Keyword healthy energy bars, homemade larabars, homemade larabars recipe, paleo energy bars, paleo hiking food, whole30 energy bars
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 20 minutesminutes
Servings 16
Calories 125kcal
Author Tessa the Domestic Diva
Ingredients
2 1/2cupspecanslightly toasted (300 degree oven, spread out on a cookie sheet, for about 10-15 minutes, you'll will smell them, toasty and wonderful. Careful not to burn them, it can happen quickly!)
¼cupunsweetened cocoa powderunsweetened & high quality...makes a big difference in the taste here, I love Dagoba
15-20largeMedjool datespitted, or about 8-9 oz. NOTE: don't use other date varieties...these are the Cadillacs of the date world, much softer and more caramel flavors than other varieties.
Blend toasted pecans, sea salt, and cacao powder in a food processor (I ADORE mine, it has been a trusty companion in my kitchen for ages!!) until powdery and coarsely ground. Do not process so long that you have nut butter!
Add in dates and process until blended into dry ingredients, this might take a minute!
Pulse in the vanilla until well combined.
Add dried cranberries, pulsing a few times to mix (you could also do this by hand, but I am lazy!)
Press mixture into an 8x8 inch dish. Freeze or refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm, and then cut into 16 squares.