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

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

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

SERVINGS

Add the almonds, pecans, and pitted dates to your food processor. Make sure to get all of the hard brown ends off of your dates too if they have them!
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.
Add the vanilla and return to medium speed for 10 seconds, or until the vanilla has time to be fully incorporated into the mixture.
Add the chocolate chips and pulse just a few times to combine.
Remove the blade. Using your hands, form the mixture into 3-inch balls.
Optionally, refrigerate until firm. This does make them less oily as well, but my family isn’t usually patient enough for this step.

If you would like more traditional “bars” simply press the mixture into a lined baking dish, chill, and slice.
Get a good food processor if you don’t already have one. They’re not easy to make by hand.
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.
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.
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

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.

Keyword lara balls

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