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!
Substituted some coconut and almonds for some of the krispies and used almond butter. OMG you have to try this!!! I froze them first then drizzled with chocolate!! Yummy.
That sounds delicious!
Hey Katie! Do you know what I could add to make these “smores” luna bars? I don’t mind using marshmallows if I have to, but I only have enough puffed rice for one batch, so I don’t want to get it wrong! Thanks for this recipe…it looks delicious!
Sorry lol I am the WORST at knowing how a recipe will turn out until I try it. I have so many experiments that go wrong :-?.
But for s’mores, I think you need to find a nut butter that’s much less strongly-flavored than pb… maybe raw (not roasted) cashew butter? And maybe add some crushed graham cracker crumbs to the mix? And a little marshmallow fluff or ricemellow creme?
These look really easy and yummy! I do love energy bars, especially chocolatey ones! However, I rarely buy them simply because they are often too calorie and sugar heavy for me. I know you’re not a calorie counter, but over the summer, I went from 155 lbs to 120 lbs and I really have calorie counting (paired with lots of exercise of course) to thank for my weight loss and it’s now a habit. Not gonna lie, I get a little obsessive but I’m working on it. I’ve uped my calories from 1,200 a day to around 1,400-1,500 and I’ve managed to maintain my weight for the past 4 months. So, a 200-400 calorie energy bar that has several grams of fat and upwards of 20-25 grams of sugar isn’t worth the few grams of protein and fiber I’m getting from it. I’d much prefer other snacks, but that’s just me. They are delicious of course! I may just have to try your versions so I can control what all goes in them 🙂
Hey Anna Lynn, just wanted to say that Luna Bars, especially these homemade ones, are great for pre and post-workout snacks as you generally need to get a good 50g of carbs with a little bit of protein in to fuel your exercise and to refuel afterward too, especially if you’re working in your aerobic system. So long as you eat them at the right times, those 20-25g of sugar are definitely worth it!
AWESOME!! I have been wanting to make these but never got around to it. I just googled homemade clif Z bars (for my kids) and this came up. Love it!
I love love LOVE these!!! I use a tiny loaf pan tin and when they are cooled I turn them out, and pour the chocolate over the top and let it drip down the sides….SUPER CUTE!!! Thanks for all the amazing recipes—-you are my “go to” gf website!!!
Wow! These are awesome! My 3 year old really loved them. So easy, delicious and healthier for you then the boxed crap.
How many servings does this make?
Have you ever seen Liquid Sugar in the Raw? I’m wondering if i could use that for the sticky sweetner…any thoughts? The bottle says for sweetening cold drinks, but i thought i’d check.
Sorry, I’ve never heard of it!
Hey Katie. I would be so delighted if you added a recipe for white chocolate macadamia nut luna bars. You don’t seem to be that into white chocolate, but I know this bar is a fan fav!
LOL I actually don’t like white chocolate… maybe because it doesn’t taste like chocolate? 😉
OMG these look incredible. I’ve heard a lot about Luna bars, but I’m from the UK so have never tried one. HOW INCREDIBLE. Shopping list for next baking session…MADE. Thankyou!!! xx
Are we supposed to let them warm a bit before slicing? Mine kind of shattered.
Yes, thaw a little first. Sorry about that!
I’m wanting to recreate a Zing bar. I think I’m gonna combine a little of this recipe with the one for your chocolate pb no-bake cookies and see what transpires.
OK…you pricked my curiosity with your homemade LUNA bar post. I love LUNA bars so will definitely be trying this recipe out! I’m actually having a LUNA bar giveaway on my blog, http://bridgethegapmakinghealthierchoices.blogspot.com/ this week for their new flavor, Peanut Honey Pretzel! They are so good!!
Could you use honey instead of agave….. agave has too much fructose for us!!!
Sure!
These are In the freezer. I added some blitzed banana chips to make Elvis Luna bars. They’re maybe a little sweet. I made the cashew cookie Lara bars too the recipe took some serious searching for! Worth it though 🙂
I love your idea for Elvis Lunas!
And thanks for reminding me about the cashew bars… I don’t think those are archived on my recipe page. They could probably use some new photos as well :).
Wow they look super amazing. Do Lunabars have rice krispies?