Making your own Homemade Snickers bars is an easy no-bake recipe to satisfy any sweet tooth. They are a gooey, creamy, chewy, rich, crunchy, sweet, and chocolatey treat. These Snickers fudge squares are an irresistible dessert or snack.
They are just like the popular candy bars. Just look at that gooey caramel & nougat center - OMG!
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The Why
Why do I need to make this recipe? Here are all the reasons why I cannot get enough of this recipe & why you will love it too.
- A copycat of the Snickers candy bar with chewy nougat, rich caramel, crunchy peanuts, and chocolate are a classic.
- Great for Halloween, Easter, holidays, birthdays, parties, & anniversaries.
- A great homemade candy recipe to give as a gift, Christmas or Valentine's Day.
- Like the original, this copycat recipe is gluten-free and grain-free.
Fun Fact: The Snickers candy bar has been around since the early 1930s and was invented by the Mars Company. To learn more about what is in a Snickers bar and this 90-year-old favorite, check out SNACK HISTORY.
Ingredients for Homemade Snickers Bars
All the ingredients are easy to find at the grocery store and most are shelf-stable. This recipe is made with semi-sweet chocolate but you can use milk or dark if you prefer. The nougat center needs marshmallow fluff for the chewy texture we all love.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - mini chips melt fast & smooth
- Heavy Cream - to thin out the caramel so you get a spreadable layer.
- Kraft Caramel Bits - along with the cream make the gooey layer
- Peanuts - salted & roasted for that same Snickers crunch
- Marshmallow Fluff - for the chewy texture in the nougat layer
- Peanut Butter - helps make the nougat and more peanut flavor
- Powdered Sugar - final sweetness in the nougat
See the recipe card for amounts & complete recipe instructions.
How to Make
This recipe is great to make in summer. No oven or baking. You will need your stove for a bit of cooking. This recipe is all about making each candy and layering it for the perfect combination.
Here are the easy steps for making Snickers bars from scratch.
- Prep the Peanuts & Pan
- Melt the Chocolate
- Make the Nougat
- Make the Caramel
- Top the Snickers
- Set & Slice
See the recipe card for full instructions
1 - Prep the Peanuts & Pan
Prepare an 8x8x2 baking dish by lining it with foil. Spray nonstick spray lightly onto the foil. Or you can use parchment paper.
Coarsely chop the peanut halves. This will give some bites a little or a lot of peanuts for great crunch.
2 - Melt the Chocolate
In a small microwave-safe bowl, add ½ of the chocolate chips + 2TB of the peanut butter.
Next, microwave for 20 seconds, stir and then heat for another 20 seconds. Stir and the mixture should be melted.
TOP TIP: For this layer and every other one, work fast. It is important to spread the layers while the candy is warm otherwise it will harden as it cools.
Spread evenly in the prepared dish and cool in the freezer while making the nougat.
3 - Make the Nougat
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the marshmallow fluff and ¼ C of the peanut butter. Add half the powdered sugar and stir to combine with a sturdy wooden spoon. Add the remaining powdered sugar and stir. It will be thick.
Remove the dish from the freezer. Spread and press down the nougat on top of the chocolate.
Sprinkle chopped peanuts evenly over the nougat layer and press down slightly to get them to stick slightly to the candy. Set aside.
3 - Make the Caramel
Make caramel on the stovetop in a small pot over low temperature. Do not rush this step, low & slow is best.
Stir cream and caramel bits the whole time until melted.
It will be thick but as long as there are no chunks of caramel bits left it is ready.
Immediately pour over peanuts and spread evenly. Let the dish rest on the counter while preparing the top chocolate layer.
4 - Top the Snickers
To make the top chocolate layer, repeat melting chocolate in the microwave. In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the remaining ½ the chocolate chips + 2TB of the peanut butter. Microwave for 20 seconds, stir and then heat for another 20 seconds.
Stir and the mixture should be melted. Spread evenly in the prepared dish over the top.
5 - Set & Serve
Refrigerate for about 30-45 minutes until set. To remove from dish, lift foil edges and lift out.
The foil should peel off and place the candy slab on a cutting board. With a very sharp chef knife, cut into 16 equal-sized pieces. They will be large or make 32 small pieces.
These homemade Snickers fudge bars are addicting so they won't last long. Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this recipe and want to make more homemade candy, I highly recommend you check out my very popular OLD-FASHIONED PEANUT BUTTER BALLS recipe. For more crunchy peanuts and chocolate make a batch of Chocolate Peanut Clusters.
Top Tips & Equipment
All of these great tips are shared in the recipe card. But these are so good and important they are worth highlighting so you don't miss them.
- Work quickly so the candy doesn't set before you get each layer spread out.
- Store in the fridge & set out at room temperature when ready to cut & eat.
- Using microwave-safe glass bowls for for melting the chocolate makes this so easy.
- A square 8x8 bakin g pan is needed for this recipe. (or 9x9)
Can You Freeze Homemade Snickers Bars?
This recipe for Snickers fudge bars does freeze well. Line a cookie sheet with parchment and place pieces ½" apart. Place them into the freezer for an hour to flash-freeze them. Once they are frozen place them in an air-tight container or Ziploc bag. Frozen Snickers will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
How to Store Snickers Bars
Homemade Snickers fudge candy will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator if stored in an air-tight container. Do not store it on the counter as the nougat and caramel may become too soft.
Depending on the texture you prefer, you may want to take a bar out of the refrigerator for a few minutes before biting into it if you want it soft and gooey. We actually like them chilled especially on hot days.
Homemade Snickers Bars
Equipment
- 8x8x2 square baking dish
Ingredients
- 10 oz mini semi-sweet chocolate chips divided into 2 equal parts
- ½ C peanut butter divided into ¼ C & 4 TB
- 7 oz jar marshmallow fluff
- ¾ C powdered sugar
- ⅓ C salted & dry roasted peanuts
- 11 oz bag Kraft Caramel Bits
- ¼ C heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare an 8x8x2 baking dish by lining with foil. Spray nonstick spray lightly onto the foil.
- To make the bottom chocolate layer: In a small microwave-safe bowl, add ½ the chocolate chips + 2TB of the peanut butter. Next, microwave for 20 seconds, stir, and then heat for another 20 seconds. Stir and the mixture should be melted. Spread evenly in the prepared dish and cool in the freezer while making the nougat.
- To make the nougat layer: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the marshmallow fluff and ¼ C of the peanut butter. Add half the powdered sugar and stir to combine with a sturdy wooden spoon. Add the remaining powdered sugar and stir. It will be thick. Remove the dish from the freezer. Spread and press down nougat on top of the chocolate. Let the dish rest on the counter while you make chop the peanuts.
- Chop the peanuts just slightly. You want about ½ still in halves and the rest in a small coarse chop. Sprinkle evenly over the nougat layer and press down slightly to get them to stick slightly to the candy. Let the dish rest on the counter while you make the caramel layer.
- To make the caramel layer: Make caramel on the stovetop in a small pot over low temperature. Stir cream and caramels the whole time until melted. It will be thick but as long as there are no chunks of caramel bits left. Immediately pour over peanuts and spread evenly. Let the dish rest on the counter while preparing the top chocolate layer.
- To make the top chocolate layer: In a small microwave-safe bowl, add ½ the chocolate chips + 2TB of the peanut butter. Next, microwave for 20 seconds, stir, and then heat for another 20 seconds. Stir and the mixture should be melted. Spread evenly in the prepared dish over the top.
- Refrigerate about 30-45 minutes until set. To remove from dish, lift foil edges and lift out. The foil should peel off and place the candy slab on a cutting board. With a very sharp chef knife, cut into 16 equal-sized pieces.
- Homemade Snickers Bars candy will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator if stored in an air-tight container. Enjoy!
Nutrition
More Marshmallow Recipes
If you love this recipe, try these related recipes that are loaded with marshmallows.
Deborah says
These snicker bars look amazing. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe.
Angela says
You are welcome. The snickers bars taste as amazing as they look.
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
YUM!! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 17. Shared.
Becky says
I made a batch for a test before I share with the neighbor kids for Halloween - bad idea. I now have all these and I keep eating them. They are BETTER than the real Snickers - the nougat is the best part. Thank you!
Angela says
Sorry, these are dangerous to have in your house since they are so tasty. I think sharing would be wonderful. I am sure anyone would love to get a homemade candy treat!
Megan says
I don't think I've ever seen something like this! I think Ive found my new favorite dessert!
Angela says
I am glad you found this tempting Snickers recipe.
Melissa says
These look so good! We’ll be trying them during the holidays this year!
Angela says
Happy Halloween!
Alexis Farmer says
This looks insanely good! I love Snickers.
Angela says
Thanks.
Beth Shields says
This looks delicious. I don't think I have seen the Kraft Caramel bits but I think I could do some major damage with those little things. Have pinned the recipe. Amazing!
Angela says
Hi Beth - thanks for pinning this to Pinterest. To make the Snickers bars you can also use the same oz of the Kraft caramel squares, just takes a bit more time to unwrap them all and longer to melt on the stovetop. I hope you enjoy these.
Emily says
Snickers are my absolute favorite! These look UH-MAZING!!! I’m def gonna give these a try
Cindy says
I will be making these for the next camping trip!
Angela says
Snickers and camping for the win! Move over smores...
Leeandra says
This looks delicious! Snickers are my favorite type of candy bar!
Angela says
If you love Snickers candy bars, you will love this homemade recipe.
Danielle Ardizzone says
Looks delicious, and sounds pretty simple!
Angela says
They sure are both!
Sabrina DeWalt says
All I can say is Yum!
Sandi Barrett says
Yup, you can just bring the pan to my house! So good.
Karie says
These look so delicious. They would make a great neighbor Christmas gift.
Angela says
What a wonderful food gift idea. Your neighbors will love these homemade snickers.
Kendra says
Yum! These look so ooey gooey and delicious!
April Key says
This looks so delicious! I need to make one.
melissa says
ummmmm...AMAZING!! These look so yummy - I can't wait to try them! I've pinned this recipe for later!
Angela says
Thank you Melissa.
Barbara says
Snickers are my thing! This looks so great!
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
Visiting again to say thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 18, open until November 26. Shared again.
Jerri says
These look scrumptious! Thanks for joining us for Friday Favorites. I'm featuring you this week.
Angela says
Thanks so much, Jerri - the Snickers Bars recipe is a scrumptious favorite in our house and glad it is shared with more candy fans.
Miz Helen says
Congratulations!
Your awesome post is featured on Full Plate Thursday,509 this week. Hope you have a very special week and thanks so much for sharing with us!
Miz Helen
Angela says
Thank you so much.
Lisa Mills says
Both my youngest daughter and I have peanut allergies. Has any tries the recipe using almonds and almond butter?
Angela says
I have not tried that but it sure sounds wonderful to me. I would think it would work and can replace it with the same quantities. If you try it out, please let me know if it works out.
Jodi says
These were amaaaaazing!
Becca says
If you love rich chocolate things this is for you. I devoured these in a few days with my kids. The husband thought it was too much so more for us. I find sometimes when I buy Snickers I get an old or dry one so I have been disappointed lately and wanted to make my own. Glad I did.
hhh says
I was scrolling this page for 5 minutes....huge pictures and stories that I don't need....Couldn't find out how much I need of each....leaving it
Angela says
I am sorry you couldn't find what you were looking for right away. I have A JUMP TO RECIPE button right on the top for all my recipes if that is what you need. It takes you right to the recipe card including the amounts for each item. This recipe has many layers so I do go into depth on explaining it all in the body of the post so that even new cooks can have success. I hope you find that JUMP button and give these a try because they are fantastic.
Esme Slabbert says
WOW WOW just WOW, superb, Gonna save it to try out.
Found your post on Coastal Bohemian. My entries this week are numbered #115+116
Hope you will join/share M-Sat at https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/