Since beginning this blog, I’ve created many flavors of Homemade Larabars.
But when, out of curiosity one day, I googled homemade Luna bars, I was surprised to find zero relevant results. Really? No one had made these yet? It was definitely time to change that.
I don’t usually buy Luna bars, but every now and then I find myself craving either one of their chocolate-dipped coconut or nutz over chocolate bars. The following recipe more-closely resembles the latter:
Homemade Luna Bars
Inspired by Homemade Rice Crispy Treats.
- 3 cups rice crispies (I used brown rice crispies. For a less-crispy bar, you can sub 2 cups of the crispies for 1/2 cup oat flour.)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt (I used salted pb, too)
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons nut butter of choice (for lower-cal option, see below link)
- 1/2 cup sticky sweetener, such as agave or brown rice syrup (I used agave)
- 2-3 tablespoons protein powder (you can omit)
- melted chocolate chips or Sugar-Free Chocolate Sauce
Mix your pb, sweetener, extract, and salt. Melt (either in the microwave or stove), then pour over the cereal and powder, and stir very well, making sure to coat all the crispies. Smush and smash the crispies. (Get mad; it’s fun!) Line a pan with wax paper and spread the mixture evenly into the pan. Place a sheet of wax paper on top of the mixture, then press down as firmly as you can. Really press it down! Spread the chocolate on top, and freeze for at least a half hour before slicing.
Click for lower-sugar and Lower-Calorie Options.
I didn’t bother to figure out the nutritional info for these, as it will vary depending on what protein powder and chocolate sauce you use. But they are probably pretty comparable, calorie-wise, to packaged Luna bars. (The bars in the photos were made with the no-sugar chocolate sauce.)
Do you like energy bars?
My favorites are probably my Hot Fudge Brownie Larabars.
But I don’t always have time to make homemade bars. So if I’m in a hurry and need a quick and portable snack, I’ll often grab a cookie dough Larabar or a chocolate-chip Z bar, or a chocolate Jocalat bar… I’m picky about my energy bars; I only like the ones that have chocolate!
Must try these immediately!!! I love luna bars!!!!!!!
Luna Bars with no nut allergy issues and tons of options!! Joy!!! Thank you for sharing!!
I LOVE ENERGY/GRANOLA BARS!!!
They are a big staple in my life, since I exercise a ton, and am constantly having to grab something to top off my tank.
I really love Clif and Luna bars (and all of the Clif and Luna bar products, actually), and I’m also pretty big on most other granola and protein bars. Even if there are some no-no ingredients in a bar, I look at the big picture and figure that I eat really healthy almost all the time, so a little bit of something “bad” won’t do much damage to my health. Besides, being a vegan means that I will be checking lables anyway for non-animal stuff!
Do you have a favorite Clif bar and a favorite Luna bar? I am rather partial to the mini packs of the clif bars (containig choco-chip, PB, and brownie) and the Carrot Cake bar. As for Luna…..I can’t decide! But I really like their cinnamon raisin and their new chocolate chip bar…. but like I said, I love about ALL of their bars (veganized, of course).
PS: I’m going to whip up a batch of these tonight, and make the bars a little more bite-sized, so me and my family can nibble on them during the World Series game. I think I will add dark chocolate chunks to the mix, and maybe even toss in a few dried Trader Joes orange-flavored cranberries. YUM!
The only Clif bars I like are the Maple ones, white chocolate, or the oat-raisin ones. But I haven’t had a Clif bar in quite a while! As for Lunas, I only like the coconut-chocolate and the nutz-over-chocolate. But I reeaally like the coconut ones :).
I am a Clif bar junkie. I used to eat Lunas, but they started making me feel weird, so I stopped. Pretty sure the homemade-ness of these would take care of that problem! 🙂
Omg I cannot wait to make these!!
Have you tried Honey Stinger bars? They are my favorite before runs. I used to only have Luna bars until I discovered these. My other favorites are the new Kashi bars that have recently come out!
No, I don’t think I’ve ever even seen those!
I’m not sure how many supermarkets carry them ,but if you ever see them, I highly recommend them! http://www.honeystinger.com
Best running-and-everyday-energy bars I’ve tried! (although I can’t wait to try yours, this post looks delicious!)
Um, THANK YOU! I spent a fortune on my Nutz Over Chocolate LUNA bars every month (I buy them by the box) so I am so glad to have the chance to make them myself! So appreciated!
Yay Luna bars! I love them. That creamy coating on the bottom just rocks.
I’m gonna try to make my own Lemon Zest, my fav!!
Thanks for the inspiration and empowerment to make my own bar, Katie! You’re so right.. just adding a protein powder to rice krispies can totally mimic that isolated soy protein kinda thing like they use.
These look identical to Luna bars! I am so impressed. I am a huge Clif bar fan. I eat them on any long bike ride. I also love Larabars for a quick snack. Nutz over Chocolate is my favorite Luna Bar flavor!
KATIE YOU ROCK!
im obsessssssed w/ luna bars so this will save me $ and its healthier! thanks!!!