Homemade Larabars in a new favorite mint chocolate flavor. These nut-free energy bars are a healthy high-carb low-fat snack with just 5 ingredients!
The elusive exclusive Larabar flavor: Mint Chip Brownie.
It’s not on the website. It’s not in grocery stores. It’s priced so high on Amazon I thought it was a pack of 16 not 5. It’s like the Bigfoot of fruit and nut bars. Does it exist or not??
It does. It’s just a Target exclusive and they are keeping it rather hush hush. How dare they keep mint chocolate chewy snacking from us!
Where I live, the closest Target is not that close to me. Further than I can reasonably justify driving for a snack. There is an entire bridge between me and it. And it’s not a short bridge. Especially further than I can justify to drive for a snack that is so easy to make at home.
Homemade Larabars
Compared to last week’s DIY Clif Bars, these are ridiculously easy. And those were already pretty easy. You may be thinking, “What’s with this current snack bar kick?” It’s really more that I live on a permanent snacking kick, I just try to control myself most of the time and post other stuff too.
Oats or nuts. Typically Larabars are made with nuts–a mix of almonds and cashews. But I love oats, most of you love oats, and homemade Larabars work great with oats! They are cheaper and lower in fat for my HCLF friends. You could still use nuts though if it makes you happy. Just another added bonus of making them yourself–choices!
Mint extract or oil. On my last mint recipe, many of you commented suggesting I use peppermint essential oil instead of mint extract or flavoring. Great idea! It’s much less processed with no additives. And it’s not too pricey either, especially since you only use a few drops at a time. I’m using up what I have right now, and then I will probably start using the oil too. Extract, flavoring, oil–use whatever form of minty flavor you like.
Mint Chip Brownie Homemade Larabars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsps cacao powder
- 1/4 tsp mint extract or 1–2 drops peppermint oil
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
- Process until it forms a ball.
- Shape into a rectangle. Cut into bars.
- Refrigerate.
I can’t believe they’re so hard to find! Haha. I’m sure yours are even cheaper than if they were regularly priced, though. 😉 So rich and fudgy!
I live in a tiny town with only two grocery stores so that might be part of the issue 😀 But yes still cheaper for sure!
I love mint chocolate anything, and I love larabars. Might have to try these. I have to admit, though, that I’ve never bought medjool dates. Can I get them anywhere? I see them as an ingredient in lots of things and think I need to try them out. I love healthy alternatives, especially for bars and snacks!
You can definitely find Medjool dates at any natural food store. They are usually in the produce section or in the bulk bins. My normal grocery store Publix carries them as well, and I even spot them at Walmart occasionally. The Natural Delights brand is my favorite and the most common. You can also order them online with free shipping http://www.naturaldelights.com! They are such an amazing ingredient for replacing sugar and making all sorts of raw treats I highly suggest them 🙂
Thanks for the info! I may just order some. Our Kroger is pretty good, though, so I bet they carry them. I’m going to look next time. Thanks again!
I’m so enjoying your snack recipes! What do we even need the store-bought stuff for? Oats instead of nuts sound perfect – allergy friendly, lower fat and so much cheaper! 🙂
Because we are lazy haha! That’s the main reason I succumb to the packaged stuff. But there is no good justification really 😀
Natalie.
I am showing this to my mates right now on my phone and they are demanding we make it when we’re back in Melbourne.
DELICIOUS.
Do it. It’s totally the sort of no-bake chewy rich brownie situation anybody would be crazy not to love!
These are gorgeous Natalie! I always love the brown and green combo in photos. LOVE mint chocolate combo, I have so many desserts with this combo and I’m TOTALLY making these now for my daughter for her snacks to send to school! I know you know that I’m not a date fan, but would you believe that the one treat that I like and will buy are Larabars?! They don’t taste like dates to me, so I love them, so I’m in love with the simplicity of this recipe. When I go to the store later today I’m going to buy some dates and make these for this week for Olivia. I love oat based recipes too, so healthy and filling! Can’t wait to make these, will tag you on IG when I do. xx
Wait wait wait…YOU like larabars!?! I never in a million years would’ve guessed that one, but that makes me very happy. There’s hope to bring you to the date-loving side yet haha! I actually didn’t like dates at all 2 years ago, larabars are what won me over. They really don’t taste date-y, especially the chocolate ones 🙂 I go through so many of them, you can’t beat them for packaged snack simplicity. And yes I love them with the oats too! I hope Olivia loves them, I can’t wait to see <3
This video was amazing! So great. You’re a superstar Natalie! I just love your site. These look delicious xx
★★★★★
Thank you Ashley! For watching and being so sweet <3
Mhh these look so fudgy and chewy! I never had Larabars, but your version looks perfect. Peppermint oil sounds good, I should try to get some. Sounds like it’s a good thing to mix into nice cream too 🙂
I don’t think larabars are international, but I’m sure you have some sort of date + nut bar where you live. I love them…a little too much…I can’t even count how many I’ve bought over the years ? Mmm yes peppermint oil in nicecream is delish <3
YUM!! Chocolate and mint is seriously one of my all time favorite combos. I just can’t get enough of it! These bars sound so tasty, and look absolutely gorgeous!
Mine too! I’ve been obsessed with it lately, hence the second chocolate mint recipe in a month lol! Thanks Kat <3
These look so delicious Natalie, the bars are so pretty! I love the mint chocolate combo too, it’s my favourite! This is such an amazing healthy recipe, I can’t wait to try it! <3
Thanks girl! I recently realized I actually never eat mint anything without chocolate lol 😀 Too good!
Eeeep!! I was browsing Pinterest just now and saw this! Can’t believe I missed this post???!! I am laughing so hard at your commentary about the infamous mint chip larabars!! ?? Hahaha!!! I remember a looooong time ago, when I worked for Trader Joe’s, these were my favorite flavor and I would buy pretty much a box at a time. I haven’t seen this flavor in years! I will most definitely be making these for Willow and maybe I’ll try making a batch without oats because now you’ve got me craving this!! They look perfect! ❤️
Oh really!? So they used to exist too, I thought they were new. That makes sense actually, such an obvious flavor Larabar, but they really need to up the distribution! I’m usually the one buying the entire box (and I’m talking about the 16 count box ?) of chocolate chip ones, but mint chip is just a little more interesting. You could totally make them with nuts instead of course, I’m sure you are already a homemade larabar making pro 🙂
“How dare they keep mint chocolate chewy snacking from us!” <<-O-Kay?? Lol. That's a travesty! How could they?!! And I have soooo been there, Natalie. You taste something super delish, then go back to buy more and there's none!! Alas, the interwebs should help right? Wrong. Well, unless you spare at no expense (um, no thanks).
Just so you know, I would never, ever think “What’s with this current snack bar kick?” I will love snacking, snack bars, snack packs til the end of time. Keep 'em coming!
It's awesome that you used peppermint essential oil. The smell is just heavenly, isn't it?
Just loving this homemade mint chip brownie larabar. They look so thick, satisfying and just the right amount of sweet and oaty. Imagine me just reaching into the screen for these. So… when are you gonna start delivering? 😉
You, me, the end of time, and SNACKS!!! I can see it now. I agree, snacks all day everyday and I’m a happy girl. And yes desserts most definitely count as snacks 😀 It really is a bummer when the stores stand between me and snacking. I have been known to buy the entire stock once they do finally get it back in too lol. But making them myself is probably a little less extreme. A little less likely to get all sorts of judgmental stares from the checkout people…not that that ever stops me. I will start delivering as soon as you come over and make me one of those brownie coconut whip stacks!! I mean we only live at complete opposite ends of the east coast…no biggie 😉
P.S. Random question, but do you cook? Or just bake? I could imagine you secretly being some amazing chef as well, whipping up savory dishes behind the scenes. Just curious 🙂
“You, me, the end of time, and SNACKS!!!” –> YES. Haha. Natalie, I would be that obscenely embarrassing person two aisles over, that makes you look down at your overflowing basket of snacks and go, “hey, this isn’t bad at all! Look at that crazy lady!” Lolol. The lady with the jam-packed cart two aisles over? ME. Because once they run out, they really run out! But totally agreed on homemade snacks. Once you know how to make it, you can rest easy. 😉 Girl, I would SO not be judging you, just for the record. Make that the tasty record. East Coast: Aw… if only we could meet in the middle! Cooking: I absolutely love, love, love cooking. I’m not as awesome as my mom is at cooking, but I’m trying (real hard–lol) to get there. Come on over (just a wee bit over a thousand miles, no biggie), and I’ll whip up something for ya! 😉 I just hopped on over to your “savory” category and immediately got hungry. What’s your favorite savory food to make?
Honestly I’ve always aspired to be the double cart person, but I have yet to achieve that kind of glory. I’m more the type who goes to the store every day for just a basket full. Recently a grocery store employee even told me “You know you can shop for a whole week at a time?” lol I try…but I just can’t 😀 Ah cooking. Yes my mom is so much better than me too, but I don’t put a lot of effort into it tbh ? Dips, wraps, big salads, anything with potatoes! I love making bread too, but I’m not very good without a recipe yet. Honestly I can go a day with all sweet foods and not miss the savory stuff at all 😀
Finallyyyy made these Natalie, took me forever, but finally made them and my daughter LOVES them! Even me, the self-proclaimed date hater, liked them, haha! The mint extract really gave them a fresh flavor so I didn’t taste dates, which is important for me. I love that the chocolate chips get blended in with the other ingredients. I love that they only took 5 mins to make, I mean, can it get any better?? The only thing different I did was throw in a small handful of walnuts with the mix because it’s important that I get a lot of good omega 3 fats in my daughter’s diet because she is growing like a weed. She is the main reason I made them and since her snacks are normally a bag of walnuts and raisins, I needed to include some fat in them. They turned out perfect. She loves them and I wrapped them each individually for her snacks at school. I will make these often!! I’ll be tagging you on IG soon with a pic!
★★★★★
Yayyyyyy!!!! I’ve been (fingers crossed) waiting for this comment, and especially your reaction as the date-hater 😀 I am so happy you both like them, chocolate and mint together are a pretty strong guise for all that date flavor! Yes the chips in there are my favorite part lol, they stay surprisingly in tact too. I’ll add almonds or hemp seeds sometimes for some extra plant fat, I’m sure walnuts are awesome in there too! Thank you so much for trying them and the feedback. Where were these sorts of healthy chocolate snacks when I was in school?? 😀 If only i had discovered larabars sooner. But I’m happy that Olivia loves them and I can’t wait to see!!
Hi Natalie!
I was so excited when I saw your recipe and couldn’t wait to try! I making them right now, actually, but they are not clumping together to form a ball. I’m thinking I should have let the dates soak in some water even though they seemed soft enough. Can you think of any solutions for me at this point in the process? I also added a tablespoon of flaxseed. Not sure if that’s what did it.
Thank you!
Sure! Just slowly add nondairy milk and keep processing until it makes a ball. Been there, done that, should be just fine though! And yes soaking first may help next time if they are quite dry dates. The flax is most likely not the culprit. Good luck!
Thank you! I just tried it and they came out great!
★★★★★
Yay!! I am so happy to hear it, enjoy Kristen 🙂
Hi There,
I’m a new vegan and super excited to try some of your recipes.When you make the Larabars do you need to soak the dates beforehand or just throw them into the blender or food processor?
Hi Joyce! Nope, I don’t soak my dates before making these and as long as you are using medjools you won’t need too. If you are using the deglet noir variety (often just called dates or baking dates) you may consider it as they tend to be a lot drier. But as long as they feel pretty squishy and not hard you won’t need to. Hope you enjoy 🙂
This recipe is fantastic! My kids love Mint Chip Brownie Larabars but the cost is pretty horrifying. I figured out that these cost me 1/10 of the price of the real things. And they taste even better!! We make this recipe regularly in our house. Thank you!!
★★★★★
Whoa that’s a crazy difference, I love that you calculated it out–good to know! I am so happy this recipe has become a regular for you guys, thanks for the feedback Kristen 🙂
I had a blast making these tonight with my five-year-old daughter. We are trying to go zero waste, so we are constantly on the lookout for snack foods that we can create from items in the bulk section of the grocery. We are also huge Larabar fans, so I didn’t want my kids to miss out on that chewy goodness just because the wrappers are hard to recycle. These came together really well, albeit a bit drier than the Larabars, likely because we used cashews and didn’t soak our dates. Never fear, we will be giving these a second try (and a third, and fourth…). I even snuck in some spirulina, and my kids were none the wiser, thanks to the peppermint essential oil. Thanks for a great recipe!
Aw yay!! Your comment just made me so happy, I am thrilled to hear you and your kiddos loved these🤗🤗 And yes you can totally take this as a template and make all kinds of additions/variations! Maybe try soaking the dates for 30 mins next time, the moisture of dates varies so much batch to batch. Anyways, thanks for the feedback and I hope you guys enjoy many more batches to come💚
These are super tasty! The mix was a bit dry so added a bit of ground walnuts and coconut oil to help hold together. Took spoonfuls and rolled into balls. Question: how long will they last in the fridge?
Thanks so much for the great recipe!!
★★★★★
I am so happy you liked them! And both sounds like delicious additions😋 They will easily last a week in the fridge if you seal them well, maybe two, but they do get drier after about a week in my experience!
these are so bomb and taste like thin mints but they’re healthy!!
★★★★★
YES!! That was exactly the goal, so happy you liked them Nicole 🙂
I made these but added more dates because the mixture was just crumbles. But then I added some oat milk to it and it came together into the ball just fine. I also used cocoa nibs instead of chocolate chips because that was all I had.
Love it – thank you!
★★★★
Yes!! Just a little extra liquid can always pull things together with a no-bake recipe like this when you need it. So happy they worked out for you Barbara 🙂
These broke my food processor (the first time I had ever used it, straight out of the box, lol!!) but I managed to finish them up in the blender and they turned out quite nice. My only problem (aside from my food processor – RIP), was that I bought whole dates and removed the pits myself which I think was a bad idea because I must have missed some pieces – I keep getting unpleasant hard bits every few bites. Otherwise, they’re delicious and once I contact the food processor company and they hopefully send me a new one, I will definitely be making these again!
OH NO!!!! I am so sorry to hear that, I make these in a food processor all the time and never have an issue, but yes removing the date pits is VERY important for appliance and eating reasons😬😬