These crunchy, chewy, Cashew-Date Energy Bars are deliciously free of refined sugars and grains.

Energy Bars! Larabars made at home, for half the cost!

We like Larabars, because they have simple, unprocessed ingredients, and they’re energy dense for active kids (and grownups!) But at $1.50 a pop, a Larabar habit can get really expensive.

I started to wonder if I could make my own bars at home to save some money and try out my own flavor combinations. Turns out, making Energy Bars is not just really easy to do, it also creates a bar that’s SO much more fresh and yummy than store-bought! I may never go back to buying Larabars again.

Healthy Energy

These healthy little energy bars are perfect for active families. They provide lots of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Plus, they’re vegan and gluten-free. So you can share them with friends who follow special diets.

Because these bars are so sweet and energy-dense, I would choose a different snack for an everyday occasion like after-school time. Where these Energy Bars shine is on the trail… think a family hiking or camping trip. That’s when you’re spending lots of energy, but looking to pack light and healthy.

Then they’re just about perfect…

Easy Energy

Making these bars is as simple as blending up two ingredients: cashews and dates. Just buzz them in the food processor and then press the mixture into chunks. You could try other simple shapes, too, like a ball or a heart.

If you’re feeling creative, try these tasty ingredients that add even more nutrition:

unsweetened shredded coconut
chia seeds
hemp seeds
pumpkin seeds
peanut butter
sesame seeds
crushed almonds

You can add as many add-ins as you like, up to a point. Eventually, the dates will lose their power to hold everything together. If this happens, just add another smooshed-up date or two, and they’ll stick just fine.

Kid Appeal

Here’s another reason we love these Energy Bars: the kids love them. No cajoling required. We understand why feeding kids can feel frustrating at times. When the foods you prepare with love get a lukewarm response (or worse!) it can really sap your cooking mojo. So it’s a great feeling to provide something healthy and fresh that you know will be a hit with your family. And this is one of those recipes!

I hope you’ll give these a try, and make your next hike in the woods a little extra sweet and special. 🙂