This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Everything tastes better when you know it’s good for you! These Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars are a great way to fill your body with extra protein and make your taste buds do the happy dance. Topped with chocolate chips, they’re the perfect treat.
How to make homemade perfect bar recipe
Healthy protein bars right at home
There’s no denying it: granola-style bars are just better when they’re made at home! Maybe it’s the fresh ingredients, or maybe it’s the satisfaction of making your own, but something about them just tastes better.
For me, I’m all about grab-and-go style bars. Granola bars, protein bars, Perfect Bars, Clif Bars… I love them all. But when I started becoming more conscious of what I was eating and made the transition to a whole foods approach, I knew processed granola bars had to go.
Enter: My own copycat homemade perfect bars! If you’re unfamiliar, Perfect Bars are protein bars that come in a wide variety of flavors. The options are endless, and over time I’ve built up my stock pile of bar recipes to be pretty endless too!
On my website you’ll find all types of bars ranging from millionaire and s’mores bars to cookie dough and pumpkin oat bars. When you set your mind to it, you can make any recipe right at home!
So, let’s dive into creating copycat homemade perfect bars. It’s a no-bake recipe that won’t take much time at all!
Peanut butter protein bar ingredients
This recipe uses 8 different ingredients, many of which you probably already have at home. We’ll be using healthier ingredient options, which you can read more about down below!
- Oat flour (store bought is best for ultra fine texture)
- Vanilla protein powder
- Salt
- Natural peanut butter
- Honey
- Vanilla extract
- Coconut oil
- Mini chocolate chips
Tools used to create peanut butter protein bars
This recipe couldn’t be simpler. And with that, we’ll only need three tools plus various measuring cups!
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixing utensil
- Bread pan
- Measuring cups: 1/4 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 3/4 cup.
How to make copycat homemade perfect bars
These bars are incredibly simple to make. You’ll start by mixing the ingredients together, and then you’ll throw them in the fridge! This is a no-bake recipe that requires less than 10 minutes of prep time.
To make your own homemade perfect bars, we’re going to start by mixing the oat flour, protein powder, and salt in a large mixing owl.
Then, add the peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp of the coconut oil.
Mix everything together. It will be very thick, so I suggest using your hands to ensure that everything incorporates well.
Eventually, the mix should come together like playdough. If it’s still too dry, add more coconut oil. However, don’t overdo the coconut oil as we want the bars to be firm and not too soft.
Next, mix in the chocolate chips using your hands or a spoon.
Once everything is mixed, press it into a bread pan and add more chocolate chips on top if desired. Press them into the top.
Let sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting into the batter. Enjoy!
A healthier granola bar option
Just because thees bars are homemade doesn’t mean they can’t be protein-rich! We’re revving up the protein in these bars by including Vanilla protein powder (as well as oat flour and peanut butter). Any brand will do!
Throughout this recipe we also made some ingredient swaps to make this bar overall more whole and nutrient-rich than the processed versions you’d find in the grocery store.
Oat flour
Oat flour is a wonderful alternative to white flour. It includes more protein and fiber and comes with a lower carbohydrate count.
Natural peanut butter
Whenever I use nut butters, I always go for the all-natural options. The chemicals and preservatives present in processed versions are simply not worth it. If your grocery store carries it, all-natural is the way to go!
Honey
Honey is used as the sweetener in this recipe because it’s an all-natural option that tastes delicious and doesn’t contribute any unnecessary sugars. It’s a wonderfully sweet option!
Coconut oil
I used coconut oil in this recipe in place of alternatives like canola and vegetable oil. Coconut oil is known to be more nutrient-rich and a healthier fat than the former.
Peanut butter chocolate chip perfect bar tips
When it comes time to make your bars, take these tips into account to make the process as smooth and simple as possible!
8×4 bread pan
I like to use an 8×4 sized pan for this recipe, but any size will work! Since it’s no-bake, switching up the pan size is perfectly fine.
Add-ons
In addition to chocolate chips, there are a number of ways that you can add on to these bars! You can use white chocolate chips, nuts (like pecans or walnuts!), dried fruit, or even sprinkles.
Swapping peanut butter
If you’re more a cashew or almond butter person, feel free to use them. The peanut butter can be swapped at a 1:1 ratio with any similar nut butter!
Storage
Keep perfect bars sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 4-5 days.
More bar recipes to try
As I mentioned earlier, my blog is packed to the brim with countless bar recipes. You can choose from basically every flavor under the sun! Below are some of my favorites that I recommend trying ASAP.
- Healthy Cookie Dough Bars
- Pumpkin Oat Bars
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
- Healthier Millionaire Bars (Gluten-Free)
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis
If you tried this recipe or any other recipes on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Follow @erinliveswhole on Instagram and tag me in any of the recipes you make so I can repost them!
Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars
Everything tastes better when you know it’s good for you! These Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars are a great way to fill your body with extra protein and make your taste buds do the happy dance. Topped with chocolate chips, they’re the perfect treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup oat flour (store bought is best for ultra fine texture)
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Original version:
- In a large bowl, mix together oat flour, protein powder, and salt.
- Add in peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp coconut oil. Mix. It will be very thick, I suggest using your hands to really mix well. It should eventually come together like playdough, but if it’s still too dry add more coconut oil. You want them to be FIRM not soft and too much coconut oil will make them soft.
- Mix in chocolate chips, again using hand or spoon.
- Press into a bread pan (~8×4) and add more chocolate chips on top if desired. Press them into the top.
- Let sit in fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting into. Store in fridge.
Cake Batter version:
In a large bowl, mix together oat flour, protein powder, and salt. Add in cashew butter, honey, 1 tsp almond extract, and 1 tbsp coconut oil. Mix. It will be very thick, I suggest using your hands to really mix well. It should eventually come together like playdough, but if it’s still too dry add more coconut oil. You want them to be FIRM not soft and too much coconut oil will make them soft. Mix in 1/2 cup sprinkles, again using hand or spoon. Press into a bread pan (~8×4) and add more sprinkles on top if desired. Press them into the top. Let sit in fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting into. Store in fridge.
Thin Mint Version:
mix 1 cup fine oat flour with 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. add 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/3 cup honey, 1 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1/2 tsp peppermint extract. stir until well combined. add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips. press into bread loaf pan. add more chocolate chips on top and refrigerate/freeze at least 30 min. store in fridge or freezer.
Pumpkin Version:
mix 1.5 cups fine oat flour with 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice. add 1/3 cup cashew butter, 1/4 cup pumpkin purée, 1/3 cup honey, 1 tbsp melted coconut oil, 1 tsp vanilla. stir until well combined. add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips. press into bread loaf pan. add more chocolate chips on top and refrigerate/freeze at least 30 min. store in fridge or freezer.
Pecan Pie Version:
mix 1.5 cups fine oat flour with 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp allspice. stir in 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/3 cup honey, 3 tbsp molasses, 1 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. stir until well combined. add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. press into bread loaf pan. add more chocolate chips on top and refrigerate/freeze at least 30 min. store in fridge or freezer.
Mocha Version:
mix 1 cup fine oat flour with 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup finely ground coffee grinds, and 1/4 tsp salt. stir in 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/3 cup honey, 1 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. stir until well combined. add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips. press into bread loaf pan. add more chocolate chips on top and refrigerate/freeze at least 30 min. store in fridge or freezer. sprinkle with sea salt.
Strawberries & Cream Version
In a large bowl, mix together oat flour, protein powder, and salt. Add in cashew butter, honey, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 tbsp coconut oil. Mix. It will be very thick, I suggest using your hands to really mix well. It should eventually come together like playdough, but if it’s still too dry add more coconut oil. You want them to be FIRM not soft and too much coconut oil will make them soft. Mix in 3/4 cup crushed freeze dried strawberries and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, again using hand or spoon. Press into a bread pan (~8×4) and add more white chips and strawberries on top if desired. Press them into the top. Let sit in fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting into. Store in fridge.
Cookies & Cream Version
In a large bowl, mix together oat flour, protein powder, and salt. Add in cashew butter, honey, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 tbsp melted coconut oil. Mix. It will be very thick, I suggest using your hands to really mix well. It should eventually come together like playdough, but if it’s still too dry add more coconut oil. You want them to be FIRM not soft and too much coconut oil will make them soft. Mix in 3 crushed oreos and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, again using hand or spoon. Press into a bread pan (~8×4) and add 2 more crushed oreos and a few more white chips on top if desired. Press them into the top. Let sit in fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting into. Store in fridge.
Almond Joy Version
In a large bowl, mix together oat flour, protein powder, and salt. Add in cashew butter, honey, 1/4 tsp almond extract, 1 tsp vanilla, and 2 tbsp melted coconut oil. Mix. It will be very thick, I suggest using your hands to really mix well. It should eventually come together like playdough, but if it’s still too dry add more coconut oil. You want them to be FIRM not soft and too much coconut oil will make them soft. Mix in 1 cup desiccated coconut, 1/2 cup roughly chopped almonds, and 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, again using hand or spoon. Press into a bread pan (~8×4) and add more chocolate chips, almonds, and coconut on top if desired. Press them into the top. Let sit in fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting into. Store in fridge.
Blueberry Muffin Version
In a large bowl, mix together oat flour, protein powder, and salt. Add in cashew butter, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla, and 2 tbsp melted coconut oil. Mix. It will be very thick, I suggest using your hands to really mix well. It should eventually come together like playdough, but if it’s still too dry add more coconut oil. You want them to be FIRM not soft and too much coconut oil will make them soft. Mix in 1/2 cup dried blueberries and 1/4 cup mini white chocolate chips, again using hand or spoon. Press into a bread pan (~8×4). To make the crumble, combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/4 cup dried blueberries, and 1/4 cup mini white chocolate chips. Stir until combined. Press the crumble firmly into the top of the bars. Let sit in fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting into. Store in fridge.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Version:
mix 1 1/4 cups fine oat flour with 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1.5 tbsp pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 cup finely ground coffee grinds (or instant coffee). Stir in 1/2 cup almond or cashew butter, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. stir until well combined. add 1/2 cup mini white chocolate chips press into bread loaf pan. add more chocolate chips on top and refrigerate/freeze at least 30 min. store in fridge or freezer.
White Chocolate Peppermint Version
In a large bowl, mix together oat flour, protein powder, and salt. Add in cashew butter, honey, 1 tsp peppermint extract, and 2 tbsp coconut oil. Mix. It will be very thick, I suggest using your hands to really mix well. It should eventually come together like playdough, but if it’s still too dry add more coconut oil. You want them to be FIRM not soft and too much coconut oil will make them soft. Mix in 1/2 cup crushed candy canes, again using hand or spoon. Press into a bread pan (~8×4) and add more candy canes and white chocolate chips on top if desired. Press them into the top. Let sit in fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting into. Store in fridge.
There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂
Emily says
Hi Erin, these look amazing!! Do you think that this would work with using collagen as a swap for the vanilla protein powder?! Thanks 🙂
Erin says
Hi Emily, thank you so much and yes! They will just not be as sweet. Let me know how they come out!
Sarah Schweiker says
I am perfect bar obsessed but these are the real deal!! I love having them on hand and they stay good for a while 🙂
Erin says
Hi Sarah, thanks for your kind words! SO happy you liked them!
Kels says
Can’t wait to try these! Do you have any suggestions for incorporating the dried whole food powders Perfect uses? Seems like an easy way to incorporate extra fruit and veg but not sure if that’s possible in a homemade version!
Erin says
Hi Kels, I haven’t thought of that yet but definitely something to think about for the future! Thanks for the suggestion!
Summer says
Hi, kels! I haven’t made these yet but plan on doing so this weekend. At Sprouts recently, I got a chocolate flavor of the Amazing Grass brand green powder and plan on using that to get in those great nutrients. We’ll see how it turns out!
Orma says
Hi Erin! These are AMAZING, my partner and I are obsessed 😀 I used an ~8×4 pan, but for some reason mine came out way fatter than a Perfect bar or your photos. Do you cut them in half horizontally or did I miss something? It seems like if I halved the amounts in your recipe, it would turn out the right thickness…
Erin says
Hi Orma, I am so happy you both enjoyed them! No I didn’t cut the horizontally. That is odd, but as long as they taste good, that’s all that matters.
Joy says
So easy to make and perfect for a snack. Both my picky husband and toddler approve! That’s a serious win 🙂
Erin says
Hi Joy, I am so glad everyone enjoys them! Thank you for sharing!!
Sara says
These are currently in the fridge chilling and I cannot WAIT to dive into them. Had to stop myself from eating all of the batter before putting them in the pan. They took no time to mix up and 1 tbsp of coconut oil was perfect. Also made my own oat flour (which I was nervous for) and there were no problems. Looking forward to trying the other flavors. Thanks for another great recipe!
Sara says
Comment above – forgot to add my 5-stars before posting!
Erin says
Hi Sara, thanks for your comments and kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed making them and made them your own. How did they come out after they chilled?
Sara says
Absolutely AMAZING! Have been making them every weekend as a meal prep staple. Even made into to smaller perfect bar balls 🙂
Erin says
Hi Sara, thank you so much and so glad you love them!
Megan says
These are so good! I made the pumpkin version – twice already because they were so good! Next up is to try the cake batter version!
Erin says
Hi Megan, I am so happy you enjoyed them! Let me know how the cake batter ones come out too! 🙂
Tara says
I could not believe my kids ate them and loved them. Trying them again today with Chocolate protein powder
Erin says
Hi Tara, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you and your kids enjoyed them!! Let me know how they are with the powder!
Kayla says
These are amazing! I’ve made the chocolate PB bars and the birthday cake bars and they’re both fantastic- even better than store bought. My whole family loves them, including my two year old.
Erin says
Hi Kayla, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy your whole family enjoys them!
Kate says
WOWWW i made these with the subs for the birthday cake version (almond extract, sprinkles, cashew butter) and omg they are so so good. Texture is just like a perfect bar and the birthday cake flavor comes through so well. I rolled mine into balls so that i can pop them as snacks, and pressed each ball into a bowl filled with sprinkles.
Erin says
Hi Kate, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you loved it so much!
Hannah says
omg i have been obsessed with birthday cake flavored things and have been on the hunt for something that will satisfy that craving in a healthy way. i have to try that!
Erin says
Hi Hannah, yay! Let me know how yours come out!
Jackie says
Erin, oh my gosh!! These are AMAZING! Thanks so much for creating and sharing!
Erin says
Hi Jackie, thanks for your kind words!! I am so happy you loved them!
Kendall says
Are their any alternatives to the oat flour? Can’t wait to try making these!
Erin says
Hi Kendall, yes, you can use a different flour. Before you bake just be sure to check the ratio because some flours are not a 1:1 ratio. Let me know what flour you use and how it comes out!
Ben says
I thought this was a no-bake recipe. Did I miss something? Is it ok to eat non&baked oat flour?
Erin says
Hi Ben, no you’re right- it is a no-bake recipe. Just add the ingredients in a bowl in steps 1-3 then and press into a bread pan and let sit in the fridge.
Ben says
Thanks for clarifying!
Will give it a try
Erin says
Hi Ben, sounds good and let me know how they come out!
Toni says
The OG chocolate chip peanut butter recipe is my fave and totally rivals the real thing! Love that I can now make them at home and save so much money. Thanks for all of the delicious recipes, Erin!
Erin says
Hi Toni, so glad you love them!! 🙂
Alex Pennington says
LOVEEE these! I was so excited when you added them to your blog!! Also, I love that you take the time to give kitchen hacks! I never would’ve thought to make my own oat flour.
Erin says
Hi Alex! Thanks for your kind words!! I am so happy you enjoyed them and my tips!! 🙂
Tara says
If you don’t eat oil what could you swap that out for instead?
Sokaina Kbaisi says
These were absolutely delicious
Special MOCHA VERSION I love adding coffee to my desserts thank you for sharing your recipe sooo good!🥰
Erin says
Hi Sokaina, so glad you enjoyed them!!
Sarah says
Oops forgot to leave a star review!!
Erin says
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Sarah says
I’ve had perfect bars and wasn’t a fan really, but have been really wanting to make some copy cats…. I CANT STOP EATING THEM.. good thing I only made a half batch this time. I was running out of honey so I added in some apple sauce and just compensated for the extra liquid with more oat flour and collagen! So tasty!!!
Erin says
Hi Sarah! I’m so thrilled you like my bars and made them your own! 🙂
Alex says
Erin, these are ridiculous. Putting this recipe on repeat because I LOVE Perfect Bars but don’t love the price tag. LOVE THIS
Addi says
What protein powder do you recommend ??
Erin says
Hi Addi, I love Orgain + Ancient Nutrition! Let me know what you use and how they come out!
Suzanne Gallagher says
We make these every week and LOVE them! So easy! Thanks for recipe!
Erin says
Hi Suzanne! Ah that is so great to hear. I’m so happy my recipe is now part of your baking routine!
Victoria says
Oh my yum! These hit the spot and truly are better than store bought. I swapped in canola oil, chocolate protein and cassava flour since that’s what I had on hand. They still are amazing and are great for scratching the snack or dessert itch!
Erin says
Hi Victoria, so glad you enjoyed it so much and made it your own!!
Madeline says
I made these for friends who LOVE perfect bars when they had their baby and they were obsessed! They could not believe they were homemade and said they were better than the store bought ones
Erin says
Thanks Madeline! I am so glad that you and your friends enjoyed them!
Skye says
Do they taste exactly like a perfect bar?
Erin says
Hi Skye, they are very similar! Let me know how yours come out!