Love Larabars but hate the price? Try making your own! These are not only more economical but they taste even better than the store bought kind.

Medjool dates

Instructions:

Lay two pieces of plastic wrap on counter.

Place fruit in food processor and pulse until it has a paste-like texture. Transfer to a medium bowl.  Add nuts to food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add nuts to bowl with the fruit. Add all other ingredients. Use fingers to knead into a paste.

Divide mixture in half. Place each half on plastic wrap. Wrap plastic around mixture and form into a bar shape.  Wrap tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator. Makes 2 bars.

Here are a few different recipes:

  • Very Cherry: 1/4 c. dates, 1/4 c. dried cherries or cranberries, 1/3 c. whole pecans, almonds, or walnuts, 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
  • Cashew Cookie Dough: 1/3 c. dates, 1/2 c. raw cashews
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: 1/3 c. dates, 1/2 c. raw cashews, 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, pinch of cinnamon, 1/2 oz. finely chopped semisweet chocolate
  • Blueberry Bliss: 1/4 c. dried blueberries, 1/4 c. dates, 1/3 c. almonds, 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, 1 drop almond extract

Note: Make sure to use roughly chopped whole dates, not pre-chopped for these recipes.