Easy DIY LaraBars {vegan, grain-free, gluten-free}

Step 1

Set out four pieces of plastic wrap for shaping and wrapping the bars. Do this first; you’ll have sticky fingers when you need it.

Step 2

Place the dates and cherries in a food processor. Pulse until processed to a paste. Transfer paste to a medium bowl (don’t clean processor).

Step 3

Add the nuts to the processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the nuts, along with the cinnamon, to the bowl with the fruit paste. Use your fingers to knead the nuts into the paste (just keep squishing, it’s fun; brings back memories of play-dough).

Step 4

Divide mixture ito 4 equal pieces. Place each piece on each of one of the sheets of plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic around each bar and start squishing into a bar shape form (3.5 inches long, 1 inch wide and 3/4-inch thick); press against countertop to flatten bottom side, flattening top side and ends with flat of hand.

Step 5

Tightly wrap the plastic around each bar and store in the refrigerator.