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    Home » Recipes

    Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars

    August 30, 2021 by Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs 18 Comments

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    Save money and make your favorite protein bars at home! These Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars are made with simple ingredients and satisfy just like the real deal.

    Overhead shot of stacks of Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars
    Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars are quick, easy and totally customizable!

    Let's face it, there is a time and a place for protein bars. They are quick, convenient, and go wherever you go! A handy option when time is limited and you need something FAST. Something we don't love? The price tag. Coming in at over $2-3 a pop, those bars can add up fast! That's why we started making our own Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars. Delicious and satisfying, these bars are made with a handful of everyday ingredients and come together in minutes. They offer the taste and texture you love for a fraction of the price.

    WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

    Oat flour
    While it sounds fancy, oat flour is simply rolled oats that have been put through the blender until soft and fluffy. We ALWAYS make our own at home because it's quick, easy, and costs way less than store bought.

    Almond Flour
    Almond flour adds protein, healthy fat, and stability to the bars. It is a gluten and dairy-free alternative to wheat flour and milk powder and is a core ingredient in our Fudgy Almond Flour Brownies.

    Collagen Peptides
    While not essential for making these bars, collagen adds protein and that filling factor to keep you satisfied longer. You can swap collagen out for your favorite protein powder or omit altogether.

    Peanut (or Almond) Butter
    You can't have copycat Perfect Bars without nut butters! Peanut Butter is a common base but we switch up the butters each time we make them! You can use creamy or crunchy depending on preference and swap with seed butters for a fun twist!

    Flaxseed
    Ground flaxseed is our favorite sneaky add-in. We don't intentionally seek to trick anyone but love that ground flax can be tossed into just about ANY recipe without changing the flavor or texture. What is DOES add is fiber, protective phytochemicals and healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.

    Honey
    Honey adds the perfect sweetness and binds ours bars together. Agave or maple syrups can be substituted in its place with only mild change in flavor.

    Vanilla & Salt
    Touches of vanilla and salt add flavor. If using a salted nut butter you can feel free to omit.

    Add-Ins
    Our favorite part! Chocolate chips are a classic go-to but don't let the fun end there! Freeze-dried fruit, sprinkles, nuts, and puffed rice cereal can all add texture and flavor to your bars.

    HOW TO MAKE THESE BARS

    These bars are SO easy to make that once you make them a few times, you'll know it like the back of your hand!

    Step 1
    To start, prepare your oat flour. (If using store bought skip right to step 2!) Simply add dry rolled oats to a blender and process for 1-2 minutes, or until light, fluffy, and fully ground.

    Side-by-side comparison of oats and oat flour in a blender
    Oat "flour" is incredibly easy to make at home in your blender!

    Step 2
    Add all the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir together to combine.

    Overhead shot of dry perfect bar ingredients in a bowl
    The ingredients in these bars can be modified based on what you've got on hand!

    Step 3
    Next, add the wet ingredients to the same mixing bowl. Stir very well until mixture is completely incorporated (note: it may take a little elbow grease to full mix).

    Overhead view of a measuring cup full of creamy peanut butter
    You can use any favorite nut or seed butter in these bars.

    The mixture should be slightly tacky and not overly dry.

    Overhead shot of Perfect Bar mixture in a mixing bowl
    Allowing the combined mixture to sit for 5 minutes helps moisture from the peanut butter and honey to get soaked up, making it easier to work with.

    Step 4
    Add in chocolate chips and fold together to incorporate.

    Overhead shot of complete perfect bar mixture in a mixing bowl
    Get creative with your mix-ins! Nuts, seeds, sprinkles, and freeze-dried fruit are just a few of our favorites.

    Step 5
    Firmly press mixture into an 8x6 or similar pan. Using a spoon or, our favorite, a smooth can, press or roll the mixture into shape.

    Overhead perfect bar mixture in a pan with saran wrap on top
    You can roll your bars into form with a smooth can!

    Make sure to press mixture down firmly so your bars stay together when sliced.

    Side shot of smoothed perfect bars in pan
    It's important to firmly press mixture into the pan so it doesn't crumble when sliced.

    Step 6
    Chill bars for 30 minutes prior to slicing. Enjoy!

    Close-up shor of stacks of perfect bars
    These copycat bars are the perfect anytime snack!

    WHY WE LOVE THESE BARS

    From a nutrition standpoint, these bars pack a punch. They have a great breakdown of macronutrients (carbs, protein, and fat) and dietary fiber which helps them satisfy longer than your average snack. They make a great anytime snack, post workout recovery bar, and even fuel for pregnant and post-partum mommas. These bars are also free from gluten and dairy for those than need it and can be made nut-free for school or travel.

    Overhead shot of stacks of Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars
    Print Recipe
    4.88 from 16 votes

    Copycat Homemade Perfect Bars

    Save money and make your favorite protein bars at home! Just as delicious and satisfying as the real deal.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Chill Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time45 minutes mins
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 10 bars
    Calories: 220kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup oat flour
    • ⅓ cup super fine almond flour
    • 3 scoops collagen peptides can sub with protein powder
    • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoon ground flax seed
    • ⅓ cup honey
    • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup chocolate chips

    Instructions

    • To a mixing bowl add oat flour, almond flour, collagen, flax, and salt. Mix until well incorporated.
    • To the same bowl, add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. Stir well to combine. Note: mixture will be very thick but after stirring consistently for about a minutes, it should be slightly tacky and not be overly dry.
    • Add chocolate chips and fold into mixture.
    • Scoop mixture into a 8x6 pan (or similar) and press down FIRMLY until packed into place. You may wish to use a spoon or - our favorite - a can to roll into form.
    • Chill bars in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before slicing into 10 even bars.

    Notes

    For best results, we recommend storing in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 220kcal
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Daniela Eaton

      February 27, 2025 at 10:00 am

      Just sent these to my mom so we can make when I go home for spring break. Super excited to try!!

      Reply
    2. Ella Parker

      November 03, 2024 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      Just made these with my dad over fall break! We both loved them and they are such an easy snack to make and have on the go!

      Reply
    3. Ella Parker

      November 03, 2024 at 1:10 pm

      5 stars
      Made this over fall break with my dad and we both really enjoyed it! Such a easy and quick snack to make which is convenient to have for the week. Loved this recipe!!

      Reply
    4. Sydney Savage

      March 29, 2023 at 8:33 am

      5 stars
      This looks like the perfect thing to make for my crazy schedule. I'm always looking for a new bar to try so I can grab and go between class and work. I will for sure be making these soon!

      Reply
    5. Caroline Craven

      November 07, 2022 at 9:41 pm

      5 stars
      These were delicious! Recently my sister and I have been making our own grab-and-go snacks for the week to have healthier but still easy options for when we are running between classes or work. These will definitely have to be added into the rotation to make again!

      Reply
      • Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs

        November 20, 2022 at 9:37 am

        Hi Caroline, we are so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for the great feedback,

        Reply
    6. Nora Steen

      November 07, 2022 at 2:34 pm

      5 stars
      I think these would be a great snack to make, and it is very convenient that you do not have to bake them! This definitely looks like a recipe I would make in the future.

      Reply
      • Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs

        November 20, 2022 at 9:50 am

        Hi Nora, we're such fans of no bake recipes! We hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Elizabeth Boeder

      August 29, 2022 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      I saved this recipe to make later! I love perfect bars, so I can't wait to try these!

      Reply
      • Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs

        August 30, 2022 at 12:13 pm

        Hi Elizabeth, these are a favorite of ours as well. We hope you love them!

        Reply
    8. Katie

      January 26, 2022 at 2:28 pm

      Would regular wheat flour work to replace the almond flour? Excited to try this one. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs

        January 26, 2022 at 2:35 pm

        Hi Katie, technically, yes. Wheat flour would work texturally, however, it is not recommended to consume raw flour from a food safety perspective (salmonella and E. coli risk). If you don't have oats on hand you might have success with extra coconut flour, although we have yet to try that on its own. Hope that helps!

        Reply
    9. Alexandra Heller

      August 31, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      Going to make these right now for an after school snack for the kids! Quick question - can you freeze them?

      Reply
      • Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs

        August 31, 2021 at 2:00 pm

        Oh yay! Thank you!!! And yes, these freeze super well. In fact, I have a batch in there as we speak!

        Reply
    10. K.W.

      August 30, 2021 at 8:25 pm

      5 stars
      These are great when I don’t have time to stop for lunch. Love the flavor.

      Reply
      • Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs

        August 31, 2021 at 2:00 pm

        That's amazing! Thanks so much.

        Reply
    11. Judy

      August 30, 2021 at 8:20 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made these! And while they are called “Copycat” they taste fresher and better than anything you can buy at the market.

      Reply
      • Stephen & Elise Compston, RD, LDs

        August 31, 2021 at 2:00 pm

        Wow, thank you so much for the great feedback!

        Reply
    4.88 from 16 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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    The Compstons

    We're Stephen and Elise Compston! Husband and wife registered dietitians, recipe revitalizers, and developers of upgraded everyday eats. We create simple, affordable, plant-focused recipes with fun, fresh, and creative spins on classic dishes and tasty new favorites.

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