Homemade Cashew Chocolate Chip Lara Bars: A Wholesome & Diabetic-Friendly Snack
Store-bought snack bars may seem like a convenient option, but many are loaded with hidden sugars, preservatives, and processed ingredients. Making your own bars at home is not only simple but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients—ensuring they are organic, nutrient-dense, and free from unnecessary additives.
These homemade cashew chocolate chip Lara bars are made with clean, wholesome ingredients that provide long-lasting energy, are naturally sweetened, and support blood sugar balance—making them a great option for diabetics and anyone looking for a healthier snack.
Why Homemade Lara Bars Are Better for You
🌿 No Added Sugars & Preservatives – Many packaged snack bars contain added sugars and artificial preservatives, which can cause blood sugar spikes. When you make them at home, you use only natural sweeteners like dates, which provide fiber to slow the absorption of sugars.
💪 Rich in Healthy Fats & Fiber – Cashews and dates offer a balanced macronutrient profile, keeping you full longer without the energy crashes of processed snacks.
🥑 Lower Glycemic Index – Unlike refined sugar-laden bars, these bars contain only naturally occurring sugars, paired with fiber and protein to prevent spikes in blood sugar, making them a good option for diabetics.
🍫 Customizable & Clean Ingredients – You control what goes in, ensuring every bite is organic, whole, and free from fillers. Plus, you can tweak the recipe to fit your preferences—add superfoods, swap nuts, or even use sugar-free chocolate chips for a lower-carb option.
Homemade Cashew Chocolate Chip Lara Bars Recipe
Ingredients (Organic & Wholesome)
- raw cashews (rich in healthy fats and magnesium)
- Medjool dates, pitted (natural sweetness with fiber)
- mini dark chocolate chips (look for sugar-free or 85%+ dark chocolate for a lower sugar option)
- pure vanilla extract (adds natural flavor)
- sea salt (balances flavors)
Recommended Tools (Amazon Picks for Convenience)
To make the process seamless, these tools will help you create the perfect bars:
✅ High-Powered Food Processor – Cuisinart 8-Cup Food Processor (Essential for blending dates and nuts into a smooth dough)
✅ Silicone Bar Mold – Silicone Energy Bar Mold (For perfectly shaped bars with easy removal)
✅ Parchment Paper – If You Care Unbleached Parchment Paper (Non-toxic, eco-friendly, and great for wrapping bars individually)
✅ Glass Storage Containers – Glass Meal Prep Containers (Keeps your bars fresh and ready to grab on the go)
Instructions: How to Make Your Own Lara Bars
1️⃣ Blend the Cashews – Add cashews to a food processor and pulse until they form a fine, crumbly texture.
2️⃣ Add the Dates – Toss in the pitted dates and blend until the mixture starts to stick together.
3️⃣ Mix in Chocolate & Vanilla – Add mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Pulse a few more times to incorporate.
4️⃣ Shape into Bars – Press the mixture into a parchment-lined tray or silicone mold, smoothing the top.
5️⃣ Chill & Cut – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then slice into bars.
6️⃣ Store & Enjoy – Keep in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Why These Bars Are Great for Diabetics
🌱 Low Glycemic Load – The natural sugars in dates are balanced with fiber, fats, and protein, making them digest more slowly than refined sugars.
🥜 Healthy Fats & Protein – Cashews provide sustained energy and prevent sugar crashes.
🍫 Dark Chocolate Benefits – Using high-quality dark chocolate keeps sugar low while providing antioxidants.
🩸 No Blood Sugar Spikes – Unlike processed snacks with artificial sweeteners or corn syrup, these bars offer natural energy without glucose surges.
Cashew Chocolate Chip Lara Bars
Equipment
- Ninja Blender
- knife or Dough scraper
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 3 cup Dates, pitted
- 3/4 cup raw cashew pieces
- 2 Tbsp. vanilla
- 1 Tbsp. water
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Place dates in blender and add water and vanilla. Blend util the dates become a paste.
- Add in cashews and pulse until all is combined.
- Place date dough into a small glass dish lined with plastic wrap. Completley cover the mixture and use the back of a small flat dish to press firmly down creating a square bar.
- Once you've shaped the date dough mixture, flip onto a piece of parchment paper. Use your dough slicer to cut desired shape. Wrap in parchment paper and tie with twine.