Can I make homemade Clif bars with less sugar?

The honey is an important ingredient because it provides sweetness while also acting as the binder that holds the bars together. Reducing the amount even more than I already have may cause the bars to become crumbly. For the best texture, I recommend following the recipe as written.

Can I make these without nut butter?

Yes, creamy sunflower seed butter is a great substitute for peanut butter, creating bars with a similar texture and flavor. It also makes these bars nut-free and safe for classrooms where nut butters are not allowed.

Are homemade Clif bars healthier than store-bought Clif bars?

These chocolate chip peanut crunch Clif bars are made with simple low-processed pantry ingredients and contain no preservatives or artificial flavors. This base recipe is also easy to modify by using sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version or dairy-free chocolate chips if needed. While nutrition needs vary from person to person, making them at home gives more control over the ingredients that go into each batch.

Can I add mix-ins to my homemade Clif bars?

Absolutely. These energy bars are easy to customize with mix-ins like chopped dried fruit, such as dried cranberries, dried cherries, or raisins, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, ground flaxseed, chopped peanuts, chia seeds, or different varieties of mini chocolate chips. I wouldn’t exceed more than ⅓ cup of add-ins total, including the chocolate chips, or the bars may not hold their shape. For added flavor, vanilla extract or a dash of ground cinnamon make great additions. Or, try sprinkling flaky sea salt over the bars before freezing.

Can I add protein powder?

I haven’t tested using protein powder in this recipe. Since it absorbs moisture, adding too much protein powder may make the bars dry or crumbly. The amount of moisture absorbed will vary based on the type of protein used. For example, soy protein isolate absorbs more liquid than vegan protein. If the mixture seems too dry, stir in an extra tablespoon or two of peanut butter or honey until it holds together well.

Homemade Clif Bars

Servings: 16 bars 1x

Scale

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter
½ cup pure honey
3 ¼ cups crispy rice cereal
¾ cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut
½ cup sunflower seeds
⅓ cup mini chocolate chips

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Instructions

Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper; set aside.
If using a thicker peanut butter, such as Jif or Skippy, in a microwave safe bowl combine the peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 20-30 seconds then mix until well combined. The peanut butter-honey mixture should be warm, but not too hot where it would melt the chocolate chips in step 3.
If peanut butter is a more drizzly consistency (such as a natural peanut butter), there’s no need to heat it. In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey; mix until well combined.
To the peanut butter-honey mixture, add the crisp rice cereal, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, and chocolate chips; mix well.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly into the pan. Press the mixture very firmly into the bottom of the baking dish.
Place in the freezer to set for about 30 minutes. After the bars have set, remove from the freezer and cut into 16 bars.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

Natural vs. conventional peanut butter: If using natural peanut butter with a pourable consistency, simply stir it together with the honey. Thicker peanut butters, such as Jif or Skippy, should be warmed with the honey for 20 to 30 seconds to make mixing easier.

For a nut-free version, substitute an equal amount of creamy sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter. This swap has been tested and still creates bars with a chewy texture and great flavor.

For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free chocolate chips, such as Enjoy Life brand.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 212
Fat: 12 g
(Sat Fat: 5 g)
Sodium: 136 mg
Carbohydrate: 20 g
(Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 12 g)
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Dietary

Dairy-Free Egg-Free Gluten-free Vegetarian

Recipe By: Ana Ankeny