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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
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.
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Mimi says
Can you use something other than coconut oil?
Erin says
Hi Mimi, yes! Any neutral oil works! Let me know how your bars come out!
Rachel says
I gave my little one a tiny bit of a perfect bar and she LOVED it! I want to try your recipe but adapt it a bit so it’s okay for a toddler. Any suggestions for what to use instead of the protein powder?
Erin says
Hi Rachel, so happy they were a hit! You can omit it if you want to!
Shelby says
Hi Erin! I can’t wait to try these. Is there a certain protein powder you recommend?
Erin says
Hi Shelby, great, and I like Orgain https://www.amazon.com/Orgain-Organic-Protein-Superfoods-Vanilla/dp/B07PXNNFGT?crid=1N2T0TKNORZJZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Hsqi8Q3g4qR3NUFhgrZptyMYpA50sNlgGOZObz81pf8WSwuObWoZG-wpyezcKG2ngG0bpxLPfT2xdajwf-6BkHRXk-LgVwJjeeOTy0GT8wToDpXHJDL1et4RZ-7V4ymGu-QGvuFABeDPcAEQ5Ww27pLS7rissFYimUnfu8fjMI56mhmHn-8wvQaBMPpdXubtUcy0OMagIbRmZIrUS7PkmSdXw-h7a0ZigGoKBcD6Y4Ohowal9uiN2IX1OdVsgJnc0qtMJOuCnRmiiu56Kp2LkQQM0c8gRlMjm0bCV1IKGw4.oB6cb0jQuFzFT9mkSIL-1FFAJgpofhkwvhjqlBGbSso&dib_tag=se&keywords=orgain+organic+protein+powder&qid=1736347510&sprefix=orgain+,aps,210&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=erinliveswhol-20&linkId=15f307c643a1acf4a850183ac85c49db&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabra9lDDeQbGos9WeZ0c2tXujd57m5k_dn0Ed_Dt8O5TK4EC07Vy4gdXVo_aem_ogcrAlW8-kSm4j9dPOhkkg
Hannah says
A delicious sweet treat that’s high in protein. Can’t wait to try the other flavor combinations.
Erin says
Hi Hannah, so glad you loved them!! 🙂
Ali says
Amazing! Thanks Erin!
Erin says
Hi Ali, so happy you loved them!!
Alyssa says
Could almond flour be substituted?
Erin says
Hi Alyssa, you can give it a try and check the ratio since not all ratios are 1:1. Let me know how your bars come out!
Neeaz says
Thoroughly impressed! These are just as good if not better than the store bought version at a fraction of the price, I already had all the ingredients at home, and I love that you can customize the flavors! I can see myself making these every week
Erin says
Hi Neeaz, so happy you loved them so much! 🙂
Bridget says
I loved using your recipe as a springboard for my own creation!! Thank you!! I ended up skipping the oil and using water instead (worked like a charm), doubled the protein powder, halved the sweetness, and used almond flour/butter/extract for a nutty treat!!! Rolled into balls instead of bars for ease, and voila! They were 10/10. Couldn’t have done it without your original measurements.
Erin says
Hi Bridget, so happy you loved them and made them your own!! Great ideas! 🙂
Haley says
Better than perfect bars!!!
Erin says
Hi Haley, so glad you liked them!!
Anne Julian says
I have made these so many times and they are incredible. I think I prefer these to actual Perfect Bars at this point! Thank you so much for creating this super easy recipe!
Erin says
Hi Anne, so happy you loved them! 🙂
WForster says
When my son told me how expensive the Perfect bars were i said there had to be a way to make them. I came across your website and tried them. He says they taste exactly the same! And so incredibly easy! Have been making them ever since. Thank you for the recipe and I’m loving looking at the rest of what you have here!
Erin says
Hi, so happy you all loved them! 🙂
Debra says
My husband found your site. Glad he did. He’s been on a zone diet for 1-1/2 yrs and has lost 150 lbs. He eats zone bars, 2 for breakfast, 1 at lunch and regular zone meal for dinner. Then 1 zone bar for night snak. They are getting so expensive. This way would be more healthy and cheaper.
Erin says
Hi Debra, yes, please try making these and let me know how he likes them!
Debra says
My husband found your site. Glad he did. He’s been on a zone diet for 1-1/2 yrs and has lost 150 lbs. He eats zone bars, 2 for breakfast, 1 at lunch and regular zone meal for dinner. Then 1 zone bar for night snak. They are getting so expensive. This way would be more healthy and cheaper. The problem I now have. My oven broke. I’ve been trying to cook in a cusimax, air fryer, bake etc. Can you give me an idea how to cook these in this oven? It cooks faster.
Erin says
Hi Debra, good news- you don’t have to cook these! Just make them and let them sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting into the batter and enjoying! 🙂
Kristen says
Can I use coconut flour instead of oat???
Erin says
Hi Kristen, you can give it a try! They have different absorption rates, so just check the ratio and let me know how your bars come out!
Kristen Haight says
They were gritty feeling. Any suggestions??
Erin says
Hi Kristen, hmm not sure. Was your oat flour store bought? That is usually best for ultra fine texture. Not sure what else it could have been.
Michelle says
Hello. I can’t find the recipe for the white choc chip and red fruit bar. What kind of nut butter did you use for that please.
Jennifer says
Do you think a kitchen aid mixer could be used to mix the batter?
Erin says
Hi Jennifer, yes, of course! Let me know how your bars come out! 🙂
Sara says
These are chilling in my fridge right now! I didn’t have chocolate chips or honey so I left out the chips and used date syrup as the sweetener; we’ll see how it goes! Thanks for the recipe!
Erin says
Hi Sara, glad you could make them your own and let me know how they came out with the subs!
Sara says
They were awesome!! Very similar to the texture of store bought. The date syrup made them a darker brown but it was really delicious! I cut it into 7 bars instead of 8 and I will definitely be making them again.
Erin says
Hi Sara, so glad you enjoyed them!!
Cait says
Soo darn good and going to save me so much money when I can bypass the expensive bars at the grocery store sometimes. THANK YOU for creating this recipe! I especially love this because I can make it with dairy free chocolate chips and vegan protein, which is necessary for some dietary needs ATM. I now need to find the perfect protein for my taste 🙂
Erin says
Hi Cait, so happy you loved them so much! 🙂
Brittany says
what protein powder do you use? The one I bought has an odd flavor that I’m not liking. Thanks!
Erin says
Hi Brittany, for chocolate I use Active Stacks and vanilla I have Orgain from Costco and strawberry is Happy Viking! 🙂
Nikki Scott says
Amazing!
Erin says
Hi Nikki, so glad you loved them!! 🙂