My Homemade Version of Larabar

I have become obsessed with Larabars, especially the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. 

So being a penny pincher and at a $1.50 a bar, I figure I could make something close to it for a lot less.

Went online to read what others have done besides reading the ingredients on the bar. From there I started playing around.

I ended up with one I felt was pretty close. Actually down right yummy and a healthy, clean snack

All you need is raw cashews whole or pieces

pitted dates without sugar

and chocolate chips ( I found at Sprouts vegan, sweeten with Stevia mini chips. Perfect)

A pinch of salt

And a food processor.

I used equal amounts of cashews and dates, 1.5 cups each. If dates are hard, soak them in warm water for 10 mins, drain and pat dry.

Put them in the processor for about 10 sec. It should be well minced and starting to ball up. 

At least it did on me. All that is important is that it will stick together enough to form balls or bars.

But not too sticky.

Then mix in  1/4 cup of chips, I did this in the processor too. Maybe 4-5 sec.

Use parchment or wax paper to flatten for bars or can roll into balls, your choice.

Refrigerate for at least 30 mins before cutting.

Can store in the frig for a week or two (I read online) but I doubt if they will even last a week for me seeing how I just love them. 

Here is the one I made on the left and the store bought on the right.

Taste is really close, mine had a little more the texture.

Yum Yum