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These homemade Snickers Bars capture all the crunchy, creamy, peanut buttery, caramel, and chocolate flavors of the classic candy in an easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth with layers of rich textures and tastes, this recipe brings the beloved candy bar into your kitchen for sharing or special treats.
I first made these on a lazy weekend and was amazed at how closely they resembled the original candy. Now they are a favorite all year round whenever I need a sweet pick-me-up or bring something homemade to parties.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: provides the chocolate layers with a smooth, rich flavor. Use good-quality chips for best taste
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: adds creamy sweetness and helps bind the layers evenly
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: the heart of the bars with that smooth nutty taste, choose natural or regular depending on preference
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme: adds fluffy sweetness and helps create that classic Snickers texture
- 1 ¼ cups salted peanuts: the crunchy contrast that is essential for texture, salted peanuts balance the sweetness well
- 10 ounces caramels: use soft caramels for easy melting and that gooey caramel layer
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream: keeps the caramel smooth and luscious when melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Base Chocolate Layer:
- Gently melt three quarters cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with half a cup of sweetened condensed milk on low to medium heat. Stir constantly until smooth and combined. Pour this mixture evenly into an 8 by 8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Place in the fridge to firm up as you prepare the next layer.
- Mix the Peanut Butter Layer:
- In a saucepan, gently warm one cup of creamy peanut butter with half a cup of sweetened condensed milk over low heat. The peanut butter does not need to fully melt, just warm enough to blend smoothly. Remove from heat and stir in the seven ounce tub of marshmallow creme until fully combined. Carefully spread this mixture over the firm chocolate layer in the baking dish.
- Add the Crunchy Peanuts:
- Sprinkle one cup of salted peanuts evenly across the peanut butter layer. Place the dish back in the fridge while you prepare the caramel topping.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- In a small saucepan, melt ten ounces of caramels with three tablespoons of heavy cream on low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and creamy. Pour the caramel over the peanuts in the baking dish and return to the fridge once again to set.
- Finish with the Top Chocolate Layer:
- Melt the remaining quarter cup of chocolate chips with half a cup of sweetened condensed milk on low to medium heat. Pour this final chocolate mixture over the caramel layer. Chop and sprinkle the remaining quarter cup of salted peanuts over the top. Let sit at room temperature briefly before chilling in the fridge for at least one hour. When firm, slice into bars and enjoy.
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Storage Tips
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them firm and fresh. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to two months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap creamy peanut butter for natural peanut butter but you may want to add a touch more condensed milk for sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have marshmallow creme, try a whipped cream cheese frosting for a different but delicious texture. Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve these Snickers Bars chilled with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. Cut the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for parties or snacks that are easy to grab and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What pan size is best for these bars?
An 8×8-inch baking dish is ideal to achieve the perfect layer thickness and easy slicing.
- → Can I substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy?
Using crunchy peanut butter will add more texture, enhancing the overall crunchiness of the bars.
- → How long should the bars chill before serving?
Chill for at least one hour to allow the layers to set firmly and meld the flavors.
- → What’s the best way to melt the caramel without burning it?
Gently melt caramel with heavy cream on low heat while stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- → Can salted peanuts be replaced with unsalted?
Yes, but salted peanuts enhance the balance between sweet and savory in the bars.