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:
Find even more paleo breakfast recipes here.
RECIPE CARD
Whole30 Homemade Larabars Recipe
Only 4 ingredients for this EASY homemade Larabars recipe! These paleo whole30 Larabars taste like real ones, but DIY Larabars are way cheaper.
Recipe Video
Click or tap on the image below to play the video and learn how to make this recipe!Ingredients
Please ensure Safari reader mode is OFF to view ingredients.
- 1 cup Mixed nuts (I used Brazil, walnuts, and almonds)
- 1 cup Dates (I used deglet)
- 1 cup Unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 teaspoons Cacao powder (can adjust between 1-3 depending on your preference)
Instructions
More TIPS about this paleo recipe in the post above!
Toast the coconut in a dry pan over medium low heat for a few minutes, just until golden brown along the edges.
Add the pitted dates, nuts, coconut and cacao powder to a blender or food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are minced.
Turn on blend mode for about 1 minute or, or until it forms into a ball.
Place the "dough" on a piece of parchment paper and mold into a square about 3/4" thick. Chill for 2-3 hours, until firm.
Cut into 10-12 pieces and store in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
Serving Size: 1 Larabar
Nutrition info will vary a bit depending on which nuts you use.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols (though the latter are rarely seen on this site), because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
© Copyright Wicked Spatula. We'd LOVE for you to share a link to this recipe, but please DO NOT COPY/PASTE the recipe instructions to social media or websites. You may share a photo with a link back instead.
Did you make this recipe?
Click here to leave a comment + star rating! ★★★★★
Then, share a pic on Instagram. Tag @wickedspatula or #wickedspatula!
31 Comments
JMiller
Hi. I am always looking for “protein bar” recipes to make for my bf to have after a run…can I add protein powder instead a cacao powder?
Yolanda Breidenbaugh
Lovely! Thank you! I will make some of these today. I do not have any cacao powder, so will use regular cocoa. My mouth is watering. I think these would make lovely gifts, too.
Aimee Shugarman
LOVE how easy these were to make!
Adrianne
Oh yes! I love recipes that have dates in them. These are so healthy and delicious. What a pretty pin image too, I am pinning that for sure. Cheers 🙂
Rosa
Yum!!! These were great snacks for the kids!
Jacqueline Meldrum
I made something similar, but not quite as healthy, Scottish Tiffin. I must try and make a healthier version like yours next time. Sharing 🙂
Beth
These bars are so yummy! We love them! Thanks for the fabulous recipe!
Danielle Wolter
I’ve never had a larabar before, but these were incredible! I love the idea of making your own bar, whatever kind it may be. Those types of things are always so expensive in the store!!
Dannii
We always try to make our own bars. So much cheaper and you can make different flavours too.
Amy
I could not get the dates to chop up in my blender. Any suggestions?
Lauren
Hi Amy, Most likely your blender isn’t powerful enough. You can try a food processor instead.
Janet
These are wonderful! Thank you for the great recipe. I will be making them over and over!
Ann
Do you have a suggestion for something OTHER than nuts? I have a nut allergy.
Lauren
You could use chia seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, more coconut, dried berries, or other dried fruits.
Erin
Is this unsweetened coconut?
Lauren
Yes!
Denise
Can I use cocoa instead of the cacao? I don’t have cacao.
Lauren
Sure!
Dudley Shumate
Oh my!!! YUM!!!! Just made this and it is GREAT! My tweaks were walnuts/pecans for nuts, appx 1tsp ground ginger, a little bit of salt and vanilla extract. Tip: when toasting the coconut do NOT do anything else but watch it! From golden edges to black happens FAST! 😉 Thank you!
Natalie
These were such a hit with my family that I made them twice in one week! They are amazing, and, in my opinion, much better than the store bought bars! I love them!
Lauren
Hi Natalie! I’m so thrilled to hear that your family enjoyed these bars!
Mary Kay
I just made these bars and they are fantastic. I used our vitamix and the “dough” came out nice and warm which was soooooo good. It took some will power to put them in the refrigerator!
Thanks for a great recipe. I’ll be making these again!
Vicky
Ooh these looks so easy to make! I used to love Larabars but ever since cutting out as much sugar as I could, I can’t enjoy them anymore. Thanks for the recipe!
Laura
Do these have a strong chocolate flavor? I have never used cacao powder (versus cocoa powder). These look perfect for having after a workout!
Lauren
Hi Laura, You can adjust the chocolate flavor based on how much cacao powder you add.
Healing Tomato
I have never tried larabars. This looks so delicious. Nice use of dates.
Kristina
I LOVE these! So simple, and so yum!
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife
These look so good! I am often so surprised at how much sugar store bought bars have. These would be great to make for some upcoming trips, to snack on while traveling!
Florian
Love how easy these are and look delicious!
Faith
I’ve been on a homemade Larabars (and energy bites in the shape of balls) kick lately too! These are so yummy, especially with toasted coconut!
Becky
These were amazing and so much better than store-bought bars — and with half the sugar it’s such a win-win.