A Teaspoon and A Pinch: Make it From Scratch: Lara Bars

Chocolate Craving Bars

'Morning!

You might remember that last month, Katie from Living Crunchy guest posted here with instructions for homemade, natural Easter Egg Dye. It's my turn to return the favor, so I set out to find a recipe for homemade Lara bars.

Turns out, they're really easy to make! And really easy to customize, too. I've updated this post to include all 5(!) of my recipes for copycat Lara bars. Enjoy!

Enjoy!

Cherry Pie Bars
1 c. (160g) dried, unsweetened cherries
1/4 c. (40g) dried, unsweetened dates
1/3 c. warm water (for soaking fruit)
1 c. (120g) almonds
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. vanilla
dash salt

Sunshine Bars
1 c. (160g) dried, unsweetened pineapple
1/3 c. warm water (for soaking fruit)
1 c. (120g) cashews
1/4 c. (20g) unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 tsp. lemon zest
dash salt

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
1 c. (160g) raisins
1/4 c. warm water (for soaking fruit)
3/4 c. (60g) oatmeal (not quick-cook)
3/4 c. (90g) cashews
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. vanilla
dash salt

Blueberry Muffin Bars
1 c. (160g) dried, unsweetened blueberries
1/4 c. (40g) dried, unsweetened dates
1/3 c. warm water (for soaking fruit)
1/2 c. (40g) oatmeal (not quick-cook)
3/4 c. (90g) almonds
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. lemon zest
1/4 tsp. vanilla
dash salt

Chocolate Craving Bars
1 c. (160g) dried, unsweetened dates
1/3 c. warm water (for soaking fruit)
1 c. (120g) almonds
2 Tbsp. baking cocoa
1/4 c. (50g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 tsp. vanilla
dash salt

Directions
Soak the dried fruit in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, gather remaining ingredients and pour into a food processor. Drain the fruit and add to the food processor. Process for 30 – 60 seconds or until the mixture sticks together when pinched with your fingers. Pour into a loaf pan and press firmly into bars with a spatula. Chill for 10 minutes and then cut into 6 bars. Store refrigerated for up to two weeks.