Homemade Larabars: Mocha Chip Larabars or Bites
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Ok, confession. Larabars are seriously a weakness for me. ILOVETHEMALOT. Whenever my local store has them on sale, I snatch ‘em up like it’s the apocalypse.
Things can get out of control.
One day I realized I just shouldn’t keep blowing our budget on these bars. Part of why I love them is because there are so few ingredients. But, guys…there are SO FEW INGREDIENTS! I knew I should totally give it a whirl and make them at home. But I didn’t have a food processor, and my blender just wasn’t cutting it (literally).
But then my awesome in-laws got me a food processor for Christmas two years ago, and I had everything I needed to go for it! Almonds, check. Dates, check. Food processor, check.
Ready.
Homemade larabars taste amazing, can be made in under 15 minutes, and will save you a chunk of change.
Homemade Larabar Flavor Options
Fudge your thing? These homemade larabars can be made just straight-up chocolate. They’re extremely fudgy and delicious without any extra flavor.
Love mochas? Add in a tablespoon of pre-ground coffee or 2 tsp of instant coffee for the healthiest mocha snack you’ve ever had.
Love peppermint mochas? Oh yeah, you can simply add in 2-3 drops of a high-quality ingestable peppermint essential oil. Peppermint extract can also be added if that’s what you have!
Want to make them mocha chip? Simply add in some chocolate chips or cacao nibs for that extra crunch.
Here are some of my favorite dairy-free chocolate crunch add-ins:
A note about food processors
I have a basic Hamilton Beach food processor It is a pretty cheap food processor as far as food processors go, but this thing has been a CHAMP for me. It grinds peanut butter, dices our salsa, purees vegetables to extend ground beef, and makes these mocha date bars on a regular basis. I definitely recommend it for a more affordable option if you’re looking to buy a food processor.
That said, don’t double this recipe and expect things to go well. Mmmk? I tried that once. And I won’t do it again. It completely burned out the motor on my precious processor. Thankfully Hamilton Beach sent me a new one since it was within the first 30 days that I made that stupid choice {but I needed mooooooore of these baaaaaaaaaars}.
A few of the kitchen items needed for Homemade Larabars:
Ok, ready to learn how to make these?
Homemade Larabars Recipe: Mocha Chip Lara Bars or Bites
Here’s how to make your own homemade larabars with almonds or cashews, dates, and cocoa! You can make these plain chocolate, mocha, or peppermint mocha. They’re cheap, easy, paleo, whole30, gluten-free, and totally delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed dates, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
- 2 cups raw almonds, cashews, or walnuts (or a combination of your choice)
- ¼ tsp Himalayan salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- Optional: 1 T ground coffee (or 2 tsp instant coffee if you want a smoother texture)
- Optional: chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Optional: 2-3 drops edible, high quality peppermint essential oil, or 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Instructions
- After dates have soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, drain them well Tip: you can save the now sweet water to sweeten coffee or oatmeal.
- In a food processor bowl fitted with an S blade, add all the ingredients, except for chocolate chips or cacao nibs, if using.
- Pulse in processor a few times until course, scarping down the sides.
- Set food processor on low and process for about 30 seconds.
- Finish by blitzing it on high for about another 30 seconds, or until the mixture forms a ball and has the texture you like. This is totally customizable to your taste. If you like bigger chunks, process it for a short about of time. If you would like a smoother consistency, use the full time.
- Coat hands lightly with extra cocoa powder and press date dough into a pan evenly. I use a 6 cup rectangular glass pan. I also like using a bread pan for this. (I don't have an issue with them sticking, but if you do find yours stick, try greasing the pan lightly and dusting it with cocoa powder).
- If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips or cacao nibs over the top and lightly press them in.
- Cover and place in fridge for at least 30 minutes to harden and hold shape.
To make "larabar bites"
- Following directions above through step 5.
- If using chocolate chips or cacao nibs, and about 1/4 cup to the bowl of the processor and fold them in with a spatula (these are my favorite mess-free/mold-free ones).
- Lightly dust hands with cocoa powder and scoop out a scant tablespoon of dough into hands. Roll it into a ball and place in a container with an airtight lid. Repeat with all the dough. They only need a little space in between each other.
- Place lid on container and store in the fridge.
- Enjoy!
Notes
I usually keep these in the fridge since they get a bit soft and because they do not contain any preservatives. The dates can get moldy if the bars get left out for multiple days, since we used water to soften them. But they’re totally fine to leave out at room temperature for a day –like when you need to pack them for a child's lunch or in your bag while you're out so you don’t buy bars you don’t need.