This copycat Heavenly Hunks recipe is ridiculously quick and easy to make, and my kids DEVOUR them! They keep well in the fridge or freezer and are made with real, wholesome ingredients. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
COPYCAT HEAVENLY HUNKS RECIPE
Have you tried Heavenly Hunks? They’re a packaged snack I originally found at Costco, and my kids love the oat squares so much (and me) love them so much that I decided to make a copycat recipe with real ingredients from the fridge and pantry.
While I feel like the original Heavenly Hunks are pretty healthy, they do still have added sugar in them so I tried swapping some real ingredients like real maple syrup to make a healthier version, and we actually like them better! I love little wins like that!
I love that these homemade Heavenly Hunks keep well in the fridge or freezer (though you’ll want to thaw before eating if you freeze them) so I can keep them on hand for after-school snacks.
My kids also like to pack them in lunches and I have one pre-teen who sleeps in till the last minute every school day and will grab a couple for breakfast to-go.
I’m telling you, this heavenly hunk copycat recipe is the real deal and you don’t even have to leave your house to go to the grocery store, they’re SUPER easy to make at home.
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![Copycat Heavenly Hunks Recipe Pinterest image.](https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Copycat-Heavenly-Hunks-Recipe-683x1024.png.webp)
Table of contents
Looking for more healthy snack recipes? Try my Black Bean Brownie Batter, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Energy Bites, or DIY Fruit Kebabs with yogurt dip.
![ingredients in Heavenly Hunks recipe: oats, coconut, buckwheat flour, salt, coconut oil, honey, maple syrup, chocolate chips.](https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ingredients-in-Copycat-Heavenly-Hunks-Recipe-1-1024x683.png.webp)
INGREDIENTS IN COPYCAT HEAVENLY HUNK
The ingredients list in Heavenly Hunks is fairly healthy, but it does include a few things like brown sugar, cane sugar, starches, and palm shortening that I swapped for some better alternatives.
My ingredients list is pretty short and simple!
***Ingredient amounts and instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
rolled oats
If you’re gluten-free, be sure to use oats that are certified gluten free.
While oats are naturally gluten-free, there has been some negative buzz around oats and their gluten-free status recently, so I do recommend sticking with a brand that also uses purity protocol oats.
I recommend gfJules, Bakery on Main, or Zego.
unsweetened shredded coconut
If you have sweetened on hand and want to use that, feel free to; you’ll just have a little added sugar.
If you can only find unsweetened coconut flakes, just add those in with the old-fashioned oats for the first step.
buckwheat flour
Despite its name, buckwheat flour is naturally gluten-free and nutrient-dense. You can find buckwheat flour at many grocery stores in the baking aisle, or purchase online.
I grind my own flour from buckwheat groats, but this recipe will work the same either way.
salt
any kind of salt will do, but I love sea salt.
real maple syrup
Be sure to use real maple syrup, not the sweetened pancake syrup. I like to get mine at Costco because it is much cheaper that way. Store any leftovers in the fridge!
honey
Any kind will do.
coconut oil
You can use any type of coconut oil. Some have a strong coconut flavor while others are more neutral; the jar will specify so just pick according to your taste. You could also use a sustainable palm shortening if you have a coconut allergy or prefer to use that.
mini chocolate chips
I like semi-sweet. You can also use regular-sized chocolate chips but I like the mini much better for this recipe.
Be sure to use vegan chocolate chips if you need this recipe to be dairy-free
HOW TO MAKE HEAVENLY HUNKS
If you have food processor, this recipe is SUPER easy, but if you don’t have one you can use a high-speed blender and a little bit of elbow grease. I’ve included step-by-step photos below to guide you through the process.
Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
![](https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Copycat-Heavenly-Hunks-Step-1-1024x576.png.webp)
Step 1: Grind Oats
In a large food processor, measure oats and process on high for 15-20 seconds.
![](https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Copycat-Heavenly-Hunks-Step-2-1024x576.png.webp)
Step 2: Add Coconut, Buckwheat Flour, & Salt
Add unsweetened shredded coconut, buckwheat flour, and salt. Process on high another 5 seconds.
PRO TIP: You can swap sorghum flour or brown rice flour for the buckwheat, although buckwheat is my favorite for flavor, nutrition, and texture.
![](https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Copycat-Heavenly-Hunks-Step-3-1024x576.png.webp)
Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients
Measure real maple syrup, honey, and coconut oil into your food processor with the oat mixture. Process on high another 15-20 seconds until it is well combined. The mixture might seem a bit too soft, as seen in the photo, but it will set as you chill it.
![](https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Copycat-Heavenly-Hunks-Step-4-1024x576.png.webp)
Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to stir in the chocolate chips. Using the food processor will chop them into smaller pieces, so I like to stir them in.
![](https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Copycat-Heavenly-Hunks-Step-5-1024x576.png.webp)
Step 5: Press Into Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan (I love these inexpensive Wilton pans) with parchment paper. Wadding the parchment paper into a ball using your hands will help it mold to the pan more easily.
Transfer the dough to the pan, then pack it down tightly.
![](https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Copycat-Heavenly-Hunks-Step-6-1024x576.png.webp)
Step 6: Top with Extra Chocolate and Flaky Salt (optional)
This step isn’t necessary, but does make for pretty bars that have a little extra pizzazz.
Press a few tablespoons of additional mini chocolate chips on the top, and sprinkle with a little flaky salt. Press down gently so it sticks to the top.
![](https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Copycat-Heavenly-Hunks-Step-7-1024x576.png.webp)
Step 7: Freeze and Cut
Put the pan of Heavenly Hunks in the freezer for 1-2 hours, until set. The bars should be firm.
Lift the Heavenly Hunks out of the pan using the parchment paper, then cut them into 25 squares (they’ll each be about 1.5 x 1.5 inches).
In the photo, I cut them into 16 squares which you can also do if you would like them to be a little larger.
HOW TO STORE COPYCAT HEAVENLY HUNKS
Store copycat Heavenly Hunks in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. If you freeze them, just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Keep them in the fridge, they’ll get a bit too soft if left at room temp for very long-they taste better straight out of the fridge!
MORE HEALTHY (& DELICIOUS!) RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Bonus: all of these are also gluten-free recipes
Panera 10 Vegetable Soup Recipe (copycat recipe)
Black Bean Brownie Batter (I promise it’s better than it sounds!)
Orange Julius Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream
Autumn Harvest Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette
Wonder Bread Chaffle Recipe (keto)
Chocolate Brownie Protein Balls
Quinoa Granola (oat free!)
DIY Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt Dip
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the ingredients in Heavenly Hunks?
Store-bought Heavenly Hunks include the following ingredients: Gluten-Free Oats, Brown Rice Syrup, Cane Sugar, Palm Oil (Sustainably Sourced), Coconut, Chocolate Liquor, Sorghum Flour, Tapioca Flour, Potato Starch, Brown Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Sunflower Lecithin (an Emulsifier), Vitamin E.
This copycat Heavenly Hunks recipe includes: gluten-free rolled oats, unsweetened coconut, coconut oil, semi-sweet chocolate chips, honey, real maple syrup, buckwheat flour, and sea salt
Are Heavenly Hunks gluten-free?
Yes, Heavenly Hunks are certified gluten-free. This copycat recipe is also as long as you use gluten-free ingredients.
Can I substitute something for the buckwheat flour?
You can use brown rice flour or sorghum flour instead if you prefer, but I like the flavor of buckwheat best.
Let’s connect! You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook
HEAVENLY HUNKS COPYCAT RECIPE
I really think you’re going to love this recipe! These are my go-to when I want a sweet treat, but don’t want to feel like garbage after.
It’s also the perfect snack for my kids when they need something quick. I love keeping some in the fridge so my kids can grab them on their way out the door or when they get home from school. Even my toddler loves them!
![a stack of oat squares with mini chocolate chips.](https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Copycat-Heavenly-Hunks-Recipe-21-720x720.jpg.webp)
Copycat Heavenly Hunks Recipe
This copycat Heavenly Hunks recipe is ridiculously quick and easy to make, and my kids DEVOUR them! They keep well in the fridge or freezer and are made with real, wholesome ingredients. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
- 5 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup buckwheat flour
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup real maple syrup
- ½ cup honey
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- ¾ cup mini vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large food processor, measure oats and process on high for 15-20 seconds. The oats should be a mixture of fine flour and some larger pieces.
- Add unsweetened shredded coconut, buckwheat flour, and salt. Process on high another 5-10 seconds.
- Measure real maple syrup, honey, and coconut oil into your food processor with the dry ingredients. Process on high another 15-20 seconds until it is well combined. The mixture might seem a bit too soft, but it will set as you chill it.
- Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to stir in the chocolate chips.
- Transfer the dough to your parchment-lined pan, then pack it down tightly.
- If you want to jazz things up a bit, sprinkle a few more chocolate chips and a bit of flaky salt over the top and press down gently.
- Freeze the dough for 1-2 hours, or put in the fridge overnight.
- Once the dough is firm, remove from the pan using the parchment paper, and cut into squares. I like to cut into 25 squares, which are about 1.5x1.5 inches (this is around the same size as the Heavenly Hunks you would buy at the store). If you want larger chunks, you can cut 4x4.
- Store copycat Heavenly Hunks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze for longer, just thaw in the fridge before eating.
- This copycat Heavenly Hunks recipe is perfect for after-school snacks, grab-and-go breakfasts, and more! My kids absolutely love them...and so do I!
Notes
I updated this recipe on 8.19.2024 by reducing the coconut oil from 3/4 + 2 tablespoons to 1/2 cup. I did some experimenting and found that these are just as good with less coconut oil.
To make gluten-free, be sure the oats you use are certified gluten free (and preferably also purity protocol). I've linked a few safe options below, with Zego being the safest (and my favorite) option. Check other labels to ensure all ingredients are also safe.
You can also roll these into energy balls if you want!
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- If you can't have coconut, you can sub the unsweetened coconut for an additional 1/2 cup oats, and swap palm shortening for the coconut oil.
- I love using buckwheat in this recipe (which is naturally gluten-free despite its name), but you could also use sorghum flour or brown rice flour.
- You could also use all honey or all real maple syrup, but I prefer the taste of 50/50 as written in the recipe.
- If you don't need these to be dairy-free, feel free to use any chocolate chips.
- Most mini chocolate chips are semi-sweet, but feel free to use chopped dark chocolate chips.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Bakery On Main Rolled Oats - Gluten Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Purity Protocol, Kosher, Resealable Bag, 24oz (Pack of 4)
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Purity Protocol Certified Gluten Free Oats - 1 lb bag
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Coco Road Organic & Fair Trade Virgin Coconut Oil (15 Fl Oz)
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Anthony's Organic Buckwheat Flour, 3 lb, Grown in USA, Gluten Free, Vegan
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Anthony's Organic Buckwheat Groats (1.5 Pound)
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Maldon Salt, Sea Salt Flakes, 8.5 oz (240 g), Kosher, Natural, Handcrafted, Gourmet, Pyramid Crystals (Packaging May vary)
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Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick 8-Inch Square Cake Pans, Bakeware Set of 2, Steel
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 25 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 160Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 46mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 3gSugar: 13gProtein: 3g
Cynthia
Tuesday 3rd of September 2024
I do not wheat flour. Could I use tapioca flour or oat flour instead? I made these once using a recipe from a different blog and they were so dry and just crumbled apart. They were okay but not even close to the real heavenly hunks, which I’m obsessed with! However the price of them makes me gasp everytime so I’m on the hunt for a homemade version that satisfies the craving. The 1 recipe I’ve tried so far didn’t even come close. However the is recipe looks very promising. I also do not have semi sweet chocolate chips but I do have cocao nibs I’ve been dying to try in something! Would they work? Or I have some 60% dark chocolate bars I could cut up.
Celeste Noland
Thursday 5th of September 2024
Oat flour should work in place of buckwheat flour, and the chocolate is really up to you but chopped dark chocolate would be much more like the real Heavenly Hunks than cacao nibs. I'm really excited for you to try this recipe, they're not dry at all!
Emma
Tuesday 2nd of July 2024
I do not have coconut oil, is there any way I can sub olive oil?
Celeste Noland
Wednesday 10th of July 2024
Olive oil will not work, it a liquid instead of solid with a very different flavor.