Cherry Energy Bars

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These Cherry Energy Bars are my version of homemade Lara Bars and feature chewy, chocolate-cherry bars dotted with bits of chopped pistachios and creamy white chocolate. A great portable snack, they’re naturally gluten-free and can be whipped up in minutes.

Three cherry energy bars stacked on top of each other.
  • Cuisine Inspiration: American
  • Primary Cooking Method: No-bake
  • Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free option
  • Skill Level: Easy

Chewy Cherry Energy Bars – aka Copycat Lara Bars!

These 5-ingredient, copycat homemade Lara bars are so good you may never buy a package again! The combo of chocolate and pistachios is oh-so-satisfying, and the dried dates and cherries add just enough sweetness so that these bars taste like a dessert without being packed with sugar. I love snacking on a homemade snack bar between lunch and dinner, and they make the best post-workout refueling option. Here are some highlights of these easy DIY Lara bars:

  • Sizing options. You can cut these cherry energy bars into larger bars to make them more adult-sized or they can be cut into smaller squares for kids’ snacks.
  • So packable. These homemade energy bars are sturdy like the original recipe Lara bars, making them a great packable option for lunches.
  • Safely gluten free. When you make homemade Lara bars you don’t have to worry about any cross-contamination that can occur during processing. Plus they taste so much better when they’re made fresh!
Cherry energy bars are stacked and packaged.

Recipe Ingredients

Yes, just five ingredients are all you’ll need to make homemade energy bars and I’ve outlined them below. Check the recipe card at the end of this post for the full ingredient amounts.

  • Pistachios: Use raw or roasted pistachios out of their shells! You can use salted or unsalted, depending on your preference. If you use raw ones, you’ll toast them in a pan first.
  • Medjool Dates: Make sure to buy pitted dates to save yourself time, or you can pit them yourself.
  • Dried Cherries: If you want to keep these homemade Lara bars on the lower sugar side, check the package of cherries to make sure there’s no added sugar as some dried cherries contain sweetener.
  • Cocoa Powder: I used unsweetened cocoa powder.
  • Salt: A little salt brings out the sweetness of the bars.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Choose vegan white chocolate chips if you wish to make this a dairy free recipe.
Ingredients for cherry energy bars are text-labeled.

How to Make Cherry Energy Bars

These easy no-bake homemade energy bars come together quickly. Here’s a look at how you’ll make them, and you’ll find the detailed instructions in the recipe card lower down.

  • First, toast the nuts. If you are using raw pistachios, toast them and cool. Line a square pan with wax paper.
  • Add to a food processor. Place the dates, cherries, cocoa powder, and salt in a food processor.
  • Process. Now process the mix until a large mass forms.
  • Add the pistachios. Pulse in the pistachios, leaving some chunks.
  • Pulse in the chocolate. Add the white chocolate chips and pulse a few times.
  • Place in pan. Press the mixture into the prepared pan. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.
  • Cut. Slice the energy bars into bars or squares.

Tips and Variation Ideas

  • Make them sweeter. I find these homemade Lara bars to be plenty sweet as my recipe is written, but you can add a little sweetener if you want them a bit more sweet. If you go this route, honey or maple syrup are nice options.
  • Add spice. For a hint of warming spice, add a big pinch (or up to 1/2 teaspoon, to taste) of ground cinnamon, ginger, or a combination.
  • Make energy balls/bites. Use the dough you created to form energy balls rather than bars for bite-sized pieces of goodness. Instead of pressing the mixture into a pan, use a heaping tablespoon (or whatever size you prefer) of dough per ball, rolling it between your hands until a ball forms. Then place them on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate until firm.
  • Try almonds. Cherries and almonds were made to go together, so try almonds in place of the pistachios in these homemade energy bars if you like.
  • Other flavor variations: You can substitute another dried fruit (try dried apricots or dried apples) for the dried cherries, add coconut flakes, swap in another nut like peanuts or walnuts for the pistachios, and use semisweet chocolate in place of the white chocolate.
Three cherry energy bars stacked on top of each other.

How to Store Homemade Lara Bars

You can store the bars in the fridge or on the counter, although I don’t like to freeze homemade energy bars because the texture of the dried fruit can change after being defrosted.

  • Counter – Place your cherry energy bars in a parchment-lined airtight container with a layer of parchment between any layers and store it on the counter for up to 3 days.
  • Fridge – Store the bars in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap if you plan to take them with you as snacks or for lunch.

More Gluten-Free Snacks to Try

Cherry energy bars are stacked up.
5 from 1 vote

Cherry Energy Bars

These 5-ingredient Cherry Energy Bars are my version of homemade Lara Bars and feature chewy, chocolate cherry bars dotted with pistachios and white chocolate.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shelled pistachios, raw or roasted
  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
  • 1 cup dried cherries
  • 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
  • teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons white chocolate chips (use vegan if desired)

Instructions

  • If you are using raw pistachios, in a small skillet over medium heat, toast 1 cup shelled pistachios, until lightly browned and they give off a nutty aroma. Set aside to cool.
  • Line a 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan with wax paper.
  • Place 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, 1 cup dried cherries, 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder, and ⅛ teaspoon salt in a food processor, and process until the mixture forms a large mass.
  • Break up slightly with a spatula, add pistachios to the mixture in the food processor, and pulse until there are small chunks of pistachio.
  • Break up the mixture one more time, add 2 Tablespoons white chocolate chips, and pulse a few times to slightly break and distribute the chips.
  • Press the mixture into the prepared pan. You can cover the top with more paper and press an equal sized pan to roll the top with a glass to flatten completely.
  • Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, then slice into bars or squares.
Nutrition Facts
Cherry Energy Bars
Amount Per Serving (1 bar)
Calories 139 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 1mg0%
Sodium 28mg1%
Potassium 210mg6%
Carbohydrates 21g7%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 16g18%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 420IU8%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 34mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimers: Please discuss your individual dietary needs (i.e. gluten free) with a physician. Even when not specified, be sure to verify all ingredients are gluten free, if needed, by reading labels on all packaging and/or confirming with the manufacturer this varies by brand and can change at any time. Nutrition information shown is an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.

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11 Comments
  1. Jennifer

    I have tried a few of your bars,they are great. I’m gonna try these next. Would you happen to know the nutritional value of them. Basically calories and protein. ?
    Thanks
    Jennifer

  2. Nathan Morris

    These look great! I will definitely have to give them a try. I have been munching on Big Sur Bars, which are made with all natural ingredients and no preservatives, and are incredibly moist and delicious! Here’s the website if anyone wants to try! https://bigsurbar.com/

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