5-Min. Lara Balls {Copycat Larabar Recipe Made Easy}

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 A Copycat Larabar Recipe for delicious, homemade energy snacks. Learn how to create your favorite flavors with simple, healthy ingredients.

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Once upon a time, when I had a few little kids, we had a Sunday ritual of going to the local grocery store after church and grabbing Larabars and smoothies for lunch. I began to wonder if I could recreate this easy lunch at home and save a ton of money, especially as our little family started to grow. Not only did I have success with this copycat Larabar recipe, but we also like it even better than the original! I like to make them into balls because it’s quick and easy. However, you can also press the mixture into a lined pan, chill it, and slice it into bars. This snack is often our go-to on a busy day when I have nothing prepared. It takes just 5 minutes from start to finish and is always a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.

What Are Lara Balls?

Lara balls are our homemade copycat larabars. LÄRABARs are snack bars made from whole-food ingredients like dates, nuts, and fruits, typically containing five or fewer ingredients, making them gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. They come in various flavors, are naturally sweetened with fruits, and offer a convenient, nutrient-dense option for on-the-go snacking.

This recipe was featured in the following video: Easy homemade snacks from scratch

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Larabar Recipe

1. Flexible: These Lara Balls are just a combination of nuts and dates with a few fun mix-ins. Our go-to combination is almonds, pecans, dates, vanilla, and chocolate chips. However, you can pick any of your favorite ingredients and create a variety of flavors for your own custom Larabars. 

2. Easy to Make: This healthy snack is often our go-to on a busy day when I have nothing prepared. It takes me just 5 minutes from start to finish to make this copycat Larabar recipe. 

3. Natural Ingredients: Most processed snacks contain ingredients that we personally don’t feel comfortable feeding to our children, mainly preservatives and processed oils. That said, I don’t believe in making a big hairy deal out of eating processed snacks or candy once in a while, but I do try to use real ingredients when making things in my own kitchen. 

How to Make Lara Balls

1. Add the almonds, pecans, and pitted dates. Make sure to get all of the hard brown ends off of your dates too if they have them!
2. Run on medium speed until well combined and the ingredients begin to hold together. You’ll know it’s the right consistency when you can take out a pinch of the mixture and it easily forms into a ball instead of crumbling apart. If you find that it just isn’t holding together, add a few more dates. 
3. Add the vanilla and return to medium speed for 10 seconds, or until the vanilla has time to be fully incorporated into the mixture. 
4. Add the chocolate chips and pulse just a few times to combine.
5. Remove the blade. Using your hands, form the mixture into 3-inch balls.
6. Optionally, refrigerate until firm. This does make them less oily as well, but my family isn’t usually patient enough for this step.

Tips for Making Copycat Larabars Recipe

1. If you would like more traditional “bars” simply press the mixture into a lined baking dish, chill, and slice. 
2. Get a good food processor if you don’t already have one. They’re not easy to make by hand. 
3. Sometimes, the ingredients just don’t come together when you’re mixing them, and they remain crumbly. Adding a few more dates often fixes this problem.
4. If you pulse too much, your balls can get pretty greasy. One way to fix this, or if you’d like them to be a bit firmer, is to chill them in the fridge. And they do freeze well.
5. These are also great to pop in the freezer for a later date. Flash-freeze on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Then, add to a freezer safe bag or container. You can then remove just the number you need

How to Store Lara Balls

• Refrigeration: Store the finished bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 2 weeks when refrigerated.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before eating.
• Room Temperature: If you plan to consume them within a few days, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Copycat Larabar Recipe Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how many variations you can create. Here are a few ideas using simple ingredients: 

Flavor Additions:

1. Dried Fruits: Include dried cranberries, blueberries, cherries, or coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.
2. Spices: Enhance the flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, or a pinch of sea salt.
3. Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for a citrusy note.

Sweeteners:

1. Maple Syrup or Honey: Add a small amount if you want extra sweetness and moisture, though it’s typically unnecessary since dates are naturally sweet.
2. Agave Nectar: Use as a vegan sweetener alternative to honey.

Protein and Fiber Boost:

1. Protein Powder: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an added protein boost.
2. Oats: Incorporate rolled oats for additional fiber and texture.
3. Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds: Include these for a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Flavor Variations:

1. Peanut Butter Cookie: Combine dates, peanuts, and a touch of cocoa powder or chocolate chips.
2. Apple Pie: Use dried apples, almonds, cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg.
3. Coconut Lime: Mix dates, cashews, shredded coconut, and lime zest.
4. Berry Bliss: Blend dates, dried berries (such as cranberries or blueberries), and almonds or cashews.

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FAQs

Can Lara Balls Be Made Dairy-Free? 

Yes! You can make your Laraballs dairy-free by using dairy-free chocolate chips. Feel free to get creative with the add-ins, or switch up the nuts!

Can Lara Balls Be Made Gluten Free?

This recipe is gluten-free! 

Are Larabars Healthy?

Larabars can be a healthy choice for an occasional energy bar or snack when included in a balanced diet. While they shouldn’t replace a meal, they can be a good nutritional option as long as the natural sugars and calories fit within your dietary needs.

What can I use as a substitute for dates if I don’t have them?

You can use other dried fruits like raisins, prunes, or figs as a substitute for dates in your homemade energy bars.

How do I ensure my diy larabars have a chewy texture?

Make sure to process the ingredients until they form a thick paste and press the mixture firmly into the pan before chilling.

What are some healthy fat options for these bars?

Nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pecans are good choices as they provide healthy fats.

What are some good combinations for DIY LÄRABARs?

Try different combinations like peanut butter chocolate chip, pecan pie, or a mix of coconut flakes and dried fruit.

Can I use a loaf pan to shape my bars?

Yes, using a loaf pan lined with parchment paper is a good method for shaping and setting your bars before cutting them.

How do I cut the bars evenly?

Chill the mixture in the fridge before cutting. Use a sharp knife on a cutting board to cut the bars into your desired size.

Can I add protein to my bars?

Yes, adding chia seeds or protein powder can boost the protein content of your bars, making them more suitable as protein bars.

What are the best nuts to use for these bars?

Raw almonds, raw cashews, raw walnuts, and raw pecans are all good choices for making LÄRABARs.

Can I make these bars without added sugars?

Yes, using whole food ingredients like dates and dried fruit ensures that the bars are naturally sweet without added sugars.