Easy Homemade Larabars Recipe | Wicked Spatula (2024)

These homemade Larabars not only taste amazing, but they are the perfect food to grab and go when you’re in a hurry! The best part? These paleo whole30 Larabars are super easy to make.

I love that these DIY Larabars only need 4 ingredients and 15 minutes of active prep time. And, it feels good to know my kids are getting a snack made with whole foods. Win-win! Plus, you can’t beat the flavor of toasted coconut and chocolate. Yum!

This homemade Larabar recipe stores well, making it perfect for road trips, work snacks, breakfast… just about anytime you want an easy-to-transport snack or meal.

What Is A Larabar?

A Larabar is a bar that is made of gluten-free, natural ingredients that comes in a variety of flavors. You can purchase Larabars at your local grocery store.

But, why buy them at the store when you can save tons of money by making copycat Larabars at home?

What’s In A Larabar?

Larabars are made with a blend of unsweetened fruit, nuts and spices. They are a great natural snack, but I prefer to make my own copycat Larabar recipe. It’s way cheaper, and I can customize it!

Are Larabars Healthy?

Yes, Larabars are healthy (yay for natural ingredients!)… but homemade ones are healthier! 😉

A bonus of this homemade Larabar recipe with dates is that it has less sugar than the store bought ones! How much depends on how big you cut them. Usually I get about 10 bars from one batch, but sometimes I’ll stretch it to 12.

If you make 10 bars, you’re looking at about 10 grams of sugar per bar. Compared to “real” ones, this is great! The chocolate coconut Larabar from the store has 22 grams of sugar, so you’re essentially cutting the sugar in half!

How To Make Homemade Larabars

In a skillet on low to medium heat add coconut. Brown just until the edges are a light golden brown color. Toasting the coconut will add tons of flavor to the homemade chocolate Larabars.

After browning the coconut, you can use it right away or store it in an airtight container until you are ready to use.

PRO TIP: Stir the coconut frequently, because it will burn quickly if left unattended. Toasting the coconut perfectly will enhance the flavor of the homemade Larabars tremendously.

Next, add the pitted dates, nuts, toasted coconut, and cacao powder to a food processor.

TIP: If your dates are not pitted, you can easily do it yourself. To pit dates, simply cut the date down the center until you hit the pit. Then you can reach in and remove the pit. Another method is to take an object like a chopstick and push on one end of the date until the pit pops out the other side.

Pulse the mixture until all ingredients are minced. Then blend until it turns into a ball.

Spread dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Carefully, mold into a square that is approximately ¾” thick.

Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until they are set up. Cut them into 10 – 12 bars and you are ready to serve.

Homemade Larabar Recipe Variations

Naturally, you can make these homemade Larabars just the way the instructions say, but sometimes it is nice to create a variety of the same recipe. Here are a few ideas of what you can put in when you make your own Larabar:

• Nuts – These are a must for DIY Larabars, but you can choose which ones to use! I used almonds, Brazil nuts and walnuts. Other great ones to try are pecans, macadamia nuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts. Steer clear of peanuts, which are not paleo or whole30 friendly, because they are legumes.
• Cinnamon – Adds a spicy flavor that pairs nicely with the chocolate.
• Raisins – Make sure you choose a variety that is no sugar added because raisins naturally are sweet. You don’t want to eat them all the time, but here and there they are generally okay.
• Sunflower Seeds – The seeds go together great with the chocolate and toasted coconut while adding an extra crunch.
• Allspice – Enhances the flavors and is perfect when you are craving some extra spiciness!

Can I Make Whole30 Larabars Into Bites Instead Of Bars?

Yes, you can make Whole30 Larabars into bites or energy balls if you prefer. It’s super easy to make this adjustment!

Simply follow the directions and instead of pressing the dough into a square, roll them into balls with your hands or use a cookie scoop.

How Long Do DIY Larabars Last In The Refrigerator?

DIY Larabars will last approximately 7 days if they are kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you keep them in the pantry, they will only last 2-3 days.

For best results and flavor, I recommend leaving them refrigerated until the day you are planning to eat them.

TIP: When you store this homemade Larabar recipe, place a piece of wax paper in the bottom of the container. This will prevent sticking, and you can layer the coconut Larabars easier.

Can You Freeze Homemade Larabars?

Yes, you can freeze homemade Larabars. Making a couple of batches ahead of time and freezing saves time and money. And, if your freezer is full of easy-to-grab food, you’re more likely to make good choices.

TIP: To freeze the Whole30 Larabars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or freezer bag, then place in an airtight container. Wrapping them separately will keep them from sticking to each other.

More Paleo Breakfast Ideas

Looking for more paleo breakfast ideas in addition to whole30 Larabars? Try these:

• Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins With Chocolate Ganache
• Chocolate Banana Creme Brulee Muffins

Find even more paleo breakfast recipes here.