If you have a sweet tooth and adore the classic Snickers bar, you are going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Snickers Bars Recipe. This delightful treat perfectly captures all the rich flavors and irresistible textures of the original candy bar, but with the added satisfaction of making it yourself. Imagine biting into layers of silky chocolate, fluffy nougat, crunchy salted peanuts, and decadent caramel—all lovingly crafted in your own kitchen. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or a special gathering, these bars are sure to steal the show and become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but essential for building the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a key role: the chocolate adds that luscious richness, the nougat brings marshmallow-like fluffiness, peanuts offer a satisfying crunch, and caramel introduces that silky sweetness.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided): Choose good quality chocolate to ensure a smooth, rich coating and layers.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides the sweet base for the nougat and caramel layers.
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup: Adds shine and prevents crystallization in the nougat and caramel.
- 1/4 cup water: Essential for dissolving sugar and adjusting caramel consistency.
- 1 egg white (room temperature): Whipped to create that light, marshmallow-like nougat texture.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Infuses the nougat with creamy peanut goodness.
- 1 cup salted peanuts: Whole peanuts add crunch and a salty contrast to the sweetness.
- 11 oz. bag of caramels: The soft, buttery caramel layer that makes these bars irresistible.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Blended with caramels for a smooth, luscious texture.
How to Make Homemade Snickers Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base Chocolate Layer
Start by lining an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper to make removal easy later on. Next, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until the chocolate is silky smooth. Spread this melted chocolate evenly in the dish and pop it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. This solid layer forms the chocolate foundation that everything else will build on.
Step 2: Make the Nougat
In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water, heating over medium heat with a candy thermometer attached until it reaches exactly 275°F. While waiting, whisk the egg white and salt using a standing mixer until stiff peaks form. Then, with the mixer running on high, slowly drizzle the hot sugar syrup into the egg whites one tablespoon at a time. This must be done carefully and patiently to avoid splattering or damaging the foam. The mixture will thicken into a dense white marshmallow-like nougat. Quickly fold in the creamy peanut butter with a spatula sprayed with non-stick spray, ensuring everything is combined smoothly and evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Nougat and Peanuts
Remove your chocolate base from the freezer and spread the nougat mixture evenly over it. Sprinkle the salted peanuts generously on top and gently press to ensure they nestle into the nougat, creating that iconic crunch we all love in a Snickers.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Caramel Layer
In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels with the heavy cream in 30-second bursts, stirring until the caramel is silky and smooth. Pour this luscious caramel over the peanut layer, spreading evenly. Place the dish in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes until the caramel firms slightly.
Step 5: Finish with Chocolate
Melt the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips and spread this final coat carefully over the chilled caramel. Return the dish to the fridge until the top chocolate layer is completely set and firm to the touch. This final chocolate layer seals all those flavors in beautifully.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once set, run a warm knife around the edges of your bars to loosen them from the baking dish. Using the parchment paper, lift the entire chocolate block out, and slice your Homemade Snickers Bars Recipe into 9 generous bars. Keep these in the refrigerator until ready to serve to maintain perfect texture.
How to Serve Homemade Snickers Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top chocolate layer just before it sets adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness. You can also drizzle some melted peanut butter or extra caramel for a tempting finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to intensify the indulgence. A hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte pairs perfectly, balancing the richness with a warm, robust flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting the bars into bite-sized pieces and serving them on a decorative platter for parties. Wrapping individual bars in wax paper or placing them in decorative boxes makes stylish homemade gifts sure to impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade Snickers Bars Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to two weeks, maintaining their crisp layers and gooey caramel.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before enjoying.
Reheating
For the best texture, it’s wise not to microwave these bars. Instead, allow them to thaw naturally in the fridge. If you prefer a slightly softer caramel, leave them at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
While natural peanut butter can work, its higher oil content might affect the nougat’s consistency. Creamy peanut butter is recommended for the best texture and flavor balance in this Homemade Snickers Bars Recipe.
Is it okay to substitute the salted peanuts with unsalted?
You can substitute unsalted peanuts, but be aware that the salty kick is key to balancing the sweetness. If using unsalted, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer for that perfect taste contrast.
Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?
Using a candy thermometer greatly improves your chances of perfect nougat and caramel layers by ensuring sugar reaches the correct temperature. If you don’t have one, you can try the soft ball stage test in boiling water, but a thermometer is highly recommended for precise results.
Can I make these bars without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps textures smooth. Without it, you might experience grainy caramel or nougat. If you prefer to avoid corn syrup, use a reliable substitute like golden syrup or a homemade glucose syrup alternative, and be ready for slight texture changes.
How do I prevent the chocolate from blooming?
Chocolate bloom happens when chocolate is exposed to temperature fluctuations. To avoid this, melt the chocolate gently using a double boiler or careful microwave intervals and ensure it cools and sets in a consistently cool environment, like the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Homemade Snickers Bars Recipe is such a rewarding experience that brings all the joy of a beloved candy bar right into your kitchen. Each step, from creating the fluffy nougat to layering luscious caramel and crunchy peanuts, builds a treat that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become a staple dessert whenever you want a special indulgence. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients and dive into this fun, flavorful adventure today!
Print
Homemade Snickers Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Snickers Bars recipe is a delightful treat that layers rich melted chocolate with a fluffy peanut butter nougat, crunchy salted peanuts, and a smooth caramel topping. Perfect for those who love the classic Snickers candy bar, this recipe offers a homemade twist with simple ingredients and a rewarding process that yields nine satisfying bars.
Ingredients
Chocolate Layers
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Nougat Layer
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg white (room temperature)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Peanut Topping
- 1 cup salted peanuts (whole)
Carmel Layer
- 11 oz. bag of caramels
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of the bars.
- Melt Chocolate Base: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 cup of the chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Spread Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate evenly into the lined baking dish. Place the dish in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to harden the chocolate layer.
- Heat Sugar Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium heat with a candy thermometer until the mixture reaches 275°F (135°C).
- Whip Egg Whites: While heating the sugar, beat egg whites and salt in a mixing bowl using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment until stiff peaks form.
- Temper Egg Whites: Once sugar reaches 275°F, remove from heat. Turn off the mixer and slowly drizzle about 1 tablespoon of hot sugar syrup into the beaten egg whites.
- Incorporate Sugar Syrup: Turn mixer back on high and continue adding the remaining sugar syrup one tablespoon at a time, stopping the mixer each time to avoid splatter, until all syrup is fully incorporated creating a thick marshmallow-like paste.
- Add Peanut Butter to Nougat: Quickly fold creamy peanut butter into the egg white mixture using a spatula lightly coated with non-stick spray, forming the nougat layer.
- Spread Nougat Layer: Evenly spread the nougat over the chilled chocolate base in the baking dish.
- Add Peanuts: Sprinkle whole salted peanuts over the nougat and gently press them into the surface to secure.
- Melt Caramels: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring between, until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour Caramel Layer: Pour the melted caramel over the peanuts in the baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Chill to Set Caramel: Refrigerate the dish for about 5 minutes until the caramel layer firms up.
- Melt Remaining Chocolate: Melt the remaining 1 cup chocolate chips and spread this chocolate layer over the set caramel layer evenly.
- Chill and Set Chocolate: Return the dish to the refrigerator until the top chocolate layer is firm to the touch.
- Remove and Cut Bars: Run a warm knife along the edges of the dish, lift the set bars out with the parchment paper, and cut into nine bars.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately or keep refrigerated to maintain freshness and firmness.
Notes
- Ensure the egg white is at room temperature for better volume when whipped.
- Use a candy thermometer for accuracy when heating sugar syrup to avoid under or overcooking.
- Work quickly when folding in the peanut butter to maintain the nougat’s texture.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars thoroughly before slicing.
- Keep bars refrigerated as they contain dairy and peanut butter, which can soften if left out.
