Fruit And Nut Bars Copycat Larabar

Larabars have forever been one of my go-to toddler snacks, but since they stopped making the mini ones that were a perfect size for kids (and because they can be expensive), I started making this recipe. And while I don’t exclusively make homemade snacks—we still do buy healthy snacks for kids, including bars—this has been an easy option to have in the mix. I love that I can buy the ingredients and stash the bars in the fridge for filling snacks for weeks. (When you buy the ingredients, know that they will make at least two batches of these, so keep them in the pantry until you’re ready to make the recipe again. Or you can make these No-Bake Chocolate Balls, which have similar ingredients.) These fruit and nut bars are a great preschool snack (there’s a nut-free option if needed), a great after school snack, and are also wonderful as a pregnancy snack. My whole family enjoys them! (You may also like Healthy Breakfast Bars, Peach Crumb Bars, and Date Bars with Blueberries. For a bar without nuts, try my Chocolate Chip Granola Bars.)

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make this easy snack idea to share with the kids. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Cashews or almonds: You can use either of these as the base of the fruit and nut bars. Either raw or roasted and unsalted work. If you want or need to make them nut-free, use roasted sunflower seeds. Pitted dates: Fresh dates, either the Medjool or Deglet Noir variety, work here to help hold the bars together. They are typically sold in the refrigerated aisle near the produce. Dried fruit: Dried cherries, dried apples, dried apricots, raisins, or prunes all work here as flavor options. Do one flavor or a combination. Shredded unsweetened coconut: A little bit of coconut adds flavor and helps the bars have a little structure. Rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats helps the bars have a little structure so they are easy to slice and pick up to eat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below is an overview of this fruit and nut bars recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll to the end of the post for the details on amounts and timing.

How to Store

Store Fruit and Nut Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month, either wrapped individually in plastic wrap or separated with parchment paper. You can also freeze for up to 6 months. These are best if stored in the fridge but hold up fine at room temperature to take them on the go. (I usually pack with an ice pack if we’ll be out for many hours in the heat, though.)

Best Tips for Success

When you start the fruit and nut bar mixture in the food processor, it will seem like it’s not going to work. Let the machine keep running, as it can take about a minute before the mixture will start to naturally hold together like cookie dough. Use all coconut or all oatmeal, as you like. Use roasted sunflower seeds instead of the nuts to make these a nut-free snack. You can skip the soaking step, or soak for just 5 minutes. Use one dried fruit or a mix of them. Add 1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder to make a chocolate version of the Fruit and Nut Bars. Dice up as a nutritious baby snack or check out my Chewy Granola Bars.

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