• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • meet the team
  • blogger resources
  • Contact Me
My Account
Member Dashboard
40 Aprons Premium (Ad Free!)

40 Aprons

Delicious, Healthy-ish Meals for the Whole Family

  • All Recipes
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Cooking Basics
    • Breakfast
    • Condiments
    • Dessert
    • Main Course
    • Meal Prep
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Method
    • Air Fryer
    • Baking
    • Crockpot
    • Grilling
    • Instant Pot
    • Sous Vide
  • Dietary Needs
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Keto
    • Low Carb
    • Paleo
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
    • Whole30
  • Cuisine
    • American
    • Asian
    • Indian
    • Italian
    • Mediterranean
    • Mexican & Latin
    • Southern
Home Blog Cuisine American

Almond Joy Lara Bars (Paleo, Vegan)

Cheryl Malik
Cheryl Malik Posted: 03/21/17 Updated: 01/21/20
5
/5
16 Comments
Jump to Recipe
GF Gluten Free P Paleo V Vegan VG Vegetarian 30 Whole30

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

A stack of paleo almond joy copycat lara bars on a marble surface.
A stack of paleo almond joy copycat lara bars on a marble surface.

These paleo Almond Joy Lara bars are the perfect combination of coconut and chocolate and are super healthy. A filling and quick paleo snack, they’re also Whole30-compliant for emergency food. Very similar to chocolate coconut chew Lara bars. 

These paleo Almond Joy Lara bars are the perfect combination of coconut and chocolate and are super healthy. A filling and quick paleo snack, they're also Whole30-compliant. Very similar to chocolate coconut chew Lara bars. It was a genius moment, really. I was tired of flipping back and forth between keyboards on my phone, always inevitably getting caught in some labyrinthine space between the U.S. alphabetic keyboard and the emoji numerical, pondering my frustration on a scale of “the mortgage on my brand new house is kinda high” to “they don’t have my favorite bread at Whole Foods and I’m going to tweet angrily about it” (frustration with the pumpkin spice latte recipe, your iPhone being slow, and Lauren Conrad in general are also, of course, on the scale). I just want to type a smiley face crying with laughter, dammit. In pretty much every text.

Scale of First World Problems

So, irritated with the trap I found myself in with swapping to an emoji keyboard just to type the graphic representation of a passé “lol,” I decided to create a keyboard shortcut for the emoticon. I use them for my email addresses, blog and portfolio URLs, for names, and more… why not for emotions? So, being used to Slack’s shortcode for ?, I named her “joy” and my life was forever changed.

Well, kinda, sorta. You see, the problem is that these keyboard shortcuts don’t seem to work when you really need them, like in WordPress or Facebook. Sure, you can shortcut a ¯_(ツ)_/¯ all day long in a text message, but Facebook? You better learn how to express your sense of entertained apathy with real words, my friends.

But if you want to use an emoji in a file name? NO PROBLEM. The only problem is that you don’t want to use an emoji in a filename, so you find yourself spending a lot of time backspacing and carefully, very slowly, retyping J-O-Y to name your Almond Joy Lara bars without turning it into a laughing matter. No one’s Googling “Almond ? Lara bars,” I can almost guarantee it.

So ever since I captured my family’s beloved Almond Joy Lara bars recipe on film, I’ve been hovering past the maximum on the spectrum of first world problems, beyond the irritation that PSL’s are just too sweet now and why don’t they use real coconut milk without cane sugar and is that so much to ask?! My laptop laughs at me when I try to name my Almond Joy Lara bars, and I don’t find it funny.

Also not funny? How freaking delicious these chocolate coconut Lara bars are. And how I’m using a bunch of trademarked names and just hoping that Lara doesn’t care. To be clear, these are not actual Lara bars but Lara-bar-like bars. Yes? We good? OK, moving on.

These paleo Almond Joy Lara bars are the perfect combination of coconut and chocolate and are super healthy. A filling and quick paleo snack, they're also Whole30-compliant. Very similar to chocolate coconut chew Lara bars.

We make batches of these on a regular basis. We don’t snack on them too regularly, but when hunger pangs hit and you don’t have time for a “meal”? They’re perfect. And they taste weirdly like Almond Joys, which makes them especially popular in my household. Not only that, they’re super stinking easy to whip together and keep so well in the fridge.

There’s plenty of coconut and lots of cocoa, with sticky, sweet dates and crunchy almonds as your base. They’re a healthy version of Almond Joy and a cheaper version of Lara bars. What’s not to love?

These paleo Almond Joy Lara bars are the perfect combination of coconut and chocolate and are super healthy. A filling and quick paleo snack, they're also Whole30-compliant. Very similar to chocolate coconut chew Lara bars.

If you prefer a smoother texture, rather than one with plenty of almond chunks, process your almonds before adding the remaining ingredients. Doing this will help really break up the almonds, especially if you’re using whole almonds. If you’re using slivered or sliced, it’s not as big of a deal.

If you’re on a Whole30, you’re not supposed to eat things like this unless it’s an “emergency,” so I’m not telling you they’re approved! They are compliant, but you should NOT eat them as a snack or dessert.

Hey – you’ve made it this far, so now we’re basically best friends! If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook, too!

These paleo Almond Joy Lara bars are the perfect combination of coconut and chocolate and are super healthy. A filling and quick paleo snack, they're also Whole30-compliant. Very similar to chocolate coconut chew Lara bars.
5 from 8 votes

Almond Joy Lara Bars

Prep:3 minutes
Cook:15 minutes
Total:18 minutes
These paleo Almond Joy Lara bars are the perfect combination of coconut and chocolate and are super healthy. A filling and quick paleo snack, they're very similar to chocolate coconut chew Lara bars.
Print Save Saved! Click Here to Remove Ads
12 bars

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almonds
  • 2 cups dates
  • 1 1/2 cup coconut flakes
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract , optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract , optional
  • water , as needed (I use about 4-6 tablespoon but my standard dates are not too moist)

Instructions 

  • If using whole almonds, process them first. Put them in the bowl of your food processor and blitz until crumbled and pretty uniform in texture. If using slivered or sliced almonds, skip this step, and simply add the almonds with the rest of the ingredients in the next step.
  • Add remaining ingredients, except for water, and process until smooth and well combined. Add water as necessary to create a texture that clumps together but isn't too moist.
  • Line an 8x8" baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on two sides to act as handles. Press mixture into baking pan and use your fingertips or a mini roller to flatten and smooth. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes to firm up.
  • Use your parchment paper "handles" to lift chilled mixture out of baking pan. Slice into bars and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week.

Notes

Make sure you do not SNACK on these if you're on a Whole30. They are considered emergency food only. Epic Bars and other savory options are better ideas here.

Video

Nutrition Information

Calories: 213kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Sodium: 5mg, Potassium: 338mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 16g, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 47mg, Iron: 1.4mg, Net Carbs: 19g

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

 

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

 

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @40aprons on social and be sure to leave a review on the blog post!

Rate Recipe Tag Me on Instagram
These paleo Almond Joy Lara bars are the perfect combination of coconut and chocolate and are super healthy. A filling and quick paleo snack, they're also Whole30-compliant. Very similar to chocolate coconut chew Lara bars.
Cheryl Malik

Meet Cheryl Malik

Cheryl Malik is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind the healthy, flavorful, family friendly recipes at 40 Aprons. She's been a blogger for 10+ years and is known for her delicious recipes and detailed recipe instructions. Cheryl is a mom of three who lives in Memphis, TN.

Read more...

You may also like...

  • Batch of healthy paleo and vegan turtle bars on parchment paper
    Turtle Bars Recipe (Paleo, Vegan)
  • No Bake Margarita Bars (Paleo, Vegan)
  • These paleo cranberry bliss bars are just that: bliss! These vegan cranberry bliss bars are a grain-, gluten-, and dairy-free paleo Starbucks copycat recipe that's perfect for the holidays. Blondies, layered with "cream cheese" frosting, topped with dried cranberries, these paleo cranberry bliss bars are so delicious. You'll love these vegan cranberry bliss bars because they're a holiday treat that are totally guilt-free!
    Paleo Cranberry Bliss Bars (Vegan Cranberry Bliss Bars) [Grain & Gluten-Free]

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Lisa says

    Posted on 5/18/21 at 7:18 pm

    These are great! I modify them a little for our family. Instead of 2 cups of dates I use 1 cup of dates and 1 cup of prunes. I also add 1 cup of Old Fashioned Oats to ours and roll them into little balls instead of bars.

    Reply
  2. Tricia says

    Posted on 6/9/20 at 2:18 pm

    Thank you for this! I am trying to eat whole30ish, and I just need some dessert and chocolate. I went to the store yesterday and got all of the ingredients. I’m making these today!

    Reply
    • Amelia Camurati says

      Posted on 9/30/20 at 12:19 pm

      Be sure to let us know how it goes for you, Tricia!

      Reply
  3. Catherine Haslebacher says

    Posted on 8/2/19 at 7:48 pm

    Yummy! Thank you! These are Perfect for my camping trip! They are so quick and easy! I was surprised at how good they are without added sweeteners. ? I eat healthy but sometimes you get tired of bland, bitter food.5 stars

    Reply
    • Cheryl MalikCheryl Malik says

      Posted on 8/4/19 at 10:25 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Shellbeee says

    Posted on 5/13/19 at 2:12 pm

    Im so excited to make this!!! If I only have sweetened shredded coconut does it not mean its whole 30 approved anymore?

    Reply
    • Savannah | 40 Aprons Team says

      Posted on 3/15/21 at 12:38 pm

      Right, you want it to be unsweetened!5 stars

      Reply
  5. Sandr says

    Posted on 3/11/18 at 9:45 pm

    Could you su statute the dates for raisins or dry Cherries. I want to make the so bad but i don’t have dates

    Reply
    • Cheryl MalikCheryl Malik says

      Posted on 3/14/18 at 9:17 am

      You can’t – the dates account for a large part of the sweetness. Grab some dates and give it a try 🙂5 stars

      Reply
      • Sandi says

        Posted on 1/28/19 at 10:53 pm

        Great recipe! We love it as is, but it’s also easy to customize. We made a version with
        a combination of figs and golden raisins instead of dates, hazelnuts & cashews instead of almonds & coconut, and a bit of instant coffee instead of the cocoa. It was sweeter and a little citrusy.5 stars

    • Kathryn says

      Posted on 8/20/19 at 11:19 pm

      I added a pinch of sea salt and they are absolutely delicious! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Cheryl MalikCheryl Malik says

        Posted on 8/21/19 at 9:42 am

        Yay!

  6. Sandra says

    Posted on 3/7/18 at 4:29 pm

    My 18 year old son is doing Whole 30 with me and these were a lifesaver. Really good and helped both of us!5 stars

    Reply
    • Cheryl MalikCheryl Malik says

      Posted on 3/14/18 at 9:17 am

      That is great to hear! <35 stars

      Reply
  7. Paige says

    Posted on 7/19/17 at 9:39 pm

    These were delicious! The only modification I made was to not add the water. I let the mixture go longer in the food processor to naturally release more of the almond’s oils. This helped everything stick together nicely! Thanks for this recipe – you’ve made my month!5 stars

    Reply
    • Cheryl MalikCheryl Malik says

      Posted on 7/20/17 at 10:34 am

      I’m so glad you liked them, Paige! And great idea on letting the mixture process longer. I’ll have to try that myself! Thanks so much for coming back to let me know how much you liked it 🙂5 stars

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

What’s Popular?

Reusable meal prep trays with sweet potato, scrambled eggs, and sausage for a whole30 breakfast

Whole30 Breakfast Meal Prep

Crispy, golden air fryer tater tots in a large white serving bowl next to a small ramekin of bright red ketchup.

Air Fryer Tater Tots

Overhead view of marry me chicken in a cast iron skillet

Marry Me Chicken (Chicken in a Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)

Instant pot chicken and rice in a bowl

Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

In Season

Whole30 In-n-Out burgers close up

Whole30 Burgers – Burger Joint Style (Paleo, Low Carb)

Overhead photo of keto chicken tortilla soup in a rustic bowl

Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup (Low Carb, Gluten Free)

Air fryer chicken wings on a platter with sauce

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings in Buffalo Sauce

Instant pot frozen chicken breast - easy chicken recipes for dinners with few ingredients

Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast

As seen on:

More Goodies + NO Ads!

Become a 40 Aprons Premium Member!

All the 40 Aprons content you love - now even better.

  • Member-Exclusive Recipes
  • Meal Plans & Grocery Lists
  • eBooks
  • NO ADS!
Join now

Privacy Policy

Accessibility

Disclaimers

Contact

© 2023 40 Aprons
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
7529 shares