How to Make Larabars at Home
My kids are huge fans of Larabars, and I adore the variety of flavors and wholesome ingredients they offer. However, the cost can add up quickly. That’s why I switched to making them at home, and I’ve never looked back. With basic ingredients and a bit of creativity, whipping up homemade Larabars is a breeze. I’ve found buying fruits and nuts in bulk from Costco not only saves money but also adds an element of fun as we experiment with different flavor combinations. After much experimentation, I’ve found the perfect balance of dried fruits and nuts to create Larabars that hold together without being overly sticky or oily, making them easy for toddlers to chew. And I’m going to share them all here! Be sure to read the “tips for success” section. You can even shape these into balls, like these bliss balls, apricot balls, and chocolate balls.
Ingredients
You will need 1 1/4 cups of dried fruits to 1 cup of nuts to achieve the perfect harmony of sweetness and nuttiness in every Larabar.
Nuts – Common nuts for Larabars include walnuts, almonds, cashews, and pecans. Pistachios, peanuts, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts are also options, each offering unique flavors. Consider the flavor profile of each nut when choosing. Dried fruit – Common dried fruits for Larabars include dates, figs, raisins, apricots, cherries, and apples. Each adds different flavors and health benefits to your bars. Experiment with combinations to find your favorite! Add-ins – Enhance the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of your Larabars. Here are some popular options: coconut (shredded or flakes), oats, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, sea salt, or spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for Success
The dried fruits need to be soft! If they’re not, you’ll need to soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes before blending. Be sure to drain and pat dry. You can easily double or triple the recipe. Simply add to a large square pan and press evenly. You can also shape the mixture into balls rather than bars or squares, like these bliss balls and apricot balls.
Variations
Feel free to experiment and discover your favorite combinations. Here are few ideas to get you started:
Cherry pie: Combine 1 cup almonds with 1 cup dried unsweetened cherries, 1/4 cup dates, a dash of salt, and ¼ tsp cinnamon. Apple pie: Combine ½ cup almonds and ½ of walnuts with 1 cup unsweetened dried apples, 1/4 cup dates, 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and a dash of salt. Pb and J: Process 1 cup peanuts with 1 cup packed dried cherries, 1/4 cup pitted dates, and a dash of salt.
Equipment
I highly suggest using a food processor when making these Larabars for a few reasons! It makes the whole process super easy and quick—just toss in your ingredients and let it do the work for you. Plus, it ensures everything gets blended together really well, giving your bars a smooth and consistent texture. A high-powered blender can also be used, but it will yield a slightly different consistency compared to a food processor.
Storage
Once these are cut into individual bars, separate with a piece of parchment paper and transfer to an airtight container and keep on the counter at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer keeping, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours in the fridge.
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