Homemade Larabar - Ginger Snap
The first thing I do at the beginning of each week is make a batch or two or three of these homemade Larabars. They have become a staple in my familys diet and have sustained us on countless trips, fitness treks, and busy days. I predict they will become a standard in your diet, too. After all, who doesnt love a delicious recipe that a has a minimal ingredient list; b requires no cooking; and c can be squished into lunchboxes, pockets, fanny packs, and backpacks for hours umm, even days on end? With all of the great options for dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, the possibilities for variation are boundless, and if you buy your ingredients in bulk please do, the savings are substantial!, the cost per bar is minimal, too. This starter template is for cherry pie bars my all-time favorite; you can start with any variation from the list or from your own imagination. Whole dates are best for this recipe, but if prechopped is what you have or all that you can find, you can still use them. One caveat: Prechopped dates are typically coated with oat flour andor sugar. The coating can be removed with the soaking, but soak them separately from any other dried fruit you choose to use; because they are prechopped, they will only need 2 to 3 minutes of soaking. If they are left to soak for too long, they will begin to disintegrate. Camilla V. Saulsbury LC Homemade Larabar Note Why make a Larabar when you can buy it? Well, theyre easy, for starters. And because a DIY Larabar is customizable, not to mention economical. That said, dried fruits and nuts can add up quickly, especially if you opt for organic. Buy them from the bulk bins when possible, and just remind yourself, by eating a Larabar instead of a Snickers, youre making an investment in your health. And thats priceless. As for that customizable part, were curious to hear what concoctions you create in your own kitchen. So go on, tell us your loveliest Larabar creations in a comment below.
The first thing I do at the beginning of each week is make a batch or two or three of these homemade Larabars. They have become a staple in my familys diet and have sustained us on countless trips, fitness treks, and busy days. I predict they will become a standard in your diet, too. After all, who doesnt love a delicious recipe that a has a minimal ingredient list; b requires no cooking; and c can be squished into lunchboxes, pockets, fanny packs, and backpacks for hours umm, even days on end? With all of the great options for dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, the possibilities for variation are boundless, and if you buy your ingredients in bulk please do, the savings are substantial!, the cost per bar is minimal, too. This starter template is for cherry pie bars my all-time favorite; you can start with any variation from the list or from your own imagination. Whole dates are best for this recipe, but if prechopped is what you have or all that you can find, you can still use them. One caveat: Prechopped dates are typically coated with oat flour andor sugar. The coating can be removed with the soaking, but soak them separately from any other dried fruit you choose to use; because they are prechopped, they will only need 2 to 3 minutes of soaking. If they are left to soak for too long, they will begin to disintegrate. Camilla V. Saulsbury LC Homemade Larabar Note Why make a Larabar when you can buy it? Well, theyre easy, for starters. And because a DIY Larabar is customizable, not to mention economical. That said, dried fruits and nuts can add up quickly, especially if you opt for organic. Buy them from the bulk bins when possible, and just remind yourself, by eating a Larabar instead of a Snickers, youre making an investment in your health. And thats priceless. As for that customizable part, were curious to hear what concoctions you create in your own kitchen. So go on, tell us your loveliest Larabar creations in a comment below.
- Carbohydrate 26.5530201453749 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.125351944442313 g
- Fiber 2.36076805155611 g
- Protein 0.657585416689993 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0195327777745996 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (34g)
- Sodium 9.75427778547832 mg
- Sugar 24.1922520938188 g
- Trans Fat 0.0856742777777583 g
- Calories 101 calories
Step-by-step
- Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap and spray with nonstick cooking spray or slick with a touch of oil.
- Combine the cherries, dates, and warm water in a small bowl. (If the dried fruit you are using is already super soft and moist, you can skip the soaking step.) Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, until the fruit is soft. The exact timing will vary according to the dryness of the fruit. Drain the fruit and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Meanwhile, place the almonds in a food processor and process until finely chopped but not pastelike. Add the drained fruit, cinnamon, and salt (if using). Pulse the ingredients until the fruit is finely chopped and blended and the Larabar mixture begins to stick together and clump against the sides of the bowl and your processor starts hopping on the counter just a little bit. This could take up to 2 minutes or so.
- Transfer the Larabar mixture to the prepared pan. Place a large piece of parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap coated with nonstick cooking spray or slicked with a touch of oil atop the bar mixture and use it to spread and flatten the mixture evenly in the pan. Leave the paper or plastic wrap in place. (Alternatively, form the mixture into any size or shape you like, such as balls or mini bars.) Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Using the paper or plastic lining the pan, lift the bar mixture from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Uncover and cut into 6 bars. Tightly wrap each bar in plastic wrap. The bars will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months (let the frozen bars thaw for 1 hour before consuming).
Homemade Larabar - My Go-To Energy Boost
As a busy mom of three, finding healthy and convenient snacks is a constant struggle. Between school runs, work deadlines, and after-school activities, there's barely a moment to breathe, let alone prepare elaborate meals or snacks. That's why I've become completely reliant on my homemade Larabars. They're my secret weapon for surviving the chaos of everyday life.
I stumbled upon the Larabar concept a few years ago, and immediately fell in love with the simplicity and versatility. The fact that they require no baking is a huge plus – no oven preheating, no messy cleanup, just pure, unadulterated ease. I started experimenting with different combinations of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, and quickly discovered that the possibilities are truly endless. One day it's a classic cherry almond combination, the next it's a zesty ginger-date explosion, and another day I might get adventurous with something entirely new. The best part is that I can tailor the ingredients to my family’s preferences, ensuring that everyone gets a snack they'll genuinely enjoy.
Why homemade is best: The convenience is undeniably a huge factor, but the real game-changer is the control over ingredients. I can ensure that my Larabars are made with high-quality, organic ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, colors, and added sugars. This is particularly important for my children, who are prone to tummy aches with processed snacks. Knowing exactly what’s going into my family’s bodies gives me immense peace of mind. And, let’s be honest, the cost savings are pretty incredible, too. Buying ingredients in bulk significantly reduces the price per bar, making this healthy snack a budget-friendly option.
The perfect on-the-go snack: These Larabars are absolute lifesavers when we're on the move. They're incredibly portable, easily fitting into lunchboxes, purses, or even pockets. They've fueled countless family outings, school trips, and even those hectic days when we're running from one activity to the next. The best part is they stay fresh for quite some time, whether stored in the refrigerator or the freezer, making them a perfect addition to our pantry.
Beyond the basics: The initial recipe serves as a wonderful starting point, but the true magic lies in exploring the boundless possibilities of flavor combinations. You can experiment with different types of dried fruit – mangoes, cranberries, apricots, and even raisins. The nut and seed options are equally vast – pecans, walnuts, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds. The possibilities are endless! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom, or even a touch of cocoa powder for an extra chocolatey indulgence.
Beyond the practical aspects, making these Larabars has become a cherished ritual. It's a small act of self-care, a moment to connect with my family by preparing something healthy and delicious together. The process itself is remarkably simple, almost meditative. It's a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of a busy schedule, there's time for a little bit of wholesome creation. So go ahead, give these Larabars a try – I guarantee they'll become a new family favorite!
Variations and Customization
For the Chocolate Lover: Incorporate cocoa powder or chopped dark chocolate chips for a rich chocolatey flavor.
Fruity Fiesta: Experiment with a mix of dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, and cherries for a burst of fruity goodness.
Nutty Delights: Try combining various nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews for a satisfying crunch.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a hint of warmth and spice.
Tropical Twist: Use dried mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes for a taste of the tropics.
No-Bake Goodness: The best part about these Larabars is their simplicity and the fact that they require no baking. This makes them a great option for those hot summer days when you want to avoid turning on the oven.
Storage: Store your Larabars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. This will keep them fresh and delicious for longer.
Conclusion
Homemade Larabars are more than just a convenient and healthy snack; they're a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity. They're a quick and easy way to ensure that your family has access to wholesome, energizing snacks, perfect for busy lifestyles. So why not give them a try and discover your own favorite combination?
