My 4 Favorite Copycat Recipes for homemade snack bars!
Learn how to make 4 of my favorite homemade snack bars that taste just like (or better) than the store-bought bars! Each of these recipes are quick and easy, using simple ingredients that are delicious and don’t contain all the junk, making them great healthy snacks. Hint: you probably have all or most of the ingredients in your pantry right now so save yourself a trip to Costco and ditch the grocery store bars.

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Store-bought vs. Homemade
Ahhh the convenience of a BAR! Gosh, I do love a good protein bar or granola bar. If you have kids, you also know that they are almost mandatory to have on hand for a quick and filling snack. I have spent a good deal on so many different types of bars. I paired it down to the 4 top bars we buy (or shall I say used to buy.) All different and satisfying in their own way. Protein bars, granola bars, oat bars and fruit & nut bars.
What’s in most store-bought bars?
Well, the main thing I’ve noticed in these bars are more processed oils and added sugars, gums or even sugar alcohols which can cause bloating and gas. I love recreating a “cleaner” version of a thing I love to get at the store. The biggest benefit is knowing exactly what went into the making of a homemade snack bar. Not to mention saving a little extra moolah. I think you’ll be surprised at how easy and QUICK it is to whip these snack bars up.
1. Homemade Oat Bites (Bobo Bar copycat)
If you’ve not had a Bobo bar, they are a delicious softer but dense oat bar, usually containing a nut butter or jammy filling. These are also some of my kids’ favorite snacks to get. There are several flavors you can make so follow the recipe for the base and add whatever kind of filling you want.

These little bars are dense and baked like a muffin. We like to enjoy them as a quick breakfast. You can also make these gluten-free by using gluten-free rolled oats!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 8 Tbs butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves or jam
- 1 Tbs chia seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Prepare a muffin pan by spraying with oil.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and chia seeds.
- Add in eggs, vanilla, and melted butter, mixing until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the muffin pan cups and using a spoon create a shallow divot in the middle.
- Spoon the preserves into the middle of each cup.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
NOTES
You can use any type of preserves or jam for this recipe.
You can find the heart shaped muffin pan I used here.
If you like this bar recipe, you may also like these PB&J Oat Bars!
Breakfast Baked Oat bites

These jam filled baked oat bites are absolutely delicious. These make a great make ahead breakfast or snack on the go! Made with oats and chia, these bites are satisfying!
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 8 Tbs butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves or jam
- 1 Tbs chia seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Prepare a muffin pan by spraying with oil.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and chia seeds.
- Add in eggs, vanilla, and melted butter, mixing until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the muffin pan cups and using a spoon create a shallow divot in the middle.
- Spoon the preserves into the middle of each cup.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
You can use any type of preserves or jam for this recipe.
2. Homemade Fruit & Nut Bars (Lara Bar copycat recipe)
Lara bars…the Whole 30 staple snack! Lara Bars are a densely packed fruit & nut bar mostly made up of dates. Dates are what provides these bars with natural sweetness without the added processed sugar. That doesn’t mean they don’t have sugar because dates and all fruit contain sugar but it is definitely the healthier option. These great snacks are made with a lot of wholesome ingredients like dates, dried fruits, coconut flakes, nuts and seeds making them filling and also gluten-free, dairy free, vegan and paleo/W30 friendly. All the things.

INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 tbs chia seeds
- 1/2 cup freeze dried strawberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts or almonds
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a microwave safe bowl cover the date, raisins and nuts with water.
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the water and place the softened dates, raisins and nuts in a food processor.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor.
- Pulse on high until it forms a chunky paste.
- With a silicone spatula, transfer the lara bar paste onto a parchment lined cookie sheet or plate.
- Using your hands, press and form the paste into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place in the fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes to allow to set before cutting.
- Remove from fridge or freezer and cut into bars or desired shape.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Feel free to try drizzle some chocolate over the top of these homemade snack bars! Peanut butter would be good too!
Homemade Fruit & Nut Bar (Lara Bar copycat)

These delicious homemade fruit and nut bars are a copycat version of Lara Bars and are simple and so easy to make! This healthy snack is Whole 30, Paleo, and Gluten Free. Made with wholesome ingredients that are satisfying and the flavor combinations are endless!
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 tbs chia seeds
- 1/2 cup freeze dried strawberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts or almonds
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla (optional)
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl cover the date, raisins and nuts with water.
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the water and place the softened dates, raisins and nuts in a food processor.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor.
- Pulse on high until it forms a chunky paste.
- With a silicone spatula, transfer the lara bar paste onto a parchment lined cookie sheet or plate.
- Using your hands, press and form the paste into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place in the fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes to allow to set before cutting.
- Remove from fridge or freezer and cut into bars or desired shape.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1 barAmount Per Serving: Calories: 226Total Fat: 6.5gSaturated Fat: 3gCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 4.2gSugar: 37.4gProtein: 2.3g
3. Homemade Protein Bars (Perfect Bar copycat)
Perfect Bars are a recent favorite for me. I discovered them in the refrigerated section of Costco. I snagged a box when they were on sale and quickly fell in love with them. But at $20 a box on a normal day, well, that’s a doozy.
Luckily, these are pretty dang easy to make at home. Perfect Bars have an almost cookie dough consistency. I think that’s why I like them so much. But surprisingly, I was able to replicate them with only 5 ingredients. I’m stingy with these because my kids like them too. This homemade version is just so good. š

INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 2 Tbs almond flour
- 2 Tbs honey
- 2 Tbs mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 2 Tbs sprouted pumpkin seeds (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper
- In a large bowl combine peanut butter, honey, protein powder, and almond flour until it forms a playdoh consistency. (If It’s too moist, add a little more protein powder or almond flour.)
- Press the mixture evenly into the line pan.
- Top with chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds or topping of choice if desired. Use your fingers to lightly press the toppings into the bar mixture so that they don’t roll off.
- Chill for 1 hour.
- Remove bars from pan by lifting the parchment paper onto a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, cut evenly into 8 bars.
- Storage: Wrap individually in cling wrap or wax paper and store in a ziploc bag in the fridge or freezer until ready to enjoy!
Again, like all of these, use the recipe as a base and use whatever add-ins your heart desires! Be creative with flavor combinations.
5 Ingredient Protein Bars

These homemade Perfect Bars are a filling, high protein snack! These delicious bars really compare to the bars you get at the grocery store. Made with real, simple ingredients, these are a great and delicious way to sneak in extra protein.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 2 Tbs almond flour
- 2 Tbs honey
- 2 Tbs mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 2 Tbs sprouted pumpkin seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper
- In a large bowl combine peanut butter, honey, protein powder, and almond flour until it forms a playdoh consistency. (If It's too moist, add a little more protein powder or almond flour.)
- Press the mixture evenly into the line pan.
- Top with chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds or topping of choice if desired. Use your fingers to lightly press the toppings into the bar mixture so that they don't roll off.
- Chill for 1 hour.
- Remove bars from pan by lifting the parchment paper onto a cutting board.
- Cut evenly into 8 bars.
- Storage: Wrap individually in cling wrap or wax paper and store in a ziploc bag in the fridge or freezer until ready to enjoy!
Notes
Perfect Bars from the store are kept refrigerated. To keep the same consistency, I found that keeping them in the freezer until ready to eat gave them the same texture.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 barAmount Per Serving: Calories: 251Total Fat: 18.7gUnsaturated Fat: 18.7gCarbohydrates: 14.6gProtein: 13g
4. Homemade Granola Bars (S’mores Chewy Bar copycat)
Chewy bars are a classic that I grew up with and a staple granola bar in many households. They come in many varieties, but everyone knows the s’mores are the best. Am I right or am I right? The base of Chewy bars are honey and oats and comprised of lots of add ins. This homemade granola bar recipe flavor is S’mores, but feel free to add other things such as trail mix or dried fruit.

INGREDIENTS
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients incorporating everything well.
- Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Press the granola mixture into the dish evenly.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set before cutting.
- Lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper.
- Cut into bars or desired shape.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
These homemade chewy granola bars are my family’s favorite so you might want to double the batch if you know what’s good for you. LOL
S'mores Bars (Copycat Chewy bars)

These copycat Chewy S'mores granola bars will blow you away. Better than the Chewy bars in my opinion! Make a batch of these in just a few minutes and satisfy your sweet tooth with this perfect little snack!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients incorporating everything well.
- Line an 8x8 dish with parchment paper.
- Press the S'mores bar mixture into the dish evenly.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set before cutting.
- Lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper.
- Cut into bars or desired shape.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1 barAmount Per Serving: Calories: 364Total Fat: 23.2gSaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 202.5mgCarbohydrates: 34.7gFiber: 5.3gSugar: 19.5gProtein: 12g
I hope you enjoy my personal favorite homemade snack bar recipes!
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