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!
I LOVE LUNA BARS!! Energy bars are one of my FAVE things, because I am always hungry and always on-the-go so I need something to keep me going!! I am buying some crispies as soon as I can to make these! 😀
Oh, yay!!!! I love Luna bars!! I’ve been trying to figure out how to recreate the Lemon Zest ones, actually, so if you have any ideas let us know please. 🙂
Hi anna! Lemon zest is my fav flavor, and I’m thinking of putting a lemon zested coconut butter layer on the top after pressing down the krispies, and putting lemon juice and coconut oil in the krispie layer.
Yum!! I’ll have to try that, thanks!
I LOVE your recipes CCK, and I’m thrilled to see you post a Luna bar recipe!! But I have to correct you-someone did post a homemade luna bar recipe-when I searched for them this spring, I found this: http://fixationandcreation.wordpress.com/2011/02/25/customizable-energy-bars/
Looking fwd to trying yours too though!! (especially ’cause my kids just found and finished off my most recent stash of Hot Chocolate Babies!!)
Hmmm… interesting! That didn’t come up under any of my searches. Out of curiosity, what term did you search for to find that? Thanks for sharing!
Luna copycat on Google, it was on the first page this spring, but now I see it’s down to the 3rd page….
Btw-the reason I went searching for the Luna bars, is b/c I found several recipes (including yours) for Clif, and lara type bars, (and then got hooked!) and then became interested to see if I could find Luna ones too, but that was the only one I found at that time…
What a awesome idea!! I can’t wait to make these! Love LUNA’s 😀
I know you could do it. I used to be a big fan of luna bars but switched to Odwalla bars. After eating a Luna bar I was not happy with it. It had a funny taste. These are perfect because the ingredients are not so processed like the soy in the Luna bars. Plus, a little more chocolate wouldn’t hurt either. 🙂 Thanks for the recipe.
I was seriously just thinking the other day I’ve not seen a recipe anywhere for homemade Luna bars, so I thought about trying to make some. But then I thought about something else and forgot. LOL Thanks for taking on the challange! Now, I just need to find some crispie brown rice cereal…
I don’t think I’ve commented before but I’m a long-time reader, non-vegan that is a big fan or your recipes! (Even though I love butter.) Luna bars are my favorite energy bar and these look great–can’t want to try them! (If you could figure out a recipe for homemade Chocolate Raspberry Luna bars, you would be my hero! (;)
Aww thanks, Holly!
Haha I have a butter-addict friend who likes my recipes… except she always slathers butter on them every time I give her a taste! 😉
LOVELY!! These look fantastic Katie, nice work! I have a “bar” recipe similiar to this but I love yours, here just as much. 🙂 Love your pics too!
Not a big fan of bars…unless they are homemade or with exceptional ingredients. 🙂
I used to live off of energy bars! Now I try to grab an apple or some nuts. I bet my kids would love these bars! Thanks!
I’ve never tried Luna bars…. but these looks delicious! Can’t seem to get Luna, lara or cliff bars in Australia – booo! Good thing you’ve come up with homemade versions for us Aussies who are missing out (you’re awesome!) 🙂