Date & Nut (Lara) Bars

This homemade version of Lara Bars is another one of our staple hiking snacks. So simple to make, only fruit, nuts and spices, but oh so messy! Be prepared for some very sticky fingers.

I make this in big batches at the beginning of the hiking season and then store them in the freezer. Warning, unless you have an industrial strength food processor, do not more than double the recipe.

The possible combinations of fruits and nuts is endless. You can also add cocoa powder or bittersweet chocolate to the mix.

Makes two bars


1/4 cup dates, pitted and roughly chopped
1/4 cup dried cherries, cranberries, raisins
1/3 cup pecans, almonds, peanuts or walnuts
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Add the dates and cherries to a food processor. Pulse until the fruit has formed a paste. Transfer the paste to a bowl and set aside.

Add the nuts to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

Add the nuts to the fruit paste along with the cinnamon.

Use your fingers to knead the nuts and fruit until well combined.

Divide the the mixture in half and form into rectangular bars.

Wrap in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Amy