No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Larabars Recipe

With just four simple, real-food ingredients you can make these delicious homemade Larabar-style bars. I’ve loved Larabars since college for their short ingredient lists, and it turns out they’re incredibly easy to recreate at home. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Larabars are vegan, gluten-free, and an excellent grab-and-go snack for kids and adults alike.

I was obsessed with Larabars back in college and bought them every week because the ingredient list is so simple. Making a homemade copycat is surprisingly straightforward, and if you buy ingredients in bulk you can make each bar for less than $1. That makes these bars both delicious and budget-friendly.

What You Need for Homemade Larabars

• Medjool dates: The heart of the recipe. Use soft, fresh dates. If your dates are older and firm, add a teaspoon or two of water while processing to help them blend.
• Unsalted peanuts: These provide the nutty, slightly savory base we associate with peanut butter bars. You can use roasted or raw depending on preference.
• Mini chocolate chips: A little chocolate goes a long way — mini chips distribute nicely through the bars and add texture.
• Sea salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.

Equipment: A food processor is essential for blending the dates and nuts into a cohesive, slightly sticky dough. It gives the best texture for shaping and cutting bars.

Where to Buy Medjool Dates

Medjool dates are freshest in the produce section rather than the packaged aisles. Look for plump, soft fruits — they process more easily and yield the best texture for the bars. Softer dates mean less extra moisture is needed and a smoother dough in the food processor.

Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Larabars

These copycat Larabars are made from whole-food ingredients and come together in about 10 minutes of hands-on time. They’re chewy, nutty, and studded with mini chocolate chips. Below you’ll find the ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, tips, and nutrition information.

Ingredients (Makes 8 bars)

• 20 Medjool dates, pitted (fresh)
• 2 cups unsalted peanuts
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Line a square cake pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Pit the dates and add them to the food processor.
3. Add the unsalted peanuts and a pinch of salt. Blend on high until a sticky dough forms, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. The mixture should be cohesive and not too wet.
4. Transfer the food processor bowl to the fridge for about 5 minutes to cool slightly — this helps prevent the chocolate chips from melting in the next step.
5. Add the mini chocolate chips and pulse one last time just to combine them into the dough.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using lightly sprayed or damp hands to reduce sticking.
7. Freeze the pan for 1–2 hours until firm.
8. Remove from the freezer, let sit 3–5 minutes until you can loosen the slab from the pan, then cut into 8 bars with a sharp knife.

Swaps and Variations

Want a different nut base? Substitute the peanuts with cashews to make a cashew-style bar, or with almonds for a classic almond bar. You can also experiment with mix-ins like shredded coconut, chopped dried fruit, or a scoop of protein powder for an extra nutritional boost. Cutting the bars into smaller portions will yield more servings if you prefer snack-sized pieces.

How to Store Homemade Larabars

Proper storage keeps these bars fresh and easy to grab:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days if you plan to take them on the go.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Wrap bars individually or layer with parchment in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw briefly before eating.

Tips & Notes

• Always use soft, fresh dates. If the dates are dry or firm, add a teaspoon or two of water while processing.
• If you prefer a finer texture, process the peanuts a little longer before adding the dates.
• To make more snack-sized bars, cut the slab into 16 pieces instead of 8.
• Storage reminder: fridge up to 2 weeks, freezer up to 3 months.
• Cost-saving tip: buying dates and nuts in bulk will lower the per-bar cost significantly — often to under $1 per bar depending on local prices.

Nutrition (Per bar, approximate)

Calories: 373 kcal, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 8 g, Fat: 17 g, Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 46 g. Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.