Making your own homemade Snickers bars is an easy no-bake & gluten-free recipe to satisfy any sweet tooth. Snickers candy with chewy nougat, rich caramel, crunchy peanuts, and chocolate are a classic. These Snickers fudge squares are an irresistible dessert or snack. They are perfect for Halloween, Easter, Christmas, potlucks, & parties
They are just like the popular candy bars and include everything that is in a Snickers candy car. They are a gooey, creamy, chewy, rich, crunchy, sweet, and chocolatey treat. And just like the original, this copycat recipe is gluten-free and grain-free. Just look at that gooey caramel & nougat center - OMG!
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 are just what you will love too.
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How to Make Homemade Snickers Bars
This easy recipe is a no-bake dessert that is all about making the layers and letting them set. Just like the classic candy, the combination of caramel, nougat, and peanuts is what makes this so memorable and a long-standing favorite.
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. So you can have the ingredients in your pantry just in case of a dessert emergency! This recipe is made with semi-sweet chocolate but you can use milk or dark if you prefer. The nougat center needs marshmallow fluff.
The other classic flavors of a Snickers bar, are peanuts and caramel. If you are allergic to peanuts, you can use almonds in this recipe. Also, replace the peanut butter with almond butter to make this recipe. All of these ingredients with a few more ensure these are the best homemade Snickers ever.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - mini chips melt fast & smooth
- Heavy Cream - to thin out the caramel so you get a spreadable layer.
- 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.
Chop the Peanuts
For this recipe, coarsely chop the peanut halves. This will give some bites a little or a lot of peanuts and more variety and help spread them out along the nougat layer later in the process.
Prepare the Dish & Make the Bottom Chocolate Layer
Prepare an 8x8x2 baking dish by lining it with foil. Spray nonstick spray lightly onto the foil.
To make the bottom chocolate layer of the Snickers: 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. Spread evenly in the prepared dish and cool in the freezer while making the nougat.
Make the Nougat and Add the Peanuts
To make the candy bar nougat layer for Snickers: 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. Let the dish rest on the counter while you add the chopped peanuts.
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.
Make the Caramel Layer
To make the caramel layer: Make caramel on the stovetop in a small pot over low temperature. 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. Immediately pour over peanuts and spread evenly. Let the dish rest on the counter while preparing the top chocolate layer.
Make 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 for about 30-45 minutes until set.
Cut & Serve Homemade Snickers Candy
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.
We made these the first time around Halloween since Snickers is a favorite, but these are fantastic to have any time of year. We cut these pretty large into 16 pieces but if you want mini or fun-size Snickers bars, you can cut them much smaller and make 32 pieces from this easy snickers recipe.
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. These homemade Snickers fudge bars are addicting so they won't last long. Enjoy!
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.
Other Recipes with Marshmallows
If you love this recipe, try these related recipes that are loaded with marshmallows.
- S'Mores Icebox Cake
- Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream
- Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies
- M&M Rice Krispies Treats
Product Recommendations for this Recipe:
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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!
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.