Since beginning this blog, I’ve created many flavors of Homemade Larabars.
But when, out of curiosity one day, I googled homemade Luna bars, I was surprised to find zero relevant results. Really? No one had made these yet? It was definitely time to change that.
I don’t usually buy Luna bars, but every now and then I find myself craving either one of their chocolate-dipped coconut or nutz over chocolate bars. The following recipe more-closely resembles the latter:
Homemade Luna Bars
Inspired by Homemade Rice Crispy Treats.
- 3 cups rice crispies (I used brown rice crispies. For a less-crispy bar, you can sub 2 cups of the crispies for 1/2 cup oat flour.)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt (I used salted pb, too)
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons nut butter of choice (for lower-cal option, see below link)
- 1/2 cup sticky sweetener, such as agave or brown rice syrup (I used agave)
- 2-3 tablespoons protein powder (you can omit)
- melted chocolate chips or Sugar-Free Chocolate Sauce
Mix your pb, sweetener, extract, and salt. Melt (either in the microwave or stove), then pour over the cereal and powder, and stir very well, making sure to coat all the crispies. Smush and smash the crispies. (Get mad; it’s fun!) Line a pan with wax paper and spread the mixture evenly into the pan. Place a sheet of wax paper on top of the mixture, then press down as firmly as you can. Really press it down! Spread the chocolate on top, and freeze for at least a half hour before slicing.
Click for lower-sugar and Lower-Calorie Options.
I didn’t bother to figure out the nutritional info for these, as it will vary depending on what protein powder and chocolate sauce you use. But they are probably pretty comparable, calorie-wise, to packaged Luna bars. (The bars in the photos were made with the no-sugar chocolate sauce.)
Do you like energy bars?
My favorites are probably my Hot Fudge Brownie Larabars.
But I don’t always have time to make homemade bars. So if I’m in a hurry and need a quick and portable snack, I’ll often grab a cookie dough Larabar or a chocolate-chip Z bar, or a chocolate Jocalat bar… I’m picky about my energy bars; I only like the ones that have chocolate!
Dear Katie;
You are a genius and this is going on Pinterest + WeHeartIt
Love, Kathy:)
I’m a clif bar girl…one of my favorites is the cranberry, the blueberry crisp is pretty awesome, too. These definitely look great and worth a try — thanks!!
What a fantastic idea! I love having granola bars around for a quick snack but I don’t like spending so much money on them, and these look way healthier!!! 🙂
Oh this is great! I love Luna bars and Lara bars the best, haven’t tried making my own though. Looks rather simple!
I love Luna Bars! My favorite are the white choc. Macadamia nut bars. Yours looks wonderful! So impressed you made a homemade version of these!
Someone had to do it sooner or later! Yey for you being the first 🙂
LOVE this! I wonder if I could modify it to make my favorite Iced Oatmeal Raisin flavor…
I am not a big fan of lunas but something tells me I’d like your version! They look like chocolate covered rice crispy treats!!!!!! YUMMMMMMMM!
I have been looking EVERYWHERE for a Luna bar recipe! Thank you, thank you, thank you! My fav is chocolate dipped coconut. =)
That’s definitely my favorite one too! I need to work on re-creating that recipe. I’m thinking coconut butter subbed for the pb would be a start…
I absolutely love your blog! I recently found this through the website pinterest, and was so interested I began exploring your page. I have a big weakness for sweets, and always try to think of “healthy” treats to make. I love how basically all of these are gluten free and how healthy they are. I made the energy balls and I cant wait to make some of the others. Its a staple for me to follow your blog everyday now. Once I make some of the recipes, I will let you know how they turned out and taste!! Thank you so much for bring such an inspirational person and having an inspirational page!!
Aww I’m so glad you found me!!