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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
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.
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Brooke K says
So delicious – the perfect snack!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Brooke, so glad you loved them!! 🙂
Bri says
Hey Erin,
Do you have any recommendations on a vanilla protein powder? I know nothing about protein powders and am overwhelmed by all the choices online.
Erin says
Hi Bri, ah there are SO many. I have used Ancient Nutrition Vanilla. Here’s the link- https://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Nutrition-Protein-Serving-Superfood/dp/B01DOD6T8Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=1H8FB9TAPPD7D&dchild=1&keywords=bone+broth+protein+powder+ancient+nutrition&qid=1585933341&s=hpc&sprefix=bone+broth+protein+powder+ancient,hpc,150&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEySDBZRzg4QUlLQTlOJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTQ3NTM1MUFZQVlLSDM1WjQ0NSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODc3NTQwMTdST1RJOEs3VkpKMCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=&linkCode=sl1&tag=erinliveswhol-20&linkId=3fb8fd0988696c83646f7f63d196abe8&language=en_US
Gail says
The first time I made them I blended oats. But for the second batch I bought oat flour and discovered it was oat flour blend. Am I able to use this oat flour blend on the no bake copy cat perfect bars? I didn’t realize it was a blend until after I bought it. It is Oatsome whole grain organic oat flour blend.
Thanks!
Erin says
Hi Gail, yep! That will work great. Let me know how they come out for you!
Emma says
I made these and they are exactly as promised – homemade Perfect Bars. Thank you for having so many variations, I can’t wait to try them all!! Wish it had more protein though, I’m going to experiment with adding powdered egg whites.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emma, so happy you loved them and yes, try all the variations! 🙂
Madeline says
The original version recipe is great! Would love a recipe for the chocolate brownie and/or hazelnut crunch bars!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Madeline, so happy you love them and thanks for the feedback!!
Emily says
Hi! Thanks for sharing. Is there any other flour you’d recommend if I don’t have oat flour?
Erin says
Hi Emily, yes, almond. Although oat is the best and holds up like the real texture. 🙂
Kaleigh says
Hi Erin! Could these be made with Agave syrup instead of honey? If you think so, would you use the same amount of agave?
Erin says
Hi Kaleigh, yes and same amount! Let me know how yours come out!!
Carly says
I’ve made the PB chocolate chip bars previously and just made a batch of them plus the mocha. The mocha is SO good and not too sweet. Thanks for a great recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Carly, so happy you love them so much!!
Nora says
My son and I are obsessed with this recipe!! I have a question – the only way this makes 8 bars is if I cut into smaller 8 squares; it’s not the size of the usual perfect bar. Is that how it’s supposed to be? I used the 8×4 bread container as you suggested. Please let me know and thank you!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nora, so happy you both love them!! You cut them into 8 bars by having long, skinny bars or cut them length wise then in half. Whatever works best for you!!
Kathy says
Delicious and easy to make. I love that the recipe did not require ingredients that require a trip to a specialty store. I made two of the flavors, original and almond joy. I toasted the almonds but that’s the only thing I changed.
Sorry if my comment is duplicated, the comment field was having a technical issue and it was taking about 20-30 seconds to fill one letter. Nobody else in the house having connectivity problems. Not your fault but if you see two reviews from me that’s why.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kathy, so happy you loved them and made them your own! Great idea!!
Mary says
Hi! I absolutely love perfect bars and am SO excited to try this recipe. I wanted to see if you could recommend a protein powder for it though? Thanks in advance!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Mary, so happy you liked them and yes, I love this chocolate one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T81MSCF?&linkCode=sl1&tag=erinliveswhol-20&linkId=d12261d5fe1aaef9a1f5f41e1dea928d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
CBangsund says
Any suggestions for a healthier substitute for the honey?
Emma says
I use a sugar substitute called Bocha Sweet that was recommended by my acupuncturist. Haven’t used it in this recipe though, so swap at your own risk and tell us how it worked out!
Anne says
Made these and they tasted exactly like a Perfect bar. I was thrilled because sometimes I don’t want to pay $3 or go to the store and get them. These taste great and feel like they’re better for me!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Anne, so happy you loved the bars so much! 🙂
Kathy says
Delicious and easy. I just made these earlier today, two different flavors, the original copycat and the almond joy(I toasted the almonds). These went together quickly and did not require ingredients from specialty stores, thank you for that. I will definitely make these again. YUM!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kathy, so happy you enjoyed them so much!! 🙂
Marguerite says
Can’t wait to make these. Can I substitute almond flour for oat flour to lower the carbs a bit?
Erin says
Hi Marguerite, hmm I haven’t tried that sub yet. Unless its wheat flour for white flour, nut flours don’t work the same. You can try the sub if you’d like and let me know how they come out!
JJ says
My family devours these. These are so good and a perfect snack on the go. I love that they don’t fall apart. Thank you for the recipe! We make double batch once a week and keep them in the fridge.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi, so happy they’re such a huge hit!! 🙂
Addie says
I love these and love the recipe! I sub applesauce for the coconut oil to drop a little fat, but they really hit the spot and the budget when it comes to perfect bars!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Addie, so happy you loved them and made them your own! 🙂
Jett says
Hi! Do you have the nutrition facts on these?
Erin says
Hi Jett, yes, they are the bottom under the recipe card but before the comments.
Mitzi says
Thank you! I switched a few ingredients and loved the bars! The family did too!
Erin says
Hi Mitzi, so happy you loved them and made them your own!!
Al says
Made another batch! I found organic oat flour which was much better than my homemade. Topped the bars with Ghirardelli mini chocolate chips. I only used about 1 tbs or so for topping. My toddler loved the last batch, so I wanted to make them a little healthier. Thanks again for sharing your recipe. I think these taste better than perfect bars, with fewer ingredients and cheaper!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi, so happy you both loved them! 🙂
Al says
I didn’t have the right chocolate chips so I omitted them. Turned out just like the peanut butter perfect bar! I used milk powder (Horizon organic) instead of protein powder because I wanted it to be natural and kid friendly. I also made my own oat flour using the magic bullet. Wanted organic oat flour and my store didn’t have it. Turned out good. I had to sift it few times to get the right texture. I have one tip: place your liquid ingredients in a separate bowl, warm it up slightly in the microwave if needed, mix until incorporated then fold it into your dry ingredients. It mixed everything quickly and evenly. Hope this helps someone.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi, so happy you loved your bars and made them your own! 🙂