Learn how to make homemade Larabar-style bites: anti-inflammatory golden milk protein bites that are packed with flavor, protein, and clean ingredients. They make a perfect snack for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo, and Whole30 diets.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use and trust.
I’m a longtime Larabar fan — they taste almost fudge-like thanks to dates and often have very simple, clean ingredients. But buying pre-made bars regularly can be expensive, especially for families on a budget.
At roughly $1 or more per bar, the cost adds up quickly. For example, if six people each ate one Larabar a day for 30 days, that’s about $180 a month and more than $2,000 a year. Even a family of four would spend about $120 a month and $1,440 a year. For many households that’s too much to justify on a daily convenience snack.
Make your own — cheaper and just as good
The good news is you can make your own Larabar-style bites at home for a fraction of the cost. These Golden Milk Protein Bites use anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, plus nuts and dates for protein and healthy fats. They satisfy sweet cravings, are kid-approved, and can stretch your snack budget.
Why “golden milk”? The spice blend mirrors what’s used in golden milk lattes, so the bites have a warm, mildly spiced flavor similar to chai — turmeric is present but not overpowering. If you enjoy those cozy holiday spices, these are likely to become a favorite.
Notes before you make Golden Milk Protein Bites
1. A food processor is the best tool for these — a blender yields inconsistent texture. Use a food processor with an S blade for the smoothest results.
2. The mixture will look crumbly at first. Keep processing until the ingredients start to clump and form a cohesive ball. Depending on your machine this can take 30 seconds to several minutes.
3. Once it begins to gather into a ball, watch closely. You can process longer to reach a creamier texture, but if you over-process you may end up with nut butter rather than a dough suitable for rolling.
4. If the mixture becomes too wet or batter-like, add a little almond flour to thicken it, or press the mixture into a loaf pan, chill until firm, and slice into bars.
These bites are simple to make and easy to customize. They store well in the refrigerator and make a grab-and-go snack that’s healthier and more affordable than many store-bought bars.
Golden Milk Protein Bars | Homemade Larabar
10 minutes
10 minutes
Golden milk protein bites that are full of flavor, protein, and clean ingredients. A perfect snack for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo, and Whole30 diets.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ½ cup almonds
- ¼ cup chia seeds (optional)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½–1 tsp turmeric
- Pinch of black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- For coating (optional):
- 3 tbsp almond flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Add dates to a measuring cup and cover with warm water; let sit 5 minutes.
- Drain the dates. (Reserve the date-infused water to sweeten other recipes if you like.)
- In the bowl of a high-powered food processor fitted with an S blade, add all ingredients except the optional almond flour and extra cinnamon for coating.
- Turn the processor on low for about 30 seconds, scrape down the sides, then continue processing on low.
- Process until the mixture starts to come together into a dough that clumps into a ball. That’s the sign it’s ready.
- Mix 3 tablespoons almond flour with ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl or on a plate for coating.
- Portion out tablespoon-sized pieces, roll into balls, and lightly coat in the almond flour mixture. Alternatively, press the dough into a floured loaf pan, chill until firm, and slice into bars.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a comment or share a photo on Instagram to let us know how it turned out.