Another chocolate recipe?
My goodness, you’d think this was some sort of chocolate-covered blog.
Oh wait; that’s right. It is.
The first time I tried a Larabar, I didn’t really like it. My mistake was in choosing a cherry-flavored bar. Someone should’ve shaken me and said, Hello! Of course you didn’t like it, Katie. It has no chocolate!”
When I tried a Jocalat chocolate Larabar, it was love at first bite. As a busy college student with no time to bake brownies, these bars offered a quick cure for my chocolate cravings (or a stopgap anyway. I doubt I will ever find a cure for my chocoholism… but that’s perfectly ok with me!)
Recently, I’ve been having trouble locating Jocalats. Thank goodness I know how to make my own chocolate Larabars.
Plus, they’re cheaper than store-bought and save packaging too.
Hot Fudge Brownie Larabars
Based on the recipe for Fudge Babies.
- 1 cup walnuts (120 g)
- 1 and 1/3 cups pitted dates (220 g) (I love SunMaid dates, as they’re much softer.)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp cocoa powder (or even Dutch cocoa)
- optional: 1/8 plus 1/16 tsp salt (I always add it)
- optional: chocolate chips or even a piece of a chocolate bar or baking chocolate
Blend all the ingredients, using a food processor or Magic Bullet. No need to blend the dates first; I just blend everything all at once in my MB. If you use drier dates than SunMaid, you might have to add up to 1 tbsp water. Form into bars. It might help to put dough in a plastic bag and close the bag, then shape into a bar. (Feel free to experiment with different nut combinations. I often sub almonds or cashews for some of the walnuts.)
Click for more flavors: Homemade Larabar Recipes.
What are your favorite Larabar flavors?
One of my favorite homemade larabar flavors: Homemade Oatmeal Cookie Larabars.
As for the real Larabars, my favorite flavors are the plain chocolate Jocalats and the cookie dough Larabars. I love making up my own flavors and am thinking chocolate-raspberry might have to be next! Any other flavor suggestions for homemade Larabar recipes you’d like to see?
steph - vegfortworth says
I want to eat these right now! And I kind of want to cover them in peanut butter!
Gerry says
You took the words right out of my head!
A nice peanut butter layer of some sort would perfect these little treats for me too 🙂
Sarah says
My favorite Larabar flavor is actually YOUR cashew cookie recipe!
Seriuosly! It’s 10 times better than the packaged cashew cookie flavor. Anyone reading this, GO MAKE Katie’s cashew cookie larabars RIGHT AWAY!!!!
🙂
Sarah says
** seriously
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw lol thanks, Sarah! I love that flavor too! Haven’t made it in a while!! 😕
Kelly M. says
Its my favorite too…and my husbands!
Meg says
Gonna have to agree 110% 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Wow, I LOVE y’all!!! You’re all too sweet!! 🙂
Mimi says
I can’t find that recipe… the cashew cookie larabar! I have been scouring your blog, bc I would LOVE to try it, but can’t find it 🙁
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Sorry for the trouble!
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2009/11/08/homemade-cashew-cookie-larabars/
Mimi says
Oh no trouble!! THANK YOU!
Hana says
These look delicious! 😀 What brand of cocoa powder do you normally use?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I either use Dagoba or plain ole Hersheys 🙂
Qi Ting @ Misadventures of Fat free Baking says
I’ve never tried a larabar before! But they sound so delicious! They’re not sold here 🙁
Kat @ a dash of fairydust says
Same here! 🙁
VeggieGirl says
My favorite Larabar is Peanut Butter Cookie, but THAT one is now my new favorite just by looking at it 😀
steph - vegfortworth says
And my favorite Larabar is the chocolate chip peanut butter cookie. BIG SURPRISE, I know!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Mmm cashew cookie 🙂
Jenny says
I, too, love Larabars! My first one ever was the apple one, and that’s actually still my favourite one, even after trying most of the rest (excluding the coconut ones). I love warming them up a little bit… They taste like fresh-from-the-oven cookies that way, in my opinion. I’ll eat dairy-free vanilla ice cream with a warmed apple-flavoured Larabar as a special treat, sometimes. It’s like eating apple pie, I swear.
I’ve started to make my own, though, using your recipes! The ‘packaged’ ones are awesome, but admittedly a bit pricey. The ones I make from your recipes are just as good, if not – as you’ve pointed out – better because they taste even fresher! And, of course, you can customize them. 🙂
Melanie says
I’ve never been a big fan of packaged bars of any kind, because they are…well in a package. Thanks for providing a different option. I haven’t made any of these yet but I plan to. Just as soon as I get some dates. =)
A. Cook says
Making your own Larabars–SUCH a good idea! I can only imagine it would save a ton of money, which I’m all about these days. I actually saw on Barefoot Contessa the other day that she makes her own vanilla extract, a giant jar at a time, and apparently it keeps indefinitely. I’m definitely going to start doing that too!
Also, the Ginger Snap Larabars are one of my faves. I bet they’d be easy to make!
Tricia says
Yummy 🙂 My favorite larabars are definately either the chocolate chip cookie dough or the coconut cream pie 😛
Beth says
I can’t wait to try this! I like the Ginger Snap and Apple Pie Larabars.
Gen says
Yum! Those look really good!!! Is there anything that I could use instead of the dates, though…..no one sells them here! 🙁
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Some people have used raisins… I can’t personally vouch for that, though. But it could be fun to experiment. Or maybe prunes?
Meredith Bessey says
I love Larabars soo much, but wish the Jocalat flavours were available in Canada! They’re also a bit more expensive, and don’t keep me as full, as Clif bars, so I’ve been buying more Clif bars lately! These homemade ones look awesome though – I prefer the non-chocolate Larabars, like apple pie and peanut butter cookie, but the peanut butter chocolate chip is pretty yummy too!
Cait @ Cait hates Cake says
Haha, OMG you did get a ton of comments on that post – but for real, it IS the best giveaway ever! 😉 I like the peanut butter cookie Larabars.
Desiree says
These would be great to make a batch of with the school year starting soon, something to grab on those days where you need to run out the door. Do you know how long they keep for, or if they can be frozen?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
They keep for at least a week… or they CAN be frozen for months!
Angela says
I have never tried a Larabar because when I read the ingredients I think, “hey, I can do that myself”, and then put it back. Plus, I’ve had these in the form of fudge babies and really don’t think a packaged bar could get any better than these homemade treats.
Barb says
How do your larabars compare nutritionally to regular larabars? They look so delicious, I’m adding these to my list of things to make from your blog (which I have become an avid follower of the past months!)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
The ones I’ve calculated are actually a little bit less than regular larabars… but pretty comparable, gram for gram. (I.e. maybe like 180-190c instead of 220, but pretty close!)
scott j. breiner says
I love these healthy treats and so do my friends. When I form the tasty morsels, I place the mixture between waxed paper and then I use a rolling pin to flatten out the bar. It compresses the ingredients so nicely and makes it very easy to form. I also refrigerate the flattened out shape until it is firm and then I cut it into pieces. What a great pick-me-up!
Lisa says
I do like Larabars!! I think there a bit small and calorie dense for me to eat all the time, but some are quite tasty. I really like the cookie dough one, I think its my favorite 🙂 especially slightly warm, so the chocolate chips are gooey!! mmm!
Julene says
Your homemade Larabar recipes are dead-on, and sooooo much more affordable!
Cupcake Kat says
I love larabars! They are a great snack or dessert. My favorite is the cherry pie or chocolate chip one. I know they are so simple to make at home. I should do it more often
Shelly says
huh.. I think I actually made these yesterday on my own! I took your fudge baby recipe and did my own thing.. dates, cashews, walnuts, cacao powder, salt, vanilla, a little coconut oil and chocolate chips and they look just like these only I made truffle size. Too funny! They are delicious.
Shelly
http://www.lavoro.etsy.com
http://www.planthungry.blogspot.com
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Awesome! Great minds think (eat?) alike!
rebecca lustig says
they even look like larabars but BIGGER.
NOM!
VegAlexandra says
When I first tried a Larabar, I didn’t like it. I guess it was because of the texture and after taste of the dates.
Call me crazy, but I don’t really enjoy dates. One is okay, I guess, but I find their taste a little overwhelming.
So, when I make your recipes for homemade Larabars, I replace half of the dates with raisins or dried figs, and I love them! 😀
If it wasn’t for you, I’d be Larabar-less. D:
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I love your half-and-half idea… I want to try it now!
Kristen @ Chocolate Covered Kristen says
Cherry Larabars are actually my least favorite – they just don’t taste good! I like them, but I’m not quite in love. When I buy I tend to stick to things that are heavy on the chocolate, coconut, or cinnamon. I LOVE the chocolate chip cookie dough flavor.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Maybe it has to do with our blog names? I am glad to have a chocolate-covered sister in crime!! 🙂
Elle @ We can begin to feed... says
Awesome! Thank you.
Mina says
Just so you know, you are the sole reason I was inspired to try the Chocolate Larabar when I went to the grocery store yesterday, and it was DELICIOUS! I usually go for the mixed fruit & nut flavor, the coconut, and on occasion the peanut butter and jelly, but now i’ll have to add chocolate to my list of Larabar flavors!
I will have to try making these as soon as I finish my giant stash of larabars!
Have you ever tried BumbleBars by the way? They have a lot of seeds and nuts in them, but they are really delicious and 100% vegan! I really like them because they taste like honey & nuts even though they are actually made with brown rice syrup and ZERO honey so they’re vegan but still satisfy my honey craving.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
It’s so weird… I see them sometimes and yet I haven’t bought one! I don’t know why not! Next time I see one, I will definitely buy it!
Colleen says
I make these all the time! I love adding a dash of coconut extract, and using PECANS as the nuts make them ultra decadant!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Mmmm sounds like German chocolate cake!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I have never had a store bought Larabar BUT I have made my own from other peoples recipes…. LOVE them! I just love how I can mix and match, do my own thing when I make my own! ….Thanks for sharing the recipe! Can’t wait to try it!!!!! 🙂
Ashley says
I love the tropical and carrot cake. I actually haven’t had any in while. I want to try the blueberry muffin and pecan pie.
Lauren B. says
I have only tried a few of the flavors, but the PB & J Larabar is pretty delicious! Once i tried this flavor, I tend to gravitate toward it each time I’m buying one. No chocolate…but it tastes like a pb & j sandwich! so good.
Brittany *Sparkles* says
I love the Carrot Cake flavor!!! and usually I prefer chocolate.. but I just love the carrot cake Larabar and would have NO idea how to recreate that haha. I can at least get my chocolate fix some other way right at home now – thanks for the recipe!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Looks great, Katie!! I love the chocolate peanut butter ones. Because–what is there not to love? My favorite, though, is still ginger snap. An oldie but a goodie 😀
The Teenage Taste says
The first Larabar flavor I ever tried was the banana bread flavor and I fell in LOVE! I love banana bread and the banana bread flavored Larabar tasted exactly like it! My other favorites? Coconut cream pie, carrot cake, peanut butter chocoalte chip, and cinnamon roll! 😀
The Teenage Taste says
PS – I just realized I never tried the Jocalat Larabars that you rave about all the time. I must get on that ASAP! 😛
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Try the plain-jane chocolate Jocalats. They’re the best :).
Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) says
u shud send them your recipe!!!!>. I LOVEEE ginger snap, banana bread, choc cookie dough.. basically ALL THE FLAVAS!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha I keep tweeting Larabar, dropping hints about a chocolate-raspberry bar. As much as I love making my own, sometimes I like to save time and just grab one at the store. Chocolate raspberry would be the most awesome-licious thing ever!
Amber K says
I love the peanut butter cookie larabars. I actually can’t try a lot of their flavors though because I can’t tolerate almonds, and they add almonds to almost all of them!
I like the taste of my homemade bars better, but I have to admit, I VERY much prefer the Larabar’s texture. I wish mine stuck together that well. They always turn out more crumbly than I’d like. Even if I add more dates, they still don’t seem to hold well.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Have you tried putting an individual serving in a plastic bag, closing the bag, and then smushing it? I can get them VERY tightly-packed this way.
Kelly M. says
Have you ever tried any other “sticky ingredient” besides dates? I always see dates but wondered for variety if there is anything else that can be used.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I haven’t, personally. But others have said they like using raisins or prunes. Oh, I think I tried figs once and didn’t like it. But, once again, others have tried figs and DID like it!
Teresa says
One of my most well received raw treats uses dried apricots as the “sticky binder.” I made a ton of raw desserts for my brother’s rehearsal dinner (about 80 people, all non vegan in attendance), and I swear those were the favorite. You can use all dried apricots or a 50/50 mix with dates.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh wow, I never thought to use apricots! That opens up a whole new set of opportunities with which to experiment!
Kelly M. says
Oh wow, great ideas Teresa and Katie! Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will be giving both figs and apricots a try! Yum!!!! Happy eating!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Let me know how your experiments go. I’m interested to know how they taste as well!
Aja says
I so wish I had a food processor right now. Those look delish.
Megan says
I love Lara bars!!! My current favorite is the peanut butter chocolate chip one and I also like the peanut butter and jelly one. The Jocalat chocolate mint one tastes amazing too! By the way, I am pretty sure I saw Jocalat bars at the Whole Foods on Park, but I am not positive. They have had them at the Drug Emporium in Denton too. As for a new flavor…what about Snickerdoodle? Or mixed berries and make it with dried cherries, blueberries, and cranberries?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Ooh good to know! I couldn’t find them at Plano or any of my other local shops. Might have to make a trip out to Northpark!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
P.S. Snickerdoodles: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2010/08/25/raw-snickerdoodle-cookies/
🙂
Megan says
Fabulous! I should’ve looked first…oops!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh lol no worries! It’s hard enough to keep one’s own recipes sorted out, let alone someone else’s!
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola says
Oh how funny- I just saw this and we were just tweeting about Lara bars! I will definitely have to make this recipe asap because it looks delicious! I’ve never actually had the jocolats but I’m going to look for them now! My favorites are the ones that have chocolate in them too! I love the choc pb, the choc coconut, the chocolate cookie dough… haha clearly a theme here 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha you are a smart (chocolate chip) cookie!
Teresa says
First of all, yes you’re absolutely right that homemade is better, and not to mention much cheaper and super easy to make! Interestingly, even though I LOVE chocolate, I’m not a huge fan of the Jocolats. And, while I abhor cherry or lemon desserts, (lemon meringue, cherry pie, etc.) my favorite Lara bar flavors are cherry pie and both the lemon and key lime flavors. Coconut follows close behind. I’m fairly certain tho, that it all comes down to the ingredients used. Lara bars use actual real dried cherries, and real lemon and lime juice, while I really don’t even want to know what kind of scary faux additives and ingredients are used to make those traditional cherry and lemon flavored desserts (that I’ve stayed away from since I was a kid).
Lorin says
I made your healthy starbucks frappucino! I was a little skeptical at first because I tried the chocolate cake batter ice cream and it was kinda icey, but this was really good and tasted lke the real thing. It might have helped that I added in some chocolate chips and a dollop of chocolate syrup! Yum! Thanks for taking time to create such amazing recipes 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m so excited you liked it! Haha yes chocolate makes everything better!!
Lorin says
and peanut butter! Seriously, I think I have it at least twice a day even if it’s just a little bite. I think I’m going to make those chocolate pb cup babies today, but with peanut butter instead of peanuts and I’m hoping that upping the proportion to 1 cup of dates will work! My favorite larabar is peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Mmmm agreed. PB makes everything better. I can’t think of a single food it doesn’t go with!
Emily says
I love larabars! I used to love Clif bars, but larabars are definitely better in my opinion. I love coconut cream pie and I just tried cherry jocolat for the first time. I found some at a clothing store (?) for 33 cents each! I bought 10! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL don’t get attached to those! They’ve discontinued the chocolate-cherry Jocalats!
Lauren @ Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says
These look delicious!
Amanda says
Chocolate chip cookie dough is my FAVORITE! I have one for dessert 3-4 nights a week. Cashew cookie and coconut cream pie are next in line. My husband loves the chocolate brownie so I think I’ll have to give this recipe a whirl. Looks delish!
Dawn @ Blonde on a Mission says
I didn’t like larabars at first either! I think I tried an apple one and it just tasted like mush to me. I fell in love with them after apprehensively trying the peanut butter cookie one. Now I have a whole range of favourite flavours!
And my favourite is now the mint chocolate jocalat!
How about a snicker doodle larabar? 😀
Katie @ Nutrition in a peanut shell says
Mint chocolate or cinnamon roll!
Jen says
Stock up on the cinnamon roll if you see them, they are discontinuing that flavor!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I am dreading the day when they discontinue the chocolate Jocalats. Larabar, if you’re reading this: Don’t do it!!! 😉
Raina says
Could you possibly make a cinnamon roll version for us? I know it’s not chocolate, but I’m sure it would taste quite lovely!
Jen says
I love Larabars! Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough are two of my favorite flavors, but I also love the standard Cashew Cookie. The PB & J flavor is good too!
I think they (or you!) should make a flavor with pumpkin. Or a flavor with a different dried fruit mixed in…like figs or goji berries! A carob flavor would also be awesome.
Jenny says
I tried 4 and appelpie! Was my favorit – no chocolate. Chocolat chip cookie was sadly a disapointment.
I make “brownies” like your larabar and love them.
Have a Nice weekend
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) says
Darn I saw Jocolats when I was in the US but didn’t buy any because I remember a blogger (haha I thought it was you! :P) saying they didn’t like them much!! Never mind, cos now i can make YOUR version!! Just need to get some walnuts and I will be making these SOON, you’ll see! 😀
P.S. I ordered a mold so I can make your fudgsicles yaaaay!!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I don’t like any of the Jocalat flavors EXCEPT plain chocolate, which is awesome-sauce ;).
Also, your tweet was the SWEETEST! I will answer soon!!!
Stephanie @ StephSnacks says
Another CCK recipe I have to try! Woo hoo!
Carrie says
Hey Katie! How do you store these, and how long do they last? Thanks girl!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
You can leave them unfridged in a plastic bag for a few days. Or fridge for a week. Or freeze for months! 🙂
Carrie says
never mind, read all your comments and question answered 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh lol 🙂
Stephanie says
I just recently purchased a food processor, and have been experimenting with homemade larabars ever since! My favorite flavor so far is pb&j. The part I try to stray away from is having the bars turn out to taste only like nuts and raisins; there has to be other prominent flavors in order for it to taste good! I will definitely be trying this recipe in the near future!
Lisa says
It’s so funny you would post this, because I just found your site through the giveaway you’re hosting, and as soon as I read about your homemade Larabars I went out and tried them for myself.
It was a hard decision, but I finally went with the Samoas Larabars because those were my favorite girl scout cookies. Oh dear, were they ever good! So good that I think the next time those girl scouts come to my door I will tell them “No thanks, I can make my own!” 😉 No, of course they didn’t have the texture of the samoas, but I actually liked the larabar form of the cookie even better. It was soft and chewy and yet tasted like a samoa. Win!!!
melody polakow: Vegan for 3.33 a day says
Those look awesome!!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I’ve actually never tried a Larabar..but I’d much rather make these anyway!
Liz @ lactosefreelizzie says
YUM!!!!!! those look amazing!
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says
CHOCOLATE LARABARS?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Katie, you are the BEST!!!! Oh my gosh. Girl, you are so amazing.
Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says
I tried a bite of one once ad it was waaaaay too sweet for me. The date:nut ratio was too heavy on the dates! I like making my own much better!
Cristy says
I love the recipes on your blog! And this is especially wonderful since I’ve been looking for “work snack” ideas that I can make at home that save money. This is totally perfect!
Jeanie says
Katie,
This sounds so good! I will make these and use carob for my chocolate! Healthy, easy, and no baking involved!
I love Larabars. I loved everyone I have tried thus far!
Have a great day!
LizAshlee says
Oh yes I have! 🙂 I enjoy peanut butter and chocolate chip…but I would take any!
Happy Friday!
kaila @ healthy helper! says
Haha thats funny you don’t like the cherry flavor…..its my fave!!!!
Abby says
I’m determined to make these! They look amazing!! 🙂
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
You know I have turned into a photography weirdo when the first thing I do is
scan the post for pictures
then read your text
then go back and re read the recipe
And your pictures are awesome. The way the light is hitting the bars in the opening shot. And also the middle shot on the plate/top down (I like the grates or table or whatever that is underneath) and the closeup…all stunning.
And Im impressed you can narrow down your pics to just three! I take like 100. And swear I can’t edit under like 15-20. I need to streamline like you 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yup, I do that too! Photos are always first for me now. I honestly don’t even bother looking at others’ recipes anymore, since I always come up with my own (and since many of the photo blogs I like aren’t vegan). It’s all about the photos now. Actually, my favorite foodie site is probably foodgawker lol! I’m so busy looking at the presentation and place setting, color scheme, and background that I often don’t even notice what food I’m looking at!
Haha you should’ve seen my first attempt… I had to re-do it, because the first shoot looked like… well, certainly not chocolate bars, if you know what I mean 😕
Mellie says
these look so good! i’ve never had a Larabar
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
I didnt like LARA at first either. Now I am in LOVE! I am actually doing a giveaway for LARA. But these look amazing. I defs do not mind another chocolate recipe! Keep em coming 😉
Carrie says
Katie, I love that many of your recipes can be made 1. without turning on the oven and 2. using ingredients I already have. I made a variation of these today (low on dates and no walnuts, subbed almonds and coconut oil/agave to make it stick together) and the result was amazingness. THANK you for your creativity!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank YOU for trying them! That always makes me so happy!!
Kaitlyn@TheTieDyeFIles says
I’m not sure, but I THINK I saw the Jocolats at the store yesterday. If you need a fix, I may be able to make it happen! If I’m wrong, I’m sure this recipe will suffice 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh my goodness, you are the SWEETEST!!! No, seriously. 🙂
I could never ask you to do that, but if you do find them, eat an extra one for me!!! Or maybe an extra three… more chocolate is always better ;).
Erin says
This is great! I got my mom hooked on Larabars when I came home from college and we both love them now! But we’re always searching for which supermarket has the best flavors and SALES… I’ll have to just make her some homemade ones!
And I loveee all of the chocolate ones! The Jocalats and the brownie ones are awesome… but my nutritionist thinks I’m a disordered nut for liking them. Too bad for her… and more for me!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha you should see me at Whole Foods, cutting out the coupons like a crazy girl whenever they have coupons for Larabars!
I wonder if your nutritionist has actually TRIED the bars… in my experience, the people who think I’m nuts for liking something (such as pb-banana sandwiches in high school) haven’t actually tried it, themselves. Then when they do, they understand my love and leave me alone ;).
Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats says
My favorite Larabars are Cherry Pie, Banana Bread, and Peanut Butter and Jelly. I am allergic to walnuts though so I haven’t been able to try a number of the flavors they offer!
Tara says
I don’t really like the Jocalats, but I think I might like these because they’re more customizable. My favorite larabar flavor is probably the lemon or anything with peanut butter in it!
Jen says
I love cashew cookie and cookie dough! Well, I love most of them all, but if I had to choose favorites, those would be them.
Hannah says
I’ve never like Jocolats because they’ve never tasted truly chocolate-y to me. Why didn’t I ever think of making my own and adding more coco, particularly considering how many other larabar-esque treats I’ve made?!
BroccoliHut says
Oddly enough, I had the same experience–I tried the cherry pie first and wasn’t all that wild about it. Eventually I tried the chocolate coconut chew and I was hooked!
Lexi @ A Spoonful of Sunshine says
Mmm I’ve actually only tried a few larabaras, but I’ve liked every one.
I’ve never tried a Jocolat, but that may change soon 🙂
Which do you like better, homemade or Jocolat?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Homemade, taste-wise… but Jocalat earns points for convenience. I love them both!!! 🙂
Anna says
I have tried a few Larabars but usually only buy them when I find them on sale 🙂 There is something about dates that makes me nervous but these look so delicious that I might finally face my fears!
Victoria says
I absolutely HATED larabars the first time I tried them. The weird thing is, the first flavor I tried was chocolate. I was on a road trip and got really sick right after I ate it, so for a long time I connected that feeling to chocolate larabars. Then I fell in love with them when I tried the cashew cookie a few years later. They’re one of my favorite snacks! I even like the chocolate now.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I didn’t like the cookie dough one when I first tried it! I don’t even remember what made me give it a second chance… but I’m so glad I did, because the taste grew so much on me that now it’s one of my favorite snacks!
Marianne says
I’m not really a fan of any of the fruity larabars. My faves include the coconut cream pie, cashew cookie, peanut butter cookie, peanut butter & jelly, peanut butter chocolate chip, and chocolate chocolate chip. Everything else I can do without. I have a blueberry larabar I have yet to try though, so we’ll see if it finally changes my mind on the fruity larabar flavours.
Ragnhild says
Yummii! These sounds good! The recipe is so close to the one I use for raw brownies, and they are insane! So I know I would love these too 🙂
Becky says
I just, for the first time, tried a Larabar yesterday. I have been making your chocolate cookie dough ones for a few months and have to say I like them better. Homemade is always better because they were made with love! My girls like yours better too 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Awww that made me smile 🙂
Laura Eleanor says
I tried to make clif bars a couple days ago and utterly failed. I don’t enjoy lara bars that much, but I’ll try your recipe!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I haven’t tried making my own Clif bars yet, but it’s on my to-do list!
Alexandra (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen) says
Homemade is definitely better! 🙂 I’ve only ever tried a cashew cookie Larabar, and it was good (I would possibly buy it again), but it wasn’t great. I really want try a cookie dough Larabar, and I recently bought a peanut butter chocolate trip to try! 😛 And then if I don’t like any of those, I’ll make your chocolate ones instead! Actually, I’ll probably make yours even if I DO like the others ones!
Gorgeous pictures by the way – as ALWAYS 😀 You somehow make your food look like fun… like it would be fun to eat and fun to make, and it always is!
Have a wonderful weekend, Katie!
<3 <3
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank you! As I told Averie, I had to do this photoshoot twice because the first bars did NOT look appealing at all! lol
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
Dates in bars are the best!
I’ve never had a Larabar! They haven’t made it across the pond 🙁
Laura Eleanor says
I tried to make clif bars a couple days ago and utterly failed. I don’t enjoy lara bars that much, but I’ll try your recipe!
Nicole @ Giraffelegs says
yummmm!! these look so good…stop it!
Runnergirl says
Is Jocolat a type of Larabar, or a whole different product? I LOVE PB chocolate chip Larabars the most…I also like the chocolate brownie, coconut, lemon & tropical. I tried some others like banana bread, gingersnap (LOVE gingersnaps!) & cinnamon bun, but I didn’t really care for them. I think I’ll try making your recipe 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
It’s made by the Larabar company, and it *looks* like a Larabar (i.e. shape and size). And it’s also just dates, cocoa, and other natural ingredients like a Larabar. I think the only difference is they’re probably targeting a more upscale market with the Jocalats, which seem fancier. I like the chocolate Jocalat best; it tastes like a darker-chocolate version of the chocolate-brownie Larabar. 🙂
Katie S says
I recently tried my own variation of a larabar and they came out wonderful!
http://ohshineon.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/im-lazy/
but this recipe also looks great, and so simple. i’ll be sure to test these ones out
Minerva says
I like the coconut pie, peanut butter cookie, and of course all the Jocolat’s.
Musugonekuku says
I just made these and I really like them a lot! But I must say that I made a few changes: because I didn’t have enough dates, I subbed most of them with dried apricots and I used a mix of nuts (mostly almonds) instead of walnuts only. The apricot and chocolate go really well together 😀
Have you ever tried subbing apricots (or other fruit) for the dates? I gives the bars another flavour (all the new possibilities!) and I think the taste was softer too.
Btw: For breakfast I had your double chocolate brownie batter pancakes, my favourite flavour until now. Again, the chocolate worked very well with the apricot jam I put on top.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I haven’t tried other fruits (except a bad experience with figs once), but I know a lot of others have tried raisins… I’ve been meaning to try apricots! Your version sounds so good!
Beverly says
You are a genius. I love these and I haven’t even made them yet!
Onlicannoli says
I made these this afternoon and they rock! I’m a Larabar fanatic and can’t wait to try new flavors. Thanks Katie!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank YOU for trying them! It always makes me so happy when someone tries one of my recipes :).
Bella says
What are your thoughts on adding a scoop of either vanilla or chocolate flavor whey protein? Have you experimented with any protein bar options/flavors?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m a vegan, so I’ve never used whey protein. But I do know that a lot of readers have had success adding protein powder to some of my homemade Larabar flavors 🙂
Sam says
I have now made this recipe three times, and it’s awesome everytime! I made some substitutes the first time around with almond slivers and almond meal (had on hand). I’m bringing the second two batches to a potluck, one set made with dried cherries and dates (aaand almonds) and the other with a mix of almonds/coconut which I then rolled in crushed up dehydrated strawberries and toasted coconut.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh my goodness, your strawberry ones sound SO good!!
Anonymous says
I don’t like ANY of the fruit flavored Larabars, but my favorites are the chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate brownie nut, and peanut butter chocolate chip ones! I also like the plain chocolate and coffee chocolate Jocalat bars… mmmmmm! 🙂 These sound delicious, I am making some tonight!!! I think I’m going to add some peanut butter to the mix too!
Chloe says
I don’t like ANY of the fruit flavored Larabars, but my favorites are the chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate brownie nut, and peanut butter chocolate chip ones! I also like the plain chocolate and coffee chocolate Jocalat bars… mmmmmm! 🙂 These sound delicious, I am making some tonight!!! I think I’m going to add some peanut butter to the mix too!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
You sound just like me! I don’t want fruity desserts… I want chocolate desserts! 😉
Mel says
Although I love the Larabars that include chocolate (pb and chocolate/double chocolate), I crave the regular peanut butter one (it somehow satisfies my craving for a reese peanut butter cup even without the chocolate…sorry Katie!). I also just became a fan of peanut butter and jelly and the coconut Larabars. What’s funny is that in Canada (where I am from), we don’t have names like cashew or peanut butter cookie, but just “cashew”…same ingredients!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I love how different products have different names in other countries. And lol it’s the same thing with books too… and sometimes even movies!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh, my favorite: In Japan, they had to change the Ben&Jerry’s flavor “Chunky Monkey” because that literally translated to: Monkey Chunks!
Mindy Lord says
I tweeted!
Kelsey Hibberd says
I’m sorry to say that I only just started experimenting with these larabar/fudge baby recipes, but OH MY GOODNESS! thank you! I used almonds instead of walnuts and it was absolutely delicious 🙂 I look forward to eating them for every snack!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m so happy you liked them!! 🙂 🙂
Priscilla says
I made these a few days ago for my boyfriend to take out on the boat with him. He loved them and said they were better than store-bought. They are a great snack to take when we are working and need something that is quick and easy to scarf down. Thanks for the recipe!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank you so much for trying them!
Diana says
I’ve never had a Larabar, but I love CCK and I have been meaning to find something snack-ish that I could make to take on the go (I’m a busy lady and I need lots of brain food). Wish me luck with this recipe, I’m adding more nuts, and some protein powder to amp it up a bit.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Ooh good luck!
Kathy says
These really do taste like fudge~ 🙂 I still have 2 bars left, I’ll probably just eat it all tomorrow ^^
http://milk-and-tea.blogspot.com
teabagginit says
how many do these make (larabar size?)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Eight? It makes around 370g, and if a Larabar is 45g, I’m guessing a little over 8 bars.
"Chef" Stewart says
This was too easy and soooo good! Had some spare almonds and macadamia nuts so I threw them in too. May have tasted more like your Raw Mounds Bars – I’ll let you know soon!
BTW, After tasting these, I will never again buy another store brand. Why would I? 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Mmmm macadamia nuts are amazing! If they weren’t so expensive, I think I’d throw them in EVERYthing! 😉
jhoysi says
These look absolutely amazing – I can’t wait to run home and make them tonight!
Oddly enough, the only Larabars I’ve ever had were the ones you hated – the Cherry Pie variety. I actually really liked them (but then, I was in a tart mood, not a chocolate one).
Sam says
Cashew Cookie!!!!
Kirsten says
omg! i just made the girl scout cookie larabar and it is amazing. i never knew dates could taste so good. i have a feeling i will be making this bar many, many, many more times.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m so excited you liked them!! 🙂
Kirsten says
i was definitely right about making these bars many more times. i made some more of the girl scout larabars and then i started feeling creative so i made another batch with some ground up coffee (sort of a spin off the tiramusi bar), i made another batch with almond extract, and another batch with some creme de menthe extract. i have a whole drawer in the refrigerator that is just larabars lol
Della says
All of those ideas sound fantastic – coffee, mint, these are a few of my favourite things! Thanks for the suggestions, Kirsten!
Linda Little says
Hi, on the hot fudge brownie larabar recipe. How many should one recipe make?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Eight? It makes around 370g, and if a Larabar is 45g, I’m guessing a little over 8 bars
Chloe says
I tried making the hot fudge brownie Larabars, but my blender wouldn’t blend the dates! I even tried soaking them in water, cooking them, etc. and nothing would work!:( Do you use the Magic Bullet for these? I’m wondering if it works well to make some of your recipes (like the cookie dough dip, that doesn’t blend well in my blender either!) or if I should just not consider getting one? I know you’ve mentioned it several times, so I was just curious:D
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hi Chloe,
I do use a Magic Bullet for my smaller recipes… I think this recipe would be too large to fit in a Bullet. What dates are you using? I highly recommend the SunMaid ones, because they are VERY soft.
Chloe says
I did use the SunMaid ones, actually! Maybe I just got a hard batch lol. They seemed really hard on the outside, but soft on the inside to me! There could just be something wrong with my blender haha:)
Della says
Just had to give you feedback for these! Made them with almonds because I didn’t have any walnuts. At first, they were too dry to form, so I followed advice from the commenters and added some sultanas (raisins) and then they were perfect! The base recipe plus the extra sultanas made 13 small bars and a taste – DELICIOUS! While they’re a bit too energy-dense for every day snacks, they will be absolutely perfect for sticking in the back of my cycling jersey for endurance rides. So much cheaper than store-bought energy bars and without the ‘partially hydrogenated’ trans fats nasties that I’m not allowed to eat. Thank you so much, Katie – incredible!
Leah says
Just made these, with a 1/3 cup of chocolate chips and some sea salt and they are the best thing I’ve EVER made. Dang.
Thais says
Okay, I burned out the motor on my little tiny Cuisinart trying to make these, but I saved the not-quite-blended mixture and used it all as an excuse to buy a big Cuisinart and finish the job. And I got it on an amazing sale. Nice! But now, although it tastes INCREDIBLE, I can’t get the mixture to stick together long enough to pick up any sizable piece up to put it in my mouth. I think it’s probably because I used dates that were already chopped up and consequently too dry already. Can you offer a solution at this point? Can I add something to increase the stickiness while keeping the taste the same? Should I just add a little water?
Thais says
Oh, and I actually used pecans instead of walnuts because of walnut sensitivities. Delicious!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hmmm… maybe some peanut butter? Or coconut butter if you have it!
Alanna says
Just made these with dried banana instead of dates, and added a little cinnamon. Very nice!
TheOtherKatie says
So, so, so, heavenly! These bars are every bit as chocolatey and fudgy as the name suggests! I will be making numerous batches of them!
Stephanie says
OH MY GOODNESS! These are divine! I could almost swear I was just eating an undercooked brownie (which, really, they are the best kind!). Thank-you, thank-you! Finally, some desert for my poor deprived Paleo tummy 🙂
Maria Carolina says
OMG KATIE. BROWNIE LARABARS AND SAMOA LARABARS HAVE REPRODUCED IN MY KITCHEN. See it all started when I had this wonderful fresh coconut sitting on my countertop. I couldn’t decide which flavor larabar to make so I thought “why not both?” so I subbed half the walnuts with shredded fresh coconut, added a pinch of cinnamon (it really brings out the chocolate!) and followed the rest of the brownie larabar recipe. Oh. My. GOD. They are orgasmic (is that even a word?). Fabulous!
Abbey says
Katie, I was wondering if you have ever had Kind Fruit and Nut bars? They are so good, but too expensive and high in sugar. Have you ever tried making anything close to this? (I know they don’t have chocolate in them!) If you haven’t tried them you should, my favorite is the Apricot!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I don’t think I’ve ever had one! My sister likes them, but the only vegan ones I’ve seen are non-chocolate ones, so I never was interested lol. I will have to keep my eyes peeled for a vegan one with chocolate!
Amity says
Oh Katie! I just made these and they are divine! Much better and taster than the three musketeers bars I used to eat when I had a chocolate craving! I can’t wait to try the rest of the recipes!
Kate says
Could I use a blender instead of a food processor or magic bullet?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I tried it once, and it got really sticky in my Vita… but it did eventually all blend. It wasn’t as good of a texture, but it does work if you absolutely have to use it.
Kate says
I just finished making these with the blender. It actually worked fairly well. I pulsed it and kept scraping the sides and it worked fine. Clean-up wasn’t too bad either. They’re delicious! I like them way better than the original jocolats.
Jenn SF says
OMG…I think I love you! I just found your blog. THANK YOU soooo much for all these healthy options! I can’t wait to make these yummy bars along with a ton of your other recipes. 🙂
Claire says
I could die eating these! Mind you, I wound up making Hot Chocolate Fudge Babies. I was concerned about getting everything to fuse together.
Still, this is a brilliant recipe. I just made some this afternoon. A part of me doubts they’ll last ’til tomorrow! 😉
Sarah says
Hi Katie!
You’ve got a fantastic wealth of recipes here! I’ve linked to this post on my blog after I made a very similar Larabar yesterday – http://teachcooklove.blogspot.com/2012/02/im-baaaackwith-middle-eastern-recipes.html
I’m glad to see that you’re doing this full time now and I look forward to seeing lots more awesome recipes!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww thanks! And the Middle Eastern food looks great! 🙂
Alison says
I love larabars, but I love cliff bars even more! I have a request for a cliff bar recipe!!!! It would be so cool if you did this! I am a long distance runner and cliff bars are usually my Pre workout fuel, so a homemade,healthier version would be amazing!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I will definitely put it on my list of things to try! 🙂
Julianne says
I added coconut to this recipe and rolled it into balls to creat kind of fudge balls 😛 Amazing!
Christine says
I just found your blog and HAD to make these as soon as I saw them.
I used almonds instead of walnuts and added in dried cranberries and coconut. These are to die for!
Boo says
I broke my blender attatchment making these tonight 🙁
On the good side, it gives me an excuse to buy a bigger, better blender!
Stephanie says
Oh! I can’t decide between these or the Chocolate PB kind. I’m a thinkin’ I have to try both. (Did I miss where you put the recipe yield in your posts? And is there a print button or no?) Forgive me.. .my vison is impaired.
Mary says
I made these as soon as I discovered them on your site. They are amazing. I took them to a vegan potluck and we all voted on best recipe. Of course these won.Thanks! I’m so happy to have found your site and look forward to making some more goodies:)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Wow, I can’t even tell you how much that made me smile!
Sarah says
So, you have me making all kinds of lara bars. I have wiped out my dried fruit, and chocolate stock and almost my whole nut stock. Today, inspired by this recipe I made a chocolate covered cherry lara bar w/ cashews…So yum! Thanks again for the inspiration, I have seen other lara bar recipes on other blogs, but they all seemed blah to me…but you added the missing ingredient…Chocolate! Thanks!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL those are the only real Larabar flavors I like… the ones with chocolate!! 🙂
Melissa Clarke says
I made these last night and they are seriously amazing. I’ll be sharing this recipe with everyone. Instead of walnuts, I made a batch with only cashews. I also made another batch with 3/4 cashews and 1/4 peanuts. Using a little bit of chocolate chips, it tastes like a chocolate chip peanut butter cup 🙂 Even my hard to please husband loves them! Looking forward to making more soon!
Kim says
Hi Katie. My 4yr and 2yr old girls cannot get enough of these! I have to make sure the fridge is stocked with them on a lower shelf so they can “sneak” them out every morning right when they wake up! It’s fun for them to make them into the babies balls too! Thank you so much!
Vivienne says
Hi! I have a nut allergy, and I was wondering if you have any suggestions for a nut substitution. I also just wanted to let you know that I read your reason for not having a “nut free” section, and I appreciate your sensitivity to the difficulty in finding nut free products 🙂 Thanks!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Try the Samoas Larabars! 🙂
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/08/18/girl-scout-cookie-larabars/
Vivienne says
Thank you so much! 🙂
Susan N. says
Katie I just made these and your Girl Scout cookie Larabars and they are SO AMAZING. You are seriously the best. Can’t wait to make them for my mom, we love Clif bars and Larabars but they’re so expensive! So glad we have a cheaper, easy to make alternative now. You are a wizard, Katie. Keep up the amazing work.
PS this week I’m on spring break so guess who is going to be making a lot of these recipes? Thank goodness I have a wonderful church youth group and college and career group to give away the results to. I’ll let you know what they think and I won’t tell anyone that they’re healthy or vegan up front, just to see what they say. So excited. =)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw you’re too sweet!!
LOL good luck… I hope they like the recipes!
Bobbie Sue McConathy says
I made your delicious HFB Larabars! One problem I had was with forming the bars. Mine fell apart easily. When I blended them they seemed to dry to be able to form so I added a bit more vanilla. They still aren’t a firm bar. Any ideas?
They taste incredible btw. My own little healthy candy bar!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I highly recommend sunmaid dates, because they’re much softer and tend to be stickier!
monique says
i made these last nite! deelish!!! BUT throwing everything into my MB was ‘interesting’!! lol i had to break it down into batches and mix dates with already mixed mess. still worth every little bit of trouble. i rolled them into balls and i’m eating one right now!! yummm
Purdy says
Just made this recipe last night and they were a hit. I love your recipes!
Denise B says
We just call these date-nut bars here, and I make a huge roll to cut into bite-sized pieces every major holiday. They are delicious! 🙂
Anonymous says
so yummy
Jill says
I just made these with 1/2 walnuts, 1/2 hazelnuts…hello, nutella larabars!! Sooo good!
jenni ingram says
i would love to see you make a larabar that instead of sticking it together with dates you stick it together with the melted chocolate
melanie says
yum yum yum. i LOVE these! made them over the weekend and i just ate a bite of one right now! a brownie, you ask, at 9 in the morning? yes! because it’s all good stuff! thanks!!
Brandi says
I just made these, eating them now. My 3 kids (ages 2,3 and 7) LOVE LOVE LOVE them. I shaped them into balls to make myself think I was eating truffles. Very good! I will try the peanut butter ones next and I will probably triple the batch bc this one is already almost gone, didn’t last 10 minutes with my kids. I will have to hide some in the freezer next time to have on hand for snacks. My daughter said she wants them every week. I used ghiradelli (sp?) cocoa and added chocolate chips.
Danielle says
I just made these a few days ago and they are gone. All eaten by me! And I LOVE THEM! Thank you so much! I’m so excited to try more of your recipes!
margaret says
i have to admit larabars arent my favorite theyre OK but man these are really freaking good! definately hits the spot when i have a sweets/chocolate craving!
Bella says
Do you taste the dates? Or are they mainly there to provide the chewy texture? I was just wondering because I don’t like dried fruit but this looks like a really cool recipe!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I don’t think they taste like dates at all!
Lindsay says
Can you freeze the Larabars???
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yes!
Wendy says
I just found your site recently, and have already told tons of people about it! I made the oatmeal raisin Lara bars yesterday and took them to class with me and they were gone instantly, along with the recipe. Today I had to make another batch of them and I made a batch of these to take to work tomorrow to share they are sooooo awesome.
I didn’t have any dates on hand so I did like someone else did and used half raisins an half prunes instead. Made for a really moist and almost sticky bar. To fix that was easy. I just tossed some oatmeal in the processor with about a teaspoon of cocoa powder, pulsed it a few times to break down the oats and patted the bars with it. Gave the bars a nice coating, and now easy to handle and my fingers aren’t sticky. 🙂
Thank you sooo much for your recipes, can’t wait to try them all!!!!
Lizzie says
i just made these with dried cherries in place of the dates and some added espresso powder to make them black forest cakey. thanks for such an easily adaptable recipe!
Beth Newby says
The fav Larabar in our house is the chocolate coffee Jocalat. I just may take your recipe and add some espresso powder, I’d think it’d work out, don’t you?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Definitely!
Fatesha says
Hye Katie..!! i found your website a few moths back and i told myself i should have found your website a loooooonnnnggg time ago..i am a chocolate lover plus health-concious kind a person, so while eating chocolate, i don’t want to be covered with guilty..if u know what i mean..hahahaah..and thank god i found your website and it such a joy trying all of your recipe..love it.. 🙂
melephant says
Hi Katie! I just made a batch of these little nuggets of deliciousness. Formed them into balls and rolled them in toasted coconut. So easy to make and so deeply satisfying 🙂 Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Donna Trull says
I just whipped up a batch of these. This is the first recipe I’ve made from your blog. Very easy to throw together and it tasted great! This coming from a totally non-healthy trying to do better eater. If the rest of your recipes are as good as this then I can do it! I have your Key Lime Pie tarts in the fridge right now. Hubby will be the judge of that one. Not telling him it has tofu in it.
Jamie says
How many servings do you make from this recipe?
Thanks!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I usually make balls or mismatched-sized bars or cookies, but it makes around 360 grams total, which is the size of 8 Larabars (Larabars are 45g each).
Tania says
Yummy!! I love making your treats! These are becoming my fav. Today when I made them I added crasins to them. and a tiny bit of augave too. I like that thigs on your blog are so easy to expermient with!
Kristy says
This is the first recipe I tried from your site and OMG it is delicious!!! My two year old daughter loves them and I don’t think twice about giving her a “cookie” if she asks for one:)
Rebecca Lustig says
I stumbled on your blog through Pinterest! I’m SO glad I did! I just made these Hot Fudge Brownie Larabars and they are A-Mazing! Thank you! Now I don’t feel guilty indulging in my love of chocolate!
Jenn H. says
In case I missed it somewhere… and not that I expect them to last long,
but what is the shelf life of these??
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
a few weeks fridged, a few months frozen! A few days at least, unfridged.
Jennifer says
For all your recipes that call for dates, can I sub raisins and still get similar results?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Sorry, I haven’t tried so I can’t personally vouch for the taste! But texture-wise, it should be fine.
Suzi says
I made these as fudge babies last night (amazing) Luckily I only made a half batch because I ate all of them. I was wondering if anyone has attempted to add protein powder to them? I just got some hemp protein powder and was thinking about giving it a shot, didn’t know if anyone had already been there and had any recomendations on if it’s a “do!” or a “don’t!”
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I haven’t, but I think a few of the commenters on the fudge baby page have done it and liked the results! Maybe use less cocoa powder?
Suzi says
Less? hmm.. I was just in Honduras (on a cruise, not doing something noble like mission work) and I purchased some organic chocolate and cacoa bars… maybe I’ll melt a little in to combat the dryness I’m assuming the hemp powder will bring to it. This way I don’t have to sacrifice any of the delicious chocolate taste. Side note- my friends always tell me I should start a blog, to talk about clean eating and share recipes. My response is: what’s the point I would simply just have a page with links to chocolate covered Katie (with clean substitutions when necessary) this one didn’t need any at all. Needless to say 5 of my facebook friends got a link to the fudge babies on their wall at 8am this morning with the caption “MAKE THESE! (if you don’t like them, I’ll eat them)” Spreading the CCK love around the East Coast!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw lol Suzi, that really means a lot to me. 🙂
Erica says
Katie! thank you so much for this recipe! I tried it over the weekend and they were a hit to even people who are not “healthy”- they are all gone! haha! I will have to make another batch soon and also try a few more flavors! great job!
Susan says
Hi Katie–I just had to say thanks. I made the Hot Fudge Lara Bars, substituting almonds because I didn’t have pecans. I also used drier dates, so I added a little almond butter. I tasted them while they were still in the food processor, and promptly doubled the recipe! They were still a bit dry, so I just added a tich of water. (Next time I’m going to try a little orange zest). Anyway, these were fantastic and believe me, will be a repeat performer in this household! Thanks again!
Lauren S. says
Is this recipe vegan??
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
all my recipes are vegan 🙂
Suzi says
they all are.
Ariane says
I made these tonight, very tasty! But maybe I pulverized/blended it a bit too much because I could practically ring them out and squeeze liquid out as I was forming them. Maybe oil from chopping the walnuts too much? I’d love to give these another try if you have any suggestions… I have them in the fridge now hoping that will help solidify them 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Sorry, I’ve never had that happen 🙁
Hope they firmed up!!
Tammy says
Let me say I don’t have much luck in the kitchen but after drooling over your pictures for weeks I finally decided to give this a shot. Oh, Katie I really wanted these to work out but sadly they do not look anything like your pictures. I realised I needed to add water once I saw the smoke coming from my Magic Bullet but then I ended up with more of a cake batter (which does taste yummy but is not the grab-and-go treat I was looking for!) I guess it was because we don’t have the sun maid brand of dates here or I just need a more powerful Magic Bullet. :/
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
If using a magic bullet, maybe you should try a smaller serving? But yeah, I’ve only ever done the sunmaid ones in my bullet.
Julie says
I love the lara bar recipes!! The cashew cookie bars!! So easy!! Just put both ground up dates & cashews in a plastic bag, close it, knead it together, and flatten it!!
Julie says
Now, for the entry to win the Vit-A-Mix, where do we leave our comment? Here on this post? Or do we just have to put 3 comments on Facebook?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Leave the comments on my actual blog (not facebook), but on the vitamix post. 🙂
Julie says
Would it be easier to make this in a food processor or Vit-A-Mix. I have a food processor and love it, bit is a Vit-A-Mix the same?? Just more??
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Food processor 🙂
Jen says
I have been wanting to try these for a while. They are way better than the Lara bars from the store.
Jackie says
Oh wow! These are really good. My 7-year-old loves them, and keeps asking for more.
I like Lara bars but have always thought they are an acquired taste. These homemade ones are so much better!
Chantel Bossio says
Hi there.
These are delishhhhhh. But I have a problem. Its to dry and powdery. They won’t bind and form into a bar. Did I put to much Cacao powder? What do I do? Add more vanilla ext? I tried forming them in a baggie but they still kinda fell apart. Helppp! 🙂
Mary says
Hi chantel!!!
I’ve had the same problem myself with the larabar recipes, FINALLY figured out the the dates I was using were way to dry, more like a raisin than a date. I tried using a brand called “sunmaid” and they worked great. If you’re sure that’s not the problem, then just add a little banana to help stickify the mixture (-;
Lauren says
Just made these and subbed in unsalted almonds…they are better than any regular brownie I’ve ever made! 🙂
Mandie says
Oooh Katie, I’d like to see a Cinnamon-Roll Larabar!
(These Hot Fudge Brownie Larabars are awesome!)
Amanda says
Katie, do you use a Magic Bullet to make these?? I think I just killed my MB making these! It took forever for everything to start blending together, then it started smoking! I unplugged it for a a few minutes, but when I tried to start it again, it wouldn’t come on. 🙁
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’d use a food processor (like a Cuisinart) for best results. If you use an MB, you have to do smaller serving recipes, like the Cashew Cookie recipe.
naomi says
Founds your page while searching how to make Larabars. I quickly made your chocolate fudge ones (had all the ingredients) and all I can say is WOW!!! Definitely be making more in the future.
Sarah Eskew says
Hi Katie!
I think I am missing this information but how many bars does this recipe/amount yield? I saw it was 175 calories per bar but not sure how many bars I should be making from this! P.S. this recipe/idea is sooo good!
Kelly says
OMG these taste like the (gross, over-processed, preservative-packed, but so yummy) Cosmic Brownies that I ate as a kid! I was craving some chocolate, but refuse to turn on my oven since the temp outside is over 100. I made a half-batch of this in my bullet blender and it turned out fine, even using the drier chopped dates! It took some serious squishing in a ziploc bag to get it to stick together, but it was worth the effort. Going for seconds now!
Anonymous says
I made these today, they taste great! I thought they were a bit too dry to form into bars at first, so I added half a banana, which made them gooey, how I like em 🙂
Cassandra says
I just made these these!
I used 1/2 Sunflower seeds and 1/2 Almonds, they were hard to shape into bars so I added 1/2 a banana like I read in the comments and they shaped up well! I shaped them in a small sandwich bag. I haven’t eaten one yet but I KNOW they will taste amazing.
I already made your healthy chocolate chip cookies, confutti balls, and some other stuff! I made a huge assorted platter for tomorrow morning for my family.
They already sampled some and they LOVE them! and my family are cheap eating, meat eating, 3 cups of sugar in cereal eating people! hahaha <3
You are so talented!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw thank you Cassandra. I am so glad they worked out for you… and I love your idea to add banana!
Micah says
Just made these as we prepare for Hurricane Issac here in South LA. My children will love these while we are without power & can’t bake anything!
Beth says
My son and husband love these. I’m a little “off” in my bar making abilities, so I just roll these. We’ve taken to calling them “Laraballs”. 🙂
Sophie says
Hi Katie!
Have you ever tried Pure Organic’s Chocolate Brownie bar? I’ve recently tried them and I like them even more than larabars! The brownie ones taste JUST LIKE WALNUT BROWNIES. They are so incredible. I’m completely obsessed.
jill says
Did I miss the yeild on this? I nearly eat them all by myself in 3 days anyways! Lol mmmmmmmm LOVE YOUR STUFF!!
Angela Sanchez says
OH my dear Katie. I am a South Beach Diet devotee. I only eat fruit carbs but sometimes a girl needs a treat! These are positively genius. My three children will eat them and we fight over the last bite! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!
MamaBlue says
I just made these and my oh my are they divine! I ended up substituting salted cocktail peanuts for the walnuts [that’s what I had on hand] omitted the salt called for in the recipe, used about a tablespoon of vanilla extract , added a cup of Toll House chocolate chips and used dates bought from Sam’s club called Medjool Dates. They were difficult to form into the bars…still working on that. But we heated them in our microwave for about 15 seconds and they turned out to die for! I will definitely be making more and trying some of the other Larabar recipes you have posted.
kbayers says
These are so good Katie! I made a double batch yesterday of the choc ones. Two of my kids are on swim team, so I try to make healthy protein snacks for them to grab…. I threw in about a quarter cup of flax seeds, some chia seeds, unsweetened coconut, a little coconut oil, and cocao nibs! They are very hearty, and actually much better than the store bought! I love your recipes. So helpful….
Cindy says
Just made these. They’re great! Thanks for sharing.
Laura says
Ohhhhh – these are soooo good and I eat them with frozen bananas made into ice-cream. What a combination. I want to know how you get them to be so square – I can’t seem to achieve that – is there a secret.
Also, maybe I am putting too much dates/raisins as my formed ball comes out too greasy – I didn’t know that raisins are so juicy? I just add in more nuts?
Shannon says
These are amazing. I had been meaning to make something from your site for a while now and it wasn’t until I bought a box of larabars and realized I hated spending the amount of money on them that I finally broke down and bought some dates.
I whipped up a batch, shaped them into cookies and stuck them in the fridge. When I pulled them out they were nice and soft and I wasn’t worried about them falling apart in the hands of two 2.5 year old boys. They were perfect! My cookie loving twin kept asking for more, though his brother is still a little uncertain about them. ((mommy and daddy love them lots too))
I feel so much better about giving these to them in place of a more ‘traditional’ cookie. Thank you for the time and effort you have put into sharing all of this.
AJ says
Oh my goodness, Katie! These are amazing! I tried 3 of the Larabar recipes tonight. ALL of them were delicious, but this one is my fave! Yummy – time for 2nds…3rds… ok… 4ths. Who am I kidding?!
Shaina says
Made these today….delicious!!!!!!!!!
Julia says
I like the cherry Larabars and other fruit flavors! Any suggestions for how to re-create at home?
Sheran says
I just made the hot fudge brownie larabars and I must have done something wrong. They don’t stick together, and if divided into 3 bars, they are huge – too big to eat one.
elicia says
This recipe is phenomenonal!! Thanks
Ellie says
Can I make these with dried plumes instead of dates?
Libby says
Made these for the kids tonight. They loved them and so do I. Delicious. Thanks again for all your great recipes.
Christina D says
I just finished making these for a healthy dessert for my family to have after dinner tonight. I snuck a taste after I was done making them and OMG soooooo good! Not sure how I am going to be able to hold out until after dinner!
Also, I love the new blog design!
Stephanie says
I made this recipe & it’s not sticking together. Am I missing something (liquid, etc)??
Peta Wilson says
I’ve never eaten a Lara bar, I don’t actually even know what one is but I made this recipe today and added in a bit of peppermint crisp chocolate bar and it is seriously good! Great recipe 🙂 I broke my food processor in the “process” and soldiered on with my bullet and got the job done but maybe a little crumblier than they should have been so I rolled the bars with a sushi mat and they shaped up really well.
Elemenno says
Oh my gosh! exciting! I don’t eat many of the Larabars because I’m allergic to walnuts. Have you tried these with other nuts, and do you have another preferred nut that works well and tastes good? Thanks!!
Julie says
K…these were FANTASTIC, I can’t wait to try the other recipes. Being wheat and dairy intolerant, it’s nice to have a sweet treat I can have. I didn’t put the choc chips the first time and frankly I think they are sweet enough (although who doesn’t like extra chocolate 😉 ????)
Thanks for sharing!
Missy says
I LOVE these. Im so so excited to be able to give my kids treats now that are not loaded with terrible ingredients, plus i am addicted to chocolate but committed to health. Who knew the two could work together?
Question:
my first batch came out VERY “oily” totally yummy just oozing. Is this from the type of chocolate i used? or the walnuts? the nuts are just raw walnut but the cocoa was by hershey bc that is all my local store had. ill grabe a different kind next trip to whole foods. also i put in chocolate chips…might they have more oil than chocolate? its all i can figure. oh i made them with my vitamix….blend too long?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Maybe don’t process as long? That way the oils in the walnuts won’t break down as much.
Fran says
Hey! Do you have the nutrition info on these bars handy? They look awesome but I’m curious about the protein/calorie counts. Many thanks!
hannah says
THESE LOOK AMAZING. How do you think these would turn out if I used almonds instead of walnuts? :/
JinVABeach says
I have made these several times and LOVE them. They are so easy to make and very versatile. I store them in the refrigerator in individual baggies to keep them fresh and “at the ready”. The recipe is very simple but the flavor is awesome.
Renee says
Do you have a lemon “Larabar” recipe?! Those are my favorite!
sue says
I also made these using raisins! excellent!!!! even better than the dates!
Cookie says
How long should they sit? I just them and the do not seem firm enough.
Unofficial CCK Helper says
They should be firm right from the start. They should look and feel like the texture of Larabars.
Cookie says
Maybe add water next time?
Michelle says
I love the Coconut Cream Pie Larabar, absolutely delicious!!! Thanks for the chocolate fix recipe for these Larabars. 🙂
Jaime says
I just made these and they are seriously so good! Better than any Larabar I’ve had. Thank you!!!! I’m going to be so popular at work tomorrow 😛
Dean says
I’m making these tonight, they sound fantastic. I’m going to feature you on my blog as well I think you have a pretty cool little niche here.
Angela Walsh says
I LOVE your website/blog/recipes……everything!! I have made several of your larabar recipes (especially the Samoa ones!!). But mine NEVER EVER come out looking like yours. They never really hold together. What do you think I am doing wrong? I use a food processor and use the ingredients to a tee. I want to take these to a 4th of July party but I don’t want them to fall apart. Any suggestions?? Thanks!
Jess says
I just made these and they are wonderful! Thank you!
I am in the process of changing the way I eat to a more balanced, more natural diet. Despite my efforts I still have a wicked sweet tooth and your recipes definitely hit the spot!
Makayla says
Me too! My first Larabar was the Cherry Pie flavor as well, and I didn’t like it! 🙂 I tried one again, this time choosing the Peanut Butter Cookie and LOVED it! (I love PB) Today, I like the Cherry Pie, but my favorite is the cc cookie dough. Oh, my question was: do roasted nuts work for homemade Larabars as opposed to raw? (such as Planters) Now I want to go eat a Larabar! 🙂
Diane says
I like the Cherry Pie Larabars. Do you think you would soak the cherries first? Do the dates need soaking?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
They don’t need soaking if you use super-soft ones like SunSweet. Otherwise I probably would. Not sure about the cherries, though.
nadia says
OMG these are amazing. am a newcomer to your website — have tried your 1-min cake for hubby’s birthday yesterday and today i made the larabars. now, am a total convert to the CCK worldview!!! thank you so much for taking the time to figure these out and for posting them.
my modifications — used pecans (since am allergic to walnuts) and added a scoop of vanilla flavoured whey protein powder + 1T of water (omitted the tsp of vanilla extract). the bars turned out delicious and moist. love, love, love that these don’t need to be baked. (not so) sadly, ate about a quarter of the mix by the time i finished making these bars for work 🙂
Brittney says
I tried to make these in my magic bullet and I couldn’t get it to blend together. It’s like it was too much for the magic bullet….what’s your secret???
Danika says
Is there a replacement for the walnuts? I grew up with walnut trees on our property and if I never eat another one, I might die happy.
Thank you!!
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Try cashews or macadamia nuts or pecans.
Samantha says
Hi Katie! I just was wondering how long these would last at room temperature, as I’m going on a 16 day trek to Everest base camp and am worried about the food options as a vegan, so having some of your amazing bars would be such a relief in case theres nothing for me to eat! Any help you or anyone else could give would be hugely appreciated 🙂 Thanks so much xx
Chocolate Covered Katie says
They are fine for a few days at room temp. Maybe not 16, but five or six would probably be ok. 🙂
Adrienne Rose says
I hope that it’s okay that I reblogged this, of course, saying you were the original awesome person to make this (I even talked you up a bit!)! I made a tiny change or two – made them into balls, like truffles almost! http://blog.adriennerose.me/2013/09/homemade-larabar-bites-paleo.html
This is a super seriously amazing recipe, Katie! Thank you so much for sharing!
Tara says
The clouds have parted and there are angels singing! I have my own variations to the Larabar, but I needed inspiration. Now I don’t even need inspiration because you have provided SO many recipes! THANK you! I smell a Larabar post on my blog! (all links to your blog, don’t worry) 😉
Mark Thackeray says
oh yes, these babies are delicious! so stoked to have stumbled across this post. I am currently doing the Whole 30 deal and this has been a perfect treat. Can’t wait to try the other recipes!
MJ says
Added some dried coconut flakes, coconut oil, and a bit of soy milk (my dates were on dry side). Turned out very smooth and delicious with hint of coconut. Excited to try other variations!
–MJ
Amy says
Okay, hope this isn’t to weird to ask, but have you ever thought of adding chopped up greens like kale to make these even more healthy?
Cassie says
Clearly I’m straight CREEPING your larabar recipes. I always get so excited for them then I’m a little disappointed… not as good as the real thing, but these brownie fudge ones sound MUCH better than their version!
Makayla says
What brand of cocoa powder do you like to use for these? Also, Sunsweet dates are very soft and work well too.
Unofficial CCK Helper says
I know Katie has used Dagoba in the past. Hersheys works though.
dalyn says
I just made these and O.M.G!!! They are incredible! And tasty. And I didn’t have to spend several dollars for a tiny snack bar 😉 Thank you so much!
Anonymous says
Can you freeze these?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Yes
Jan says
How many bars does this make? What is the nutrition facts for this recipe? My son has type 1 diabetes and we count carbohydrates, sugars, and fiber.
Anni says
oh my god, these are freaking awesome!
Leah says
I just got hooked on the store-bought Larabars, but they are getting pricey! These look absolutely amazing and I would love to try it out. Would I be able to use a Ninja to make these instead of a MB or other food processor? It’s all I have right now 🙁
sadie says
I don’t have dates, so I used raisins to make these…I thought they were delish! Just curious why you almost always use dates to make your bars?
gwen says
Oh my gosh!!! Just made these and they are so yummy! I only used 1/2 cup walnuts, and added a 1/2 cup oats instead and it turned out great. The only thing is I think I may have broken my food processor in making these…. but it was worth it :p
Maddy Crabtree says
I made the oatmeal raisin one last week to bring to my work so that I could have one as an afternoon snack – then this week I tried these. I am actually obsessed with all of these! They are delicious and so easy / quick to make! Thank You for all of these recipes!
Christine says
Do you know how much the dates measure after processing? I have date paste and am having difficulty finding a conversion. Thank you.
barb f says
Christine- She also noting a weight of 220 g for the dates. I used that since I wasn’t sure if the measurement was for diced or whole dates. it should work for the paste.
Lauren says
Ok, I know this is an old post and I am late to the game, but… I just made these and WOW! They are soooooo good! I don’t normally comment on blog posts, but i felt compelled because honestly, these rock! They are so rich, such a treat! I am embarking on a 30 day vegan retreat and I think these will be my saviors! Thanks for a great recipe.
Grace says
have made so many of your recipes this week but these amazed me the most! made them into bite sized squares and balls and they’re lasting ages. totally satisfy any naughty cravings and taste like fudgy brownies 100%!
Christina says
Oh my! These are amazing and quick and easy to make!! Just whipped up a batch and made one ball to eat as my son woke up and had to feed him. Now I’m dying for another but have to wait until he’s done breastfeeding 🙁 will be making these again, probably sooner than expected!
Lourdes says
So, I’m basically a blog-voyeur. I jump from blog to blog skimming for recipes and I try ones that stand out to my taste buds. Some work, some don’t; yours are usually very successful. I have 2 kids, one of which is a 7 year-old boy and is now super influenced by all the junk he sees other kids eating and its really difficult to balance out his diet without being so restrictive that the deprivation will ultimately lead to failure. I’ve recently been working on snack bars for him? I tried the cake batter bars which I thought were great, and he liked them, but not enough to really want them repeatedly and then I found this recipe. Being part of a chocoholic family, I had to try them. I took your recipe and tried my own version. I’ve never had a Lara bar before, and based on the ingredients, I think these probably have a lot of sugar, I will be calculating that later, but for now, they are AMAZING. I used walnuts, added hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds (a lil magnesium never hurt anybody), and I used black cocoa instead of regular. After I blended it all together, I threw in 3 organic oreo-version cookies and pulsed a few times for good measure and voila, oreo Lara bars! They are nothing short of spectacular! Seriously. Maybe you have that version already, lol, I haven’t checked. I wasn’t initially going to make them that way, but when I reached for the cocoa, I remembered the black cocoa and opted for the change. They seriously didn’t even need the oreos, but I figured it looked a lil more “oreo-ish” with the cookie specks. Your recipes are awesome, kudos to you!
barb f says
I just made these for a road trip we’re taking tomorrow, including a 5k run. I used pecans and these taste soooo yummy! I had to package them quickly so I wouldn’t eat them. Something to look forward to after the run. Or even an energy boost before. Made enough for both! thanks. I will definitely make these again! Nice to have much of the oil processed out.
Suzanne says
I can’t say if these taste like an actual Lara bar or not since they don’t sell them here, but I thought these were absolutely great. They really taste like fudge.
I tasted some of the “batter” while making them and added extra cocoa and some chocolate chips, thinking it wasn’t sweet enough. But then when I finished forming them into bars, they were a lot sweeter than expected. I should’ve thought about that beforehand, but oh well, lesson learned: just always trust Katie!
(Un)luckily, my sweet tooth is crazy so it isn’t TOO sweet, just sweeter than I was going for.
Hannah says
I was so ready to make this recipe,but my mom picked up chopped dates instead of pitted dates. Can I still use them? They seem too dry to get the texture of a Larabar. Should I just not attempt it and buy some pitted dates?
Sarah says
Well that sucked, made a batch to last all week and they were gone in 48 hours!
On the plus side most of my paleo or grain free cooking efforts have been met with fear caution so atleast I know this one works!
Isa says
I’m going to try this for snack right now! As far as you creating a Lara bar recipe goes…My FAVORITES are Key Lime Pie and Lem pie. I would LOVE a recipe for either of those!!! Thanks:) -Isa
Isa says
*Lemon pie in the last comment
Tracy says
Any suggestions for a replacement for the walnuts? We have peanut and tree nut allergies. 🙁
kaytee says
Whilst making these I’ve somehow managed to get cocoa powder all over my kitchen. Still worth it! These are heavenly!
Mandy says
Sooooo delicious! I’m trying really hard to give up processed sugar. I’m ok with dried fruit as long as it’s no sugar added, so this is perfect for those chocolate cravings. I could eat the whole thing by myself, it’s so good. Made it with pecans and added some unsweetened coconut flakes; it was amazing.
Janet says
How many does this recipe make?
Kristie @shechosehealth says
Have you done a chocolate chip cookie dough larabar recipe? That’s my absolute favorite flavor!
LL says
Just made these–it was so fast! I used dark cocoa powder & formed them into balls & some into cookie shapes—I just couldn’t get past what it looked like when trying to form them into logs—I mean bars. 😀 😀 😀 😀 I can’t wait to try other flavors!! I wonder if cacao powder would work?? **I just realized I added 3 tsp of vanilla extract—oops…oh well, you can’t tell!!**
Chocolate Covered Katie says
It definitely works!
Melissa says
I’ve never had a Larabar but dare I say how glad I am that I tried your recipe before buying one? I’m always on the hunt for healthier, homemade snacks for my toddler and I and this is an absolute keeper! Thank you so much for your recipe!
Kate says
These are seriously amazing. I didn’t have walnuts, so I used mostly cashews and some pecans. My toddler loves them too, and my husband said they taste like fudge (a great compliment from him)