Homemade Snickers Bars

With two layers of chocolate, creamy nougat, peanuts, and plenty of caramel, these Homemade Snickers Bars taste just like the real candy bar. Learn how to make homemade candy (quite possibly even better than store bought!) in just 40 minutes.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Servings bars

Calories 494kcal

Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

For layer 1 (chocolate):

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (see note 1)

For layer 2 (nougat):

7 ounces marshmallow fluff
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup dry roasted unsalted peanuts

For layer 3 (caramel):

11 ounces caramels unwrapped (see note 2)
1/4 cup heavy cream

For layer 4 (chocolate):

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To make layer 1:

Line the bottom of an 11-inch by 7-inch baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper.
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons peanut butter. Microwave for 60 seconds at full power and stir to combine. Microwave a few more seconds if needed, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Pour chocolate mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly. Freeze until the chocolate is hard, about 2 to 3 minutes.

To make layer 2:

In a medium sized bowl, combine marshmallow fluff, 1/4 cup peanut butter, and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar. Using a wooden spoon or strong spatula, stir until a soft nougat dough ball forms.
Remove nougat dough from the bowl and press on top of hardened chocolate layer. Sprinkle 1 cup peanuts on top of nougat and gently press them down.

To make layer 3:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 11 ounces caramels and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Stir constantly until caramels have melted and cream is incorporated.
Pour immediately over the peanut layer, using the back of a spoon to spread evenly. Refrigerate until caramel has set, about 5 minutes.

To make layer 4:

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons peanut butter. Microwave for 60 seconds at full power and stir to combine. Microwave a few more seconds if needed, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Pour chocolate mixture over caramel layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate until chocolate layer has hardened, about 10 minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 bars and serve.

Notes

Peanut butter: Since it's mixed with chocolate chips for the first and fourth layers, I give you full permission to start with a jar of peanut butter from the store. JIF, Skippy, Peter Pan; any brand will do. If you're feeling ambitious, whip up a batch of Homemade Peanut Butter. (See below for allergen-friendly alternatives.
Caramels: Look for baking caramels by the bag in the candy or baking aisle. Unwrap each one to melt down with heavy cream for the third layer of these Homemade Snickers Bars. If you want to make caramel sauce from scratch, have at it!
Yield: This Homemade Snickers Bar recipe makes 12 servings.
Storage: Store these bars covered in the refrigerator (or, if you live in a cold climate, on your patio or in the garage during the chilly winter months).

Nutrition