I'm sharing one of my favorite snacks today! I love Larabars, so this recipe is a homemade copycat version of those wholesome snacks. I love the simplicity of this recipe, but it still lets you be creative and come up with your own healthy flavor combinations!
Lemon Pie Bars
Makes 6 bars
Active time about 15 minutes
Total time about 45 minutes
What You'll Need:
Coconut oil (for the pan)
1 1/4 cups packed, pitted, soft whole dates
1 cup warm water
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw cashews
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional)
What You'll Do:
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Brush a long piece of wax paper with coconut oil and press one half into a 5x9 loaf pan (the other half will hang off the side).
2. Combine the dates and warm water in a bowl. Let soak for 10 minutes until the fruit is soft. If the dried fruit you’re using is already super soft, you can skip the soaking step. Drain the fruit and pat it dry with paper towels. -
While the dates are soaking, process the the almonds and cashews in a food processor until finely chopped but not a paste.
4. Add the drained dates, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt to the food processor. Pulse for about two minutes until the fruit is finely chopped and the mixture begins to stick together and clump against the sides of the bowl. -
Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Fold the extra wax paper over on top of the mixture, and use it to spread and flatten the bars evenly in the pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6. Using the wax paper lining the pan, lift the bar mixture from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Peel back the top layer and cut the rectangle into 6 bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap (and maybe try one now!!). The bars will keep at room temperature for 3 days, in the refrigerator for 3 weeks, or in the freezer for 3 months.
I just love these tangy bars for a quick snack! This recipe keeps me from snacking on unhealthy treats between meals, so I hope it will help you stick to your food goals this week too!