I love Larabars because they are made of all natural ingredients, no gluten, no dairy, no sugar. But, trust me, the homemade ones are SO much better than the store bought ones. They really don’t even compare. The homemade ones taste so much better! I usually make a big batch, and keep them in my fridge in little baggies for a quick on the go snack. See the last time I shared a larabar recipe here.
There is no limit to the combinations you can do! Basically the base starts with a dried fruit or dates. But, be careful when selecting your dried fruit. Most of them have added sugar! I takes a while to find ones without sugar, just be sure to look at the ingredients. I was finally able to find dried natural cherries without added sugar at Trader Joe’s. Raisins usually don’t have any added sugar. Fresh dates, prunes, apricots, are also some you can find easily too. I still have yet to find dried cranberries without added sugar.
So, I start with a dried fruit, then add some kind of a nut. You can come up with a million different combinations.
Here are a few of my favorites lately!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Larabars
8-9 large pitted fresh Medjool dates
1/2 dried cherries (no sugar added)
pinch of sea salt
1 1/2 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
1 tbs natural peanut butter (no additives, just made from peanuts)
Place all of the ingredients in a large food processor, and pulse until finely chopped. Takes about 30 seconds to minute. Next place foil or parchment paper in a 9×9 baking dish. Press the pulsed ingredients into the pan, and let it set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Remove and cut into bars. Store in fridge.
Chocolate Almond Coconut Larabars
1 tbs good quality cocoa powder (I like Trader Joe’s or dutch processed cocoa powder)
10 large pitted fresh Medjool dates
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 1/2 cup raw unsalted almonds
pinch of sea salt
1 tablespoon natural almond butter (ingredients should only say almonds)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Place all of the ingredients in a large food processor, and pulse until finely chopped. Takes about 30 seconds to minute. Next place foil or parchment paper in a 9×9 baking dish. Press the pulsed ingredients into the pan, and let it set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Remove and cut into bars. Store in fridge.
Oatmeal Walnut Raisin Larabars
1 cup natural raisins
1/2 cup raw rolled oats
pinch of sea salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup unsalted walnuts
Place all of the ingredients in a large food processor, and pulse until finely chopped. Takes about 30 seconds to minute. Next place foil or parchment paper in a 9×9 baking dish. Press the pulsed ingredients into the pan, and let it set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Remove and cut into bars. Store in fridge.
I also like to make power balls, or energy balls. Basically you do the same thing, then roll them into balls instead of putting them in a baking sheet and cutting bars. They are easy to grab on the go as well, and I like to eat one before a morning workout if I don’t want to eat a heavy breakfast first.
Almond Oat Energy Balls
2 1/2 cup dates, I prefer Medjool dates (pitted)
1 1/4 raw almonds
2 tbs almond butter
1/4 cup raw old fashion oats
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 1/4 raw almonds
2 tbs almond butter
1/4 cup raw old fashion oats
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Place all of the ingredients in a large food processor, and pulse until finely chopped. Takes about 30 seconds to minute. Next, roll them into 2 inch balls, and place them in a airtight container in the fridge. Keep them stored in the fridge.
Enjoy!
I'm excited to try these. I've been looking for healthy snack ideas to keep my energy up throughout the day. Being a mom is hard work! Thanks for the recipe!
I am wanting to make these! The look and sound yummy! I just don't know what Medjool dates are or where to find them?