Easy double chocolate energy bar recipe

Last Updated on August 7, 2024 by Michelle

It’s hard to not love a delicious energy bar. They’re the best snack on a slow afternoon when I need a little boost.

But when an energy bar meets a granola bar, meets a chewy, sweet snack? I’m hooked.

Easy double chocolate energy bars without refined sugar

As a sugarmaker, I’ve been a huge fan of all-natural sugar for a long time. But lately science is showing us just how bad the refined sugars and man-made chemically laden sugars are. Never mind the carcinogens, I also hate the sugar high that’s always followed by a sudden drastic drop in my energy… the exact opposite of what you want in an energy bar, right?

These Larabar copycats are made with zero refined sugars.

They’re a knockoff of the “chocolate chip brownie” Larabars, which, naturally, are my favorite. The sweet and salty combo, with the rich chocolate chew factor–man they’re good.

These bars have simple ingredients, are simple and easy to make, and store well. What’s not to love?

Are energy bars healthy?

As long as the ingredients are solid and the bars contain healthy fats, fiber, and maybe even protein, energy bars are a great option for snacks, as a side to an on-the-go meal, or healthier option for a late-night dessert.

Are Larabars energy bars?

Although Larabars aren’t designed to be a meal replacer, they’re full of fruits, nuts, and vitamins, which do give you energy.

Are energy bars high in sugar?

Yes, energy bars are typically high in sugar. If you’re purchasing your bars, they may be high in refined sugars.

But these energy bars have zero refined sugars.

Instead, they are made with complex sugars, which don’t cause glucose spikes. The natural sugar from the dates is also helpful if you’re feeling a midafternoon slump or trying to summon the energy to finish a hike or workout.

These are the dates I love for these energy bars (I also link to them here, on my list of favorite ingredients).

I would caution you from using refined sugars to make your bars, since that will cause a quick spike in your blood sugar and lead to a slump quickly after. So instead of average chocolate chips, I always use chocolate chips made with coconut sugar (I link to them here, on my list of favorite ingredients). Coconut sugar (like dates) is a natural, complex sugar that falls low on the glycemic scale and won’t cause that sugar rush that is always followed by a slump.

Go here for my Complete Guide to Sugars if you’d like to know more great options.

What is the healthiest energy bar?

Ideally, homemade energy bars are the best option to make sure they only have high quality ingredients in them.

There are a few decent energy bars on the market, with Larabars being one of them. Larabars are minimally processed and contain minimal ingredeints, with easy-to-read labels.

These homemade copycat larabars are great for when you’re craving an energy bar but want to know exactly what ingredients you’re consuming.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Double Chocolate Energy Bars

Copycat Chocolate Chip Brownie Larabars

Servings: 14 bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups walnuts
• ¾ cup cashews
• 4 tablespoons virgin coconut oil melted
• 3 tablespoons cacao powder
• ½ pound (1 1/2 cups) pitted dates
• ¼ teaspoon kosher coarse salt
• 3 ounces (1/2 cup) chocolate chips, melted
• 2 ounces (1/3 cup) chocolate chips

Instructions

• In a food processor, chop the walnuts and cashews until you have small crumbs
• In a small bowl, with the melted coconut oil, stir in the cocoa powder
• Add the oil and cocoa powder mixture to your nuts, in the food processor, then add the dates, salt, and melted chocolate
• Blend until the mixture holds together well when pressed between your fingers
• Add the chocolate chips to the mixture and pulse a few times to break up the chips a bit and evenly distribute them
• Spread your mixture into an even layer on a piece of parchment paper and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes, until firm
• Cut bars into the size you want them and store in a lidded container in the fridge

Notes for making these chocolate energy bars

• Feel free to use whatever nuts your family prefers, or whatever type(s) you have on hand. As long as you’re adding 2 3/4 cups worth, it can be any nut or combination of nuts.
• These are the dates I love for these energy bars (I also link to them here, on my list of favorite ingredients).
• If, like me, you want to avoid energy bars that cause a quick spike in your glucose level, find chocolate chips that are made with natural sugars. I always use chocolate chips made with coconut sugar (I link to them here, on my list of favorite ingredients). Coconut sugar (like dates) is a natural, complex sugar that falls low on the glycemic scale and won’t cause that sugar rush that is always followed by a quick slump.
• I’m picky about my coconut oil. I want it to be expeller pressed, for the highest quality and zero solvents or chemicals. This oil is not hydrogenated and contains no trans fats.  In addition, because this oil is expeller pressed and refined, it doesn’t contain a coconut taste, but offers a totally neutral flavor. Bonus, this quality oil is high in lauric acid and other medium chain fatty acids. Lauric acid becomes 2-monolauren in the stomach. (Monolaurin is used for preventing and treating colds and other infections.)
• Go here for my Complete Guide to Sugars if you’d like to know more great options.
• Download my FREE Pantry Checklist and all the discounts on the best ingredients

More like this energy bar recipe:

• Mango granola
• Kamut chocolate chip cookies
• Giant skillet cookie
• Instant homemade oatmeal

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