A kid snack that adults like too? And it’s made with all REAL ingredients? And it’s easy to make? What is it, what is it?! Homemade “Larabars”!…or as Em shouts, “Yarabaaars!” (gosh, I love 2-year-old speak).
Ever heard of a Larabar? They’re not only a scrumptious brand of snack bar, they’re one of the only ones I’ve seen that is made entirely out of ALL REAL INGREDIENTS. No high-fructose corn syrup, no artificial colors or flavors, no hard-to-pronounce ingredients that are added “for freshness”…just REAL FOOD INGREDIENTS. Things like dates, nuts, dried fruit and seeds. Sounds like bird food, I know…but they’re actually really, really good.
And for those with allergies, they’re also gluten-free, dairy-free, non-gmo, soy free and vegan…whew!
Given the simple ingredient list, Larabars are super easy to recreate at home. And although the original Larabars come in over twenty flavors, I had to try my hand at a few new flavors once I found this Larabar recipe from 100 Days of Real Food. Em and I came up with two delicious ones of our own…Cranberry Almond and Chocolate Chip Pecan.
You’ll need a food processor (a mini-prep will do just fine) to mix all of the ingredients together, but after a few pulses, they’re ready to eat. No chopping, no baking, no waiting! I like to store them in the fridge so they don’t get too soft. You can cut them into any shape you like, as big or as small as you like. I cut a few larger bars for myself and my hubby, and then cut some bite-sized pieces for a snack for Em.
Alright, enough talk…go make yourself some “Yarabaaars!”
Little Hands Can…
- Measure the ingredients and add them to the food processor (remind them not to touch the blade)
- Help mix the ingredients by pressing the buttons on the food processor
- Press the larabar mixture together to form a rectangle on a piece of wax paper
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup almond butter (look for almond butter that has only one ingredient: almonds)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¾ cup sliced almonds
- up to 1 tablespoon of water
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the pitted dates, almond butter, dried cranberries and almonds. Process for about 1 minute until the dates, cranberries and almonds are finely ground and the mixture starts to combine. If the mixture looks a bit dry, add 1 teaspoon of water and continue processing (one teaspoon of water is usually enough to help bring the mixture together). The mixture should come together, but not be too sticky. Add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed.
- Scoop the larabar mixture out onto a large piece of wax paper. Use your hands to flatten it out (about ½ -3/4 inch in thickness), and form it into a rectangle shape.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
- Wrap leftovers in wax paper and store in a resealable bag or container for up to a week.
Dates are very easy to pit. Simply slice them in half with a paring knife and pull out the oval-shaped pit before throwing them in your food processor.
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup peanut butter (look for peanut butter that has only one ingredient: peanuts)
- ¾ cup pecans
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- up to 1 tablespoon water
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the pitted dates, peanut butter, and pecans. Process for about 1 minute until the dates and pecans are finely ground and the mixture starts to combine. Then add the chocolate chips and continue to pulse to combine. If the mixture looks a bit dry, add 1 teaspoon of water and continue processing (one teaspoon of water is usually enough to help bring the mixture together). The mixture should come together, but not be too sticky. Add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed.
- Scoop the larabar mixture out onto a large piece of wax paper. Use your hands to flatten it out (about ½ -3/4 inch in thickness), and form it into a rectangle shape.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
- Wrap leftovers in wax paper and store in a resealable bag or container for up to a week.
Dates are very easy to pit. Simply slice them in half with a paring knife and pull out the oval-shaped pit before throwing them in your food processor.
Recipe adapted from 100 Days of Real Food (She also has a nut-free Larabar recipe!)
On the Side
Dates are sticky…cranberries are sticky…peanut butter is sticky… What else is sticky? With this recipe, we’re talking about all things “sticky” using a word web! Check out our “sticky” word web activity here!
Disclaimer: As with all of our recipes, my suggestions for how kids can help with a particular recipe are based on what has worked in our kitchen. Your child may be able to help more or less based on their age and/or ability. As always, make sure you are properly supervising kids in the kitchen.
Linda Toonen says
February 23, 2016 at 8:33 AMSally, once again, your recipe looks delicious! I’m getting many ideas for the potlucks at school. 🙂
Sally says
February 23, 2016 at 10:11 PMThank you so much! They’re really easy to make and a great snack.
Mary says
February 23, 2016 at 8:34 PMThank you Sally for this healthy recipe. Can’t wait to make it for the boys when they come to stay over Spring break.
Sally says
February 24, 2016 at 9:08 AMSounds great!