Homemade Perfect Bars

Jump To Recipe posted Jan 23, 2024 by Jessica Hoffman

This Homemade Perfect Bar recipe is a take on the popular protein bar called the “Perfect Bar.” These bars have a soft texture, taste like peanut butter cookie dough and are packed with 14 grams of protein per serving!

homemade perfect bars with chocolate chips

Copycat Perfect Bars

Are you a fan of Perfect Bars but looking for a way to enjoy them fresh from your kitchen? Look no further! This homemade Perfect Bar recipe captures the essence of the popular protein bars with a few simple, wholesome ingredients.

Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack, a healthy treat, or just love the convenience of protein bars, this homemade version is perfect for you! Each bar is packed with 14 grams of plant-based protein. These protein bars are also vegan, gluten-free and grain-free and can be customized to your liking.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Healthier Ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into your bars – no hidden additives or preservatives.
Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Cost-Effective: Making these bars at home is more budget-friendly than buying pre-packaged ones.
Fun to Make: It’s a simple and enjoyable process – perfect for a kitchen activity with kids or friends.

Best protein powder to use

There are so many different brands of protein powder on the market it can be overwhelming to know which one to choose. When it comes to making snacks or baked goods with protein powder, I generally recommend using unflavored or vanilla protein, so the taste of the protein doesn’t overwhelm the recipe.

I’ve tried many different brands and flavours of protein powder, and the one I find to be the best is the Epic Protein from Sprout Living. It’s a plant-based protein powder that isn’t gritty. I find this protein has the smoothest taste and texture in recipes. You can save 20% off your order with sprout living with the code “choosingchia.”

If you prefer to use Whey protein in this recipe you can absolutely use that too, or any brand of protein powder that you love.

My Favorite Protein Powder

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Perfect bar ingredients & substitutions.

Almond Flour: Provides a nutty flavour and tender texture, making it a great gluten-free option. Substitute with oat flour.
Protein Powder: Boosts the protein content and can add flavour depending on the type you choose. Substitute with more almond flour or oat flour.
Peanut Butter: Offers a rich, creamy base that binds the bars together and adds a delicious nutty taste. Substitute with any nut or seed butter.
Salt: Enhances the flavours of the other ingredients.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a hint of caramel-like sweetness. Substitute with honey, agave or brown rice syrup.
Vanilla Extract: Gives the bars a warm, aromatic flavour.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Add a delightful, melty texture and a burst of chocolatey goodness.

How to make Homemade Perfect Bars

Step 1

Mix the almond, protein powder and salt in a mixing bowl. Then add the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract.

almond flour and protein powder in a mixing bowl

peanut butter, protein powder, almond flour and maple syrup in a mixing bowl

Step 2

Mix the ingredients together until they form a dough. Add the chocolate chocolate and mix again.

protein bar dough and chocolate chips in a mixing bowl

Step 3

Press the dough into an 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper and place in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Cut into even bars and store in the fridge.

Recipe variation ideas

Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter and oat flour instead of peanut butter and almond flour.
High Fibre: Add a tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds for an extra fibre boost.
Protein-Packed: Mix in some hemp seeds or additional protein powder for an extra protein punch.
Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before chilling.

How to store and freeze

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and freeze them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months and are perfect for grabbing on the go!

Expert tips for making perfect bars

Use almond flour, not almond meal: Almond flour is more finely ground and will give the bars a smooth texture.
Proper Mixing: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed for an even texture.
Press Firmly: Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent the bars from crumbling.
Chill Well: Allow the bars to chill thoroughly in the fridge to set properly. It’s recommended to chill the bars for at least 4 fours.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different add-ins like dried fruit or various nuts.
Enjoy frozen: to keep these bars fresh for longer they can be frozen and enjoyed straight from the freezer.
Cut into smaller squares: if these bars are left out of the fridge for too long they can easily break in half. Cutting the bars into smaller squares will prevent this from happening.

Protein bar FAQ

Do homemade perfect bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes. The bars will become too soft at room temperature and fall apart.

My bars are breaking. What should I do?

If your bars are breaking when you pick them up it’s likely they haven’t been chilled long enough, or they have softened up too much.

Can I make homemade protein bars without protein powder?

Yes. You can omit the protein powder and just replace it with more almond flour. However, this will affect the amount of protein in the bars.

homemade perfect bar with chocolate chips on a marble board

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If you tried these Homemade Perfect Bars or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook for even more deliciousness!