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Homemade Cashew Cookie Larabars

Cashew Cookie Larabars

It all started with the Hot Chocolate Fudge Babies.

I love them. You love them. Everyone loves them. And so the time is ripe to introduce another flavor: cashew cookie. I initially created these to be a replica of the Cashew Cookie Larabars. However, this homemade version ended up tasting so much better than the packaged bars! I might even like them more than the chocolate version.

Yikes. Wait, you didn’t hear me say that!

cashew cookie larabars

Homemade Cashew Cookie Larabars

(Yields 110 grams, which is a bit more than the size of two Larabars)

  • 30 grams unsalted cashews (1/4c)
  • 80 grams dates, which is a scant 2/3c (I use SunMaid, as they’re softer.)
  • tiny pinch salt (brings out the sweetness)
  • Optional: a drop or two of good-quality vanilla extract (I use about 1/8 tsp)

Blend in your food processor (I use the Magic Bullet short cup. If you’re using a bigger food processor than that, I’d recommend at least doubling the homemade larabar recipe for smoother blending). Enjoy!

View Nutrition Information

homemade larabar

(Just like with the Hot Chocolate Fudge Babies, you can opt to make bars or balls or even cookie cutter-ed shapes.)

Variations

  • Add cinnamon and raisins = Spice Babies
  • Use peanuts in place of the cashews, and add dried banana = Elvis Babies
  • Peppermint extract + cocoa + cacao nibs = Thin Mint Babies
  • Throw in some coffee powder = Frappuccino Babies
  • Roll in cinnamon sugar = Cinnabon Babies (or Snickerdoodle Babies)

homemade cashew cookie larabar

Click to see all of my Homemade Larabar Recipes.

Published on November 8, 2009

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ABC's 5 O’Clock News. Her favorite food is chocolate, and she believes in eating dessert every single day.

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130 Comments

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  1. Jenny R. says

    you know what you neeeeed to try…grinding up your own cinnamon..tastes sooooo fresh and spicy. mmm. As I’ve been reading you can even do it in the bullet with that flatter blade

  2. Eliza says

    love making homemade larabars! yet to make a cashew cookie one, but i’ve made a hazelnut one, and my own pbj one with dried cherries, dates, and peanuts! they turned out good, but didnt look as amazing as that one! 2x as big as a regular lara, i am in lol 😉 larabar should make jumbo laras lol 🙂
    and that apple, yes i used to put salt on apples as well, totally brings out flavors and with cinnamon YUM salty and sweet…but my stupid/a bit crazzy ED sodium fear has resulted in me not putting salt on anything, but i need to get over this silly fear and have an apple with salt lol.,..b/c it is so good 😉

    love you girly
    xx
    Eliza

  3. molly says

    I made some pumpkin babies – SO DELICIOUS! Only change – I added some oats to even out the moistness of the pumpkin. They tasted like cookie dough!

  4. candice says

    I’m so happy to know that you put salt on apples too! I thought I was a weirdo, haha. I like mine with coarse sea salt for an extra crunchy snack. 😉 And I don’t salt just apples. 😛

    Don’t feel sorry about writing anything! This is YOUR blog, after all, and it’s not like these babies are offensive or anything… *drool*

  5. The voracious Vegan says

    Yum for homemade Lara bars! The sweet Robyn from Girl on Raw just got back from overseas and brought me a huge sampling of my first every Larabars. They are delicious and so handy for a quick snack on the go, and my husband really likes keeping some in his office at work. But they don’t carry them here! So, as soon as our stash runs out I’ll have to start making them at home. Thanks for the recipe Katie!

    And YES, salt is such a key ingredient. It goes into all of my sweet desserts and baked goods. It makes everything POP!

  6. Jenny says

    salt sounds so strange but it really makes a recipe — sometimes I add a pinch in to my oats for some extra zinnnnng.

    I wonder if this recipe would work in my magic bullet?! hmmmmm **experiment time**

    have a glorious sunday sweet thaaang! <3

  7. Chrysta says

    Katie…everything looks so yum-tastic! oh my goodness! Sliced apples with cinnamon is my favorite snack at the moment! I also add a bit of mesquite too. Ive never tried it with salt though! Thats interesting, I’ll give that a shot this afternoon. And Elvis babies? oh gosh sound so amazing. Thanks for sharing all these awesome flavors!

  8. Alisa - Frugal Foodie says

    Nutty minds think alike! I was at the store this week looking at what Larabars to get (had some awesome coupons AND they were on sale!) … read the ingredients on the cashew cookie and felt almost insulted … JUST cashews and dates, I should make this at home, I thought … and here they are!

  9. Jenna says

    Well that’s something we have in common – I’m a cinnamon fiend! Because of this, I wanted to see if you knew (and let you know if you didn’t) that Saigon cinnamon is probably not actually cinnamon! It’s most likely Cassia, which is a related species, and many people can’t tell the difference. Cassia is cheaper – a plus – but it also has higher levels of a toxic chemical called coumarin, which is negligible in the real stuff. Coumarin is pretty harmless usually, but when you make oatmeal, apples, or other cinnamon-y things and are liberal with the Cassia (like I was), it could damage your liver and kidneys!

    The real stuff is from Ceylon, and labels will brag about it, saying either “Ceylon” cinnamon or “true cinnamon.”
    As for the taste – Like you, I can definitely tell the difference between types of cinnamon, and I much prefer the true cinnamon! It’s “softer” and sweeter, but still has the spicy bite that I love.

    Again, I don’t know if this makes a difference to you. The Saigon cinnamon is probably the best you can get in terms of Cassia, because of its high levels of essential oils (thus the great taste). But, if you use it liberally and regularly, or if you have a sensitivity to Cassia, you might want to consider the Ceylon instead. Though as something of an aficionado/fiend, I’d recommend the Ceylon anyway!

  10. Danielle says

    Well, almost apology not accepted. We love you anyway and always CCK 🙂 what a delicious snack! I cannot wait to have my own kitchen and go to town with larabar creations. So much more economical, and tasty I’m sure!

  11. susan says

    i made my first chocolate covered katie fudge babies today! the only change i made from your recipe was using pistachios (b/c i had them on hand)…

    they were SO good!!

    thanks for all your tips and recipes… perfect for curing that little need for chocolate that tugs at my tummy now and then!

  12. Gina G says

    way to stick up for yourself Katie! and cinnamon is my absolute favorite ingredient and i put it on whatever i can (appealing to my taste buds that is 😉

  13. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says

    Great post and in a few hours I am posting my version of the fudge babies with plenty of link backs and honorable mentions. I hope I do you proud 🙂

    xooxo

  14. Heather Eats Almond Butter says

    Hmm, I wonder if I added some dried tart cherries if this would taste like a Cherry Pie Larabar? (my fav!)

    My dad has always salted his apples as well as his watermelon. I used to think it was strange, but now I love it too. Dads are smart, huh?

  15. BroccoliHut says

    You’re right–just write about what you want to write about. It’s your blog, girl, and I will love it no matter what you post…well, maybe not if you start bashing broccoli:)
    I love it when you provide variations–it’s like 7 recipes in one!

  16. eatmovelove says

    I completely understand where you are coming from about the ‘wanting to please your readers’…sometimes I want to write about stuff that gets me down or my struggles with food, etc – but I’m afraid it’ll be too negative or people will get sick of it…but then I think I’m only being ‘true’ to myself and real – and I’m not writing about it everyday…and like you said ,it’s my Blog and if noone reads it then oh well – at least I got it off my chest…

    Although the goal is to become a writer and get noticed by some fabulous magazine…so if you have connections let me know 😉

    Love the cinnamon apples!

  17. CaSaundra says

    I didn’t get to make fudge babies this weekend Katie!! 🙁 I got too busy, but I hear my magic bullet calling my name and see the ingredients all sitting there–I must get around to it this week. Fingers crossed for not alot of homework!

  18. Jessica says

    I’ve never had the cashew cookie Larabars. Do they taste as fresh as making your own? I’m kinda hooked on the fudge babies and all their variations…they are way better than any bar I’ve tried!

  19. Nicole says

    Ooh…Snickerdoodle Babies?! Great idea, Katie! In fact, you’ve inspired me to spend some quality time with my blender today, and I’m happy to say that I think I created something prettttty reminiscent of Key Lime Pie…

    I used the same ratio of dates to nuts as you suggest in this post, but I mixed cashews with almonds for some extra flavah. Then, I added 15g or so of shredded coconut, a tiny splash of vanilla extract, juice of 1/2 a lime, and…this is KEY (hehe)…I used my Microplane to shred up about a teaspoon of lime rind. The result was tangy, sweet, and SOOOO GOOD!! (not to mention sooo easy & economical!)

  20. Miss Rachel says

    Thanks for posting this. In my quest to go vegan, I have been concerned about giving up milk chocolate. I have been doing all right with it, but the information here gives me some ideas of some chocolate to try. 🙂

  21. Marianne says

    It’s good to know you can whip those up in the Magic Bullet – no need for heavy equipment! I’m thinking PB&J babies would be excellent, with some dried raspberries? Take that PB & J Larabar!

  22. Sarah says

    This is definitely the first thing I would make in my Vita-mix if I were to win it!

    I tried making my own Cashew Cookie Larabar with cashews, dates, and vanilla powder, but ultimately failed. My mini food processor (college student here) just chopped it all up into big chunks despite my best efforts. 🙁 The vanilla powder made the mix extremely delicious, though, so I just ate it as crumbles. Mmmmm. I’ll have to try adding salt!

  23. Nicole P says

    this is what i would love to make in the vitamix if i won!! cashew cookie larabars are seriously my favoriteee <3 thanks!!

  24. Emily GG says

    The first thing I would make in my Vita-Mix is Banana Soft Serve!!! And I would top it with Almond butter. And obviously I would make fudge babies!!

  25. Jae says

    I would DEFINITELY have this be the first thing I make in the Vitamixer.
    Cashews and vanilla flavoring= best thing ever <3
    Do I here a YUM here? 😀

  26. Laura D says

    These cashew cookie larabars/babies look so good! If I won the VitaMix, I would go wild with it….. I don’t think I can choose just one thing to make, but perhaps…. these babies!

  27. Ariel says

    These sound wonderful! I’d definitely make a version of them with cinnamon and raisins if I had a Vitamix. My current blender can only really handle liquids, unfortunately.

  28. Claudia says

    Yumm!! Love this!

    I’d love to make this and then make other larabar like fudge babies in a vitamix! I’ve got a tiny little blender that can only really do smoothies (and struggles at that) so the vitamix would dramatically change what I eat!

  29. adancingyogini says

    The first thing I would make in a new Vita-Mix is a green smoothie. Probably Banana, Spinach, Almond Milk, Cinamon and maybe Cocao powder. Not too exciting, but a great breakfast for sure.

  30. Rachael says

    The first thing I would make in my Vitamix is these babies, followed by some other yummy dessert recipes by Ani Phyo!

  31. Becky says

    (2nd post- I also posted on the main fudge baby page. Not trying to cheat, just wasn’t sure where to post)… “Wow, Katie these all sound so good. It’s hard to just pick one. I guess I would first try the cashew cookie larabar w/ the thin mint variation in my new vitamix.”

  32. Nicole says

    Genius Lady you are!!!! And being a fellow cashew and date lover myself, well I’m so anxious to make some Cashew Cookie Babies. You know I sometimes nibble dates side by side with cashews…never thought of putting them together in a bar. Love it!!!

  33. Jen says

    Cinnabon Babies!!! Brilliant, Katie!

    If I had a Vitamix I would make a smoothie that included the kinds of fruits and greens my regular blender can’t handle–apples and pears and kale and carrots, oh my! I get so jealous when I see people making smoothies and they’re just dumping all those things in their Vitamix and in 30 seconds they’ve got totally liquified yumminess.

    In the meantime… Cinnabon Babies. I must try these. These would be the perfect snack to pack when traveling by airplane. Those darn airport Cinnabons always smell so good…

  34. Jonathan says

    These are the best babies, hands down.

    I’d harness the magical powers of my VitaMix to make a blended soup that I can heat up as I’m blending it. Magic!

  35. Jackie says

    Hi, Katie,

    The first thing I would make in my Vita-Mix is a healthy green smoothie for myself & my husband to share.

  36. Kelly Michelle says

    hmmm I don’t even know what I would make first! I was at Costco the other day and I guy was there demonstrating the Vitamix, I seriously stood there in awe for about a half an hour. He made some seriously awesome ice cream smoothie thing. I think my first bet would be soup though because I am dying to try since you can actually heat the soup with just the blender!

  37. Lindsay says

    Can’t wait to try this recipe! The first thing I’d make in the vit-a-mix would be my own cashew nut butter, which I can’t get in a grocery store within a 60 mile radius!

  38. Jessica says

    I have a gluten and dairy sensitivity and am totally disgusted by the $$$ of eating within my diet restrictions. I’ve tried other recipes but none of them turned out. I was extremely frustrated when I came across your site. I have to admit that I was skeptical that these bars were as good as you said. My 18 month old, my husband and I loved them!! Thank you so much for sharing, you are a life saver!

  39. Michelle says

    I did this today and it turned out like a crumble topping. It wouldn’t stay together. Not sure if it was because my dates were in the frig. Any suggestions!! It tasted great though!!

  40. Candace says

    Hi, Katie! I made some of these and they are incredible! Question: I made a weeks worth of bars at once, but wanted to know the best way to store them (refrigerated or not), or does it matter. Is a week too long?

    P.S. Your blog is my new favorite website. I’m addicted and plan on trying LOTS more of your recipes. 🙂

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      Awwwww!!!! Candace, you made my day :). I usually put mine in the fridge or freezer after a couple of days, but I think a week should be perfectly fine to leave them out. After all, they’re just nuts and dried fruit, both of which can stay out (unfridged) on their own.

  41. April says

    Ok, I am completely addicted to these. I’m on a low carb diet till Christmas….3 days in. I came across this recipe. I made them last night. I can’t stop eating them. Yes, I know, not good. While they don’t have added sugar, the dates are full of natural sugar. However, I refuse to feel guilty. I just can’t believe how good these taste to me. As someone else said, the salt makes it perfect. I used walnuts and while walnuts make my mouth hurt if I eat them plain, no pain in this mixture! 🙂 Thanks for your blog. I think you have a pretty unique corner on the recipe market. I love all the vegan, raw, and gluten free stuff. Anyway, you made these next 26 days bearable. 🙂

  42. Lyric Andersen says

    Thank you these are delisshhh i also have a little gem to share with ya … there cookie dough bites and thy are sooo addictive im enjoying some right now with a lil frozen mangoe… heres the recipe:
    Cookie Dough Balls III
    print this recipe!

    Yield: 1 cup packed cookie dough

    1/2 cup unsalted cashews
    1/4 cup rolled oats
    1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour (other flours may work)
    1/2 tsp kosher salt
    1.5 tbsp natural cane sugar
    1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
    3-4 tbsp pure maple syrup (or a bit more if dough is too dry)
    1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

    Directions: In a food processor, add the cashews and oats and process until it forms a fine crumble. Now add in the salt, sugar, and flour and process for a few seconds more. Add in the maple syrup and vanilla and process until combined. It will be sticky, but this is normal! Add in your chocolate chips and stir by hand or process. Form into balls. Store in freezer.

    ps. i love your blog, im 14 and youve totally inspired me to be healthy :)))) thanks

  43. Kim says

    Made these last night and again today…so addictive! I’m not vegan but I’m definitely a chocolate lover and I enjoy reading your blog. Of course my problem with this recipe is that I kept eating the cashews and barely had enough to make a 2nd batch! I’ll have to crack some of my pecans so I can make the German chocolate fudge bites. Thanks for sharing all your great recipes!

  44. Michelle says

    I stumbled upon your recipes because we just got a Vitamix and I was looking for some healthy items to make…..wow!!! I’m in love with the oatmeal raisin and samoa creations you have recipes for. I found date paste that works really well if you don’t want to pit dates and they taste sooooo yummy! My husband is very into natural eating….and I am too, but I still have a sweet tooth and these bars are revolutionizing my snacking! I love that I can eat something that has actual nutritional value and tastes good (AND provides energy!). I’m going skiing next week and can’t wait to pack some of these for quick snacks on the slopes. Please keep the recipes coming!!!

  45. Bridgit says

    i have a “not so smart” question…how do you store these?? do they need to be in the ‘fridge? I ask mostly b/c I’d really like to make these as a snack for my family for an ALL day trip in the summer.
    Thanks

  46. Jennifer says

    Just LOVE the hot fudge bars and have been sharing them and the recipe with everyone! Thank you for the yummy treats!! I have been using Baking Dates as they are packaged in an amount perfect for your recipe, all mashed up and cheaper than whole ones ~ have you tried them? any thoughts on it?

  47. Charlie says

    Hi Katie

    My Daughter’s name is Kate.

    These bars look so very good!

    What could I use as a substitute for dates that wouldn’t be too sweet?

    Have a Joyful Day :~D

    Charlie

  48. Ruth says

    I am going to make these as soon as I can get to the grocery store that sells raw cashews and dates! I love cashews. I love dates. I crave sweets and I need to eat healthier, so… perfect!!!!!
    Would raisins work if I can’t find dates?

  49. Taylor Anastasia says

    Katie I loved these! They’re perfect for a post workout or in my case swim practice! I added mini semi sweet chocolate chips to the mixture which added the little bit of sweetness! I will definately be making these again soon! I think I will freeze a few of them since I made a bunch and then they’ll defrost so they’ll stay fresh!

  50. Donna says

    Katie,

    I am so very grateful to have found this as I LOVE, love, love those Lara cashew date bars. We have a magic bullet too and no food processor, um, but wondering. The bullet seems (as most blenders do) to not grind too swift without addition of fluids. We’ve tried all manner of stuff in it, and if there is no liquid it just doesn’t move. How’d you get it to do well in the bullet, because I def want to try this???

  51. mona says

    Great recipe. Can’t wait to try it out.
    I will probably add some craisins as well to give it a slight tartness as well.
    thanks,
    mona

  52. Krystal says

    I am so sorry, I can’t find the recipe and I’d love to make these! Your recipes are absolutely wonderful! So glad to have them!

  53. Elisabetta says

    Hi Katie, seeking advice! I have a blender that is not the best and I can’t decide if to buy a Magic Bullet or a food processor (and I would go for the cheap ones in both cases). What would you recommend?

  54. Johanne says

    Hi! I just made these, and I can’t wait for lunch! (Yes, I eat them for lunch, is that wierd?) And if you wonder why I eat lunch now, it’s because I live in Norway. We don’t have storebought larabars here, so the only larabars I have tasted, is yours! And I LOVE them! But I think they are best with chocolate, so i threw in a topped tablespoon of chocolate powder in these, then they are soo delicious! I made them last week too!
    Thank you for great recipes! I love you!

    Kisses from Norway :*

  55. Debbie says

    These were amazing! Brought them in for coworkers as homemade gifts today. Now, I just have to clean the dates off that food processor blade…..

  56. Nikki says

    Are the big dates the only ones you can use? I have a bag of those dried dates the size and feel of raisins. Can I use those?

  57. Teresa says

    Warning… I used chopped dates because that is what I had (they have dextrose to keep them from sticking) and it caused the mixture not to stick together. I did a band-aid by adding a couple of spoons of peanut butter. Seems to have worked ok. In the fridge right now, so we shall see how they hold up.

  58. Vikki says

    Made these bars this morning and really like them! Looking forward to trying new combinations. Thank you for sharing!

  59. Angelica says

    I added a mini piece of ripe banana and I honestly fell in love. Most delicious bar e v e r.. I won’t buy any other bar in a loooooong while since it’s super fast and easy.. ou must try!! I’m thinking if you don’t want nuts.. Banana – coconut -date will be great too! I’m super excited to try this tomorrow and obviously, eat another cashew- banana – date bar too.

  60. Diana says

    Made this tonight, and it was a hit! One family member said it was the best non-chocolate culinary confection of all of Katie’s recipes (that I’ve made so far). For the variations, are there specific amounts of ingredients you would recommend (e.g., how many grams of dried banana for the Elvis Babies, etc.)?

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