water; 1 cup raw cashews; 1/4 cup dried, unsweetened flaked or shredded coconut; and 1 tablespoon finely grated tangerine or orange zest (preferably organic).
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Larabars: All the nostalgic flavors of a beloved cookie, transformed into a chewy, healthy bar with the goodness of oats and raisins.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 cup raisins; 1 cup warm water; 3/4 cup raw cashews; 3/4 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking rolled oats; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Blueberry Cobbler Larabars: A sweet and tangy treat reminiscent of a freshly baked cobbler, featuring dried blueberries, walnuts, and a touch of lemon.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 cup packed dried blueberries; 1/4 cup packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1 cup warm water; 3/4 cup raw walnuts or raw pecans; 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (preferably organic); and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Carrot Cake Larabars: Enjoy the spiced sweetness of carrot cake in a wholesome bar, complete with shredded carrots, pineapple, coconut, and warming spices.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1/2 cup packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup dried, unsweetened pineapple; 1 cup warm water; 1 cup raw walnuts; 1/4 cup peeled, shredded carrots; 1/4 cup unsweetened flake or shredded coconut; 2 teaspoons coconut oil; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Apricot Ambrosia Larabars: A sunny and sweet bar with the vibrant taste of apricots, complemented by almonds, coconut, and a hint of cinnamon.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 1/4 cups dried apricots; 1 cup warm water; 2/3 cup raw almonds; 1/2 cup unsweetened flaked or shredded coconut; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Key Lime Larabars: Zesty and refreshing, these bars capture the bright, tangy flavor of Key lime pie, balanced by creamy cashews and sweet coconut.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 cup packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1 cup warm water; 1 cup raw cashews; 1/3 cup unsweetened flaked or shredded coconut; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest (preferably organic); and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Lemon Pie Larabars: A delightful burst of lemony goodness in a chewy bar, combining the sweetness of dates with the bright tang of fresh lemon.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 1/4 cups packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1 cup warm water; 1/2 cup raw almonds; 1/2 cup raw cashews; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (preferably organic); and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Coconut Cream Larabars: Simple, creamy, and wonderfully tropical, these bars highlight the rich flavor of coconut with a soft cashew base.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 cup packed, pitted, soft whole dates; 1 cup warm water; 1 cup raw cashews; 1/2 cup unsweetened flake or shredded coconut; and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional).
Banana Bread Larabars: All the comforting, sweet flavor of classic banana bread, now in a convenient and healthy no-bake bar.
Prepare the bars according to the above recipe, substituting the following ingredients: 1 cup raw or dry roasted almonds; 1 cup dried bananas; and 1 cup Medjool dates.
Adapted From
Power Hungry
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Testers’ Reviews: What Our Community Says
Natalie Reebel
Natalie found this Larabar recipe a “dream come true” – healthful, easy, and quick to assemble. She loved the cashew cookie and cappuccino variations, with her husband even preferring them to the packaged brand. She noted the recipe’s forgiving nature, allowing for interchangeable nuts, and plans to experiment with pumpkin pie spice for new flavor creations.
Dawn English
Dawn raved about these “fantastic, healthy, no-cook” bars, finding them incredibly delicious and quick to make. She made multiple batches, including cherry pie, blueberry cobbler (her favorite), pecan pie, cashew, and banana bread, even drying her own bananas. Her key tips include using very moist dates and pressing the mixture carefully with parchment paper for even bars.
Lori Widmeyer
Lori, new to Larabars, was impressed by the recipe’s simplicity. She soaked her dried fruit and prepared standard, blueberry cobbler, key lime, and oatmeal raisin cookie bars, all of which were a hit with her family. She suggested labeling the wrapped bars for easy identification and found using the same loaf pan for multiple batches convenient.
Joan Osborne
Joan made the delicious dark chocolate brownie bars, noting their fantastic taste despite some difficulty with them holding together, possibly due to not pressing them firmly enough. She appreciated the natural sweetness from dates and plans to make them again, highlighting the no-added-sugar benefit.
Sofia Reino
Sofia, a Larabar enthusiast, declared this recipe a “Sunday staple.” She tested apple pie, cappuccino (her favorite), oatmeal raisin cookie, blueberry cobbler, and dark chocolate brownie, with each family member finding a favorite. She noted the thinner bars but celebrated the versatility and ability to create new flavors like mocha and dried mango with nuts.
Tracey G.
Tracey, who used to spend a fortune on Larabars, was thrilled to make them at home for much less. She tried the dark chocolate brownie variation, found them intensely chocolatey and just as tasty as the original, though slightly less moist. She advises doubling or tripling the recipe to always have them on hand for cravings.
Victoria Filippi
Victoria found the cherry pie bars chewy, tart, and wonderful. She praised their ease of making and health benefits, seeing them as an exceptional sweet treat even for diets like “Eat to Live.” She used whole, soft dates and found her cherries didn’t require soaking, making the process even simpler.
Erin W.
Erin highlighted the speed and versatility of these bars, even managing to make them while packing school lunches. She made the cherry pie bars and appreciated how the cinnamon blended beautifully by the next day. Her tip for even bars involves using a second bread pan to uniformly press the mixture flat after lining with plastic wrap.
Michelle P.
Michelle found the bars incredibly easy and a hit with her family, with her husband comparing them to Christmas candy and her child wanting more. She made the cherry pie version, adding a couple tablespoons of water when her fruit wasn’t moist enough, and successfully achieved the right consistency. She recommends them as a versatile snack that could pass as dessert or breakfast.
Trudy Ngo-Brown
Trudy praised the recipe’s speed and ease, highlighting its improvisational potential. She made Gingerbread (suggesting more cinnamon), Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, and Dark Chocolate Brownie, with the latter being the family favorite. She noted the texture was very similar to the brand-name bars and plans to make them frequently.
Robert McCune
Robert found the Cherry Pie and Pecan Pie bars significantly superior to store-bought versions, citing their fresh taste. He appreciates the natural ingredients and the flexibility to adjust flavors to personal taste, looking forward to trying all the variations and incorporating chocolate and citrus zest in future batches.
Beth Price
Beth warns that these bars are “addicting and so much better than the store-bought version.” She found the correct consistency was achieved when the mixture formed a ball and made the food processor “dance.” She noted the dark chocolate bars needed a bit of water and recommends cooking spray for easy release from plastic wrap.
Elie Nassar
Elie created a Cinnamon Roll Larabar variation based on a reader’s request. He found the raisins and dates moist enough not to require soaking, resulting in a nice cinnamon flavor from walnuts, which his youngest said tasted like cinnamon toast crunch. His recipe achieved a calorie count very close to commercial Larabars.
Sarah Kenney
Sarah also aimed to replicate Cinnamon Bars, soaking dates and raisins before forming them into balls. She noted the taste was good but suggested more cinnamon. She meticulously calculated nutritional info for her version, providing precise ingredient adjustments to match the calorie and macro profile of store-bought Larabars more closely.
Shauna Hinchen-Joyal
Shauna created a Cinnamon Roll Larabar variation, using golden raisins, dates, almonds, walnuts, and a generous amount of cinnamon. She soaked her dried fruits to soften them and found the resulting bars delicious, filling, nutty, and perfectly cinnamon-y, just like a cinnamon bun.