DIY Lara Bars (Fruit & Nut Energy Bars)

Make your own straightforward DIY Lara bars (fruit & nut energy bars) in minutes (for less money) with a short list of ingredients and a food processor!

My love for LARA bars demanded several tries and multiple flavor variations before posting this recipe—I really wanted to get this as close to the real thing as possible.

Whether you’ve heard of them or not, LARA Bars are one of the most popular energy bars for two primary reasons: They (1) taste great; (2) are made with a short list of whole food ingredients.

If you have ever wondered if you can make them for yourself, the answer is a resounding YES! They are a cinch to make in a food processor and can be varied in almost endless ways to create your go-to flavor blends.

Recipe Benefits

• Straightforward to make
• No baking, no cooking
• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
• Gluten-free
• Grain-free
• Oil-free
• Versatile (one recipe, countless variations)

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.

The primary recipe for the LARA Bars is cherry. Multiple variations follow below.

• packed whole Medjool dates, (see notes for other dates options)
• dried tart cherries , (ordried cranberries)
• whole raw almonds

Ingredient Notes: Dates

• Medjool Date Options:Medjool dates are very soft. If using other varieties of whole dates, such as Noor dates, I recommend soaking in hot water for 15 minutes before using, to soften them. Drain well and pat dry after soaking
• Pre-Chopped Dates:Pre-chopped dried dates are less expensive than whole dates. However, they are typically coated with oat flour (to prevent sticking), and quite hard. Measure the dates and place them in a small bowl. Cover with warm water and let stand 3 to 5 minutes until softened, and then drain and pat dry. This softens the dates and removes any oat flour.

Step by Step Instructions

Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.

• Set out four pieces ofparchment paperor plastic wrap for shaping and wrapping the bars. Do this first; you’ll have sticky fingers when you need it.
• Place the dates and cherries in afood processor. Pulse until processed to a paste. Transfer paste to amedium bowl(don’t clean processor).
• Add the nuts to the processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the nuts, along with the cinnamon, to the bowl with the fruit paste. Use your fingers to knead the nuts into the paste (just keep squishing).
• Divide mixture ito 4 equal pieces. Place each piece on each of one of the sheets of plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic around each bar and start squishing into a bar shape form (3.5 inches long, 1 inch wide and 3/4-inch thick); press against countertop to flatten bottom side, flattening top side and ends with flat of hand.
• Tightly wrap the plastic around each bar and store in the refrigerator.

Variations

• Flavors:Look at the flavor options below for starting ideas
• Use Toasted or Roasted Nuts or Seeds:Original Lara bars use raw nuts and seeds. If you want to up the flavor, consider using roasted or toasted nuts or seeds. Using lightly salted roasted nuts or seeds is great if you like salty-sweet treats.
• Make Energy Balls: If you prefer, shape the dried fruit-nut dough into balls instead of bars. It’s a great candy alternative!

Flavor Ideas

• Tropical:Use tropical fruit bits (these come pre-packaged at the supermarket) in place of the dried cherries and use raw cashews for the nuts. Add 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest, and 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice to the mix.
• Lemon:Use all dates (3/4 cup) for the fruit and almonds or cashews for the nuts. Add 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Lime:Same as lemon, but use lime zest and lime juice.
• PB & J:Instead of dried cherries, use 1/4 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup raisins. Use roasted peanuts (lightly salted or unsalted) for the nuts.
• Blueberry Bliss:Replace the cherries with dried blueberries and use almonds for the nuts. Add 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, and a drop of almond extract to the mix.
• Cashew Cookie Dough:Use 1 cup cashews and 1/2 cup dates. If desired, add a few drops of vanilla extract.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:Same as cashew cookie dough, but add a pinch of cinnamon and 3 tablespoons finely chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate to the mix.
• Pistachio Heaven:Same as cashew cookie dough, but use raw pistachios and add a tiny drop of almond extract.
• Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:Same as cashew cookie dough but use raw or roasted (lightly salted) peanuts for the nuts.