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Homemade Snickers Bar Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect blend of chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and nougat all wrapped up in a candy bar, this Homemade Snickers Bar Recipe is going to feel like a little piece of heaven in your kitchen. Trust me, there’s something incredibly satisfying about making this classic treat from scratch – it’s fresher, gooier, and a whole lot more fun than grabbing one at the store. Plus, you get to control exactly what goes in, making it a treat you can really feel good about indulging in.

I first tried this Homemade Snickers Bar Recipe on a cozy weekend afternoon, and it quickly became a favorite way to impress friends and family who thought homemade candy bars were only for professionals. Whether you want an impressive dessert for a party or just a weekend project that ends in deliciousness, this recipe hits all the right notes with its rich layers and that perfect balance of salty and sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in how each ingredient works in harmony to create those signature Snickers flavors you love. I always recommend using high-quality ingredients — especially the chocolate and peanuts — because they really shine in this recipe and make the difference between good and amazing.

  • Sugar: The base for your caramel and nougat, make sure it’s granulated for that perfect melt and set.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the caramel, go for fresh cream for the best texture.
  • Milk: Helps smooth out the caramel and keeps it from getting too stiff.
  • Salt: A pinch works wonders to bring out the flavors and balance the sweetness.
  • Salted Roasted Peanuts: The star crunch element; roasted ones bring that deeper flavor we all crave in Snickers.
  • Egg White (room temperature): Essential for the nougat’s light, airy texture. Letting it come to room temp really helps it whip up right.
  • Corn Syrup: Keeps the nougat soft and chewy without crystallizing, so no grainy texture here.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds that creamy peanut flavor to the nougat layer—homemade or natural peanut butter works best.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a touch for warmth and depth in the peanut nougat.
  • Semi Sweet Chocolate: For the perfect coating, choose a quality chocolate that melts smooth and tastes rich.

Variations

While I adore sticking to this classic Homemade Snickers Bar Recipe, I’ve also enjoyed switching things up from time to time depending on what’s in my pantry or who’s coming over. Feel free to personalize it — after all, homemade treats should feel like your own little masterpiece.

  • Nut-Free Version: I’ve swapped peanuts for roasted pumpkin seeds once for a nut allergy and was amazed at the crunchy, satisfying result.
  • Dark Chocolate Coating: Using dark chocolate gives a slightly more intense, bittersweet finish that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
  • Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the final chocolate layer for some extra texture and a salty kick.
  • Mini Bars: Making bite-sized versions is super fun for parties or gifting, and they bake up a bit faster too.

How to Make Homemade Snickers Bar Recipe

Step 1: Make the Caramel Layer

Start by making the caramel — this is where patience pays off. Combine sugar, heavy cream, milk, and salt in a saucepan, and heat slowly over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then let it simmer until it reaches a rich amber color and thick consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Keep a candy thermometer handy if you have one; you want it to hit around 245°F. Stir in the salted roasted peanuts, then pour the caramel into a parchment-lined pan to set while you prepare the nougat.

Step 2: Whip the Peanut Nougat

In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg white until stiff peaks form — this is a game-changer for that light nougat texture. Meanwhile, heat sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan to 240°F to make a soft ball stage syrup. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg white while beating constantly, then fold in the peanut butter and vanilla extract gently. Pour this nougat layer over the set caramel and smooth it out evenly.

Step 3: Coat with Chocolate

Next, melt your semi-sweet chocolate gently — I prefer doing this over a double boiler to avoid scorching. Pour the melted chocolate over the nougat layer, spreading it evenly to the edges. Pop the pan in the fridge to allow the chocolate to set firmly, usually about 30 minutes. This final coating seals all those layers into one gorgeous bar.

How to Serve Homemade Snickers Bar Recipe

Homemade Snickers Bar Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love to keep garnishes simple with these bars — a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after the chocolate sets just adds a little extra texture and flavor pop. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of melted peanut butter or caramel on top for a fancy touch. It really turns up the wow factor if you’re serving these at a party.

Side Dishes

These bars are pretty indulgent on their own, but if you’re looking to balance them out, pairing them with a cup of strong black coffee or a glass of cold milk works wonders. I’ve also served them alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert treat that gets everyone smiling.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I’ve cut these Homemade Snickers Bars into bite-sized squares and arranged them on a platter with tiny paper liners — it’s like having homemade candy bites at your fingertips. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for charming edible gifts. Presentation really amps up the homemade feel and makes your efforts even more memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Homemade Snickers Bars in an airtight container at room temperature if my kitchen is cool, but the fridge works too, especially in warmer months. They keep for about a week without losing that perfect chewy texture, but I have to admit, they rarely last that long around here!

Freezing

Freezing is a great way to keep these bars fresh for longer. I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a sealed freezer bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes—you get the gooey texture back without any sogginess.

Reheating

Reheating these bars isn’t really necessary, but if you want to soften the caramel and chocolate a bit, I pop a piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds — just enough to warm it without melting it completely. It’s a quick trick to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Homemade Snickers Bar Recipe without corn syrup?

    Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with honey or maple syrup in the nougat layer, but keep in mind the texture might be a bit different—potentially a tad stickier or less stable. It’s best to experiment with small batches first to see how you like the consistency.

  2. How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?

    Make sure to cook the caramel to the soft ball stage (around 245°F) and avoid overcooking it. Adding the cream and milk helps keep it soft and chewy, which is perfect for the Snickers bar texture.

  3. Can I use different nuts in the Homemade Snickers Bar Recipe?

    Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional, feel free to try roasted almonds, cashews, or even pecans depending on your taste or allergies. Just make sure to roast them for maximum flavor and crunch.

  4. Is it necessary to use egg whites in the nougat?

    Egg whites help create that light, fluffy nougat layer. If you prefer a vegan or egg-free version, you’d need to look for a substitute like aquafaba, but the texture might not be exactly the same.

  5. How long does the homemade Snickers bar last?

    Stored properly at room temperature or in the fridge, your homemade Snickers bars will stay fresh for up to one week. Freezing can extend the shelf life up to 2-3 months.

Final Thoughts

Making the Homemade Snickers Bar Recipe is like crafting a little edible gift to yourself and anyone lucky enough to get a bite. I love how this recipe brings all those nostalgic candy bar flavors into a homemade form you can be proud of. Once you try your hand at it, I’m pretty sure you’ll be hooked just like me — it’s a rewarding, fun process with a delicious payoff that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own.

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Homemade Snickers Bar Recipe

This Homemade Snickers Bar recipe combines a rich caramel layer, a fluffy peanut nougat, and a smooth semi-sweet chocolate coating to recreate the classic candy bar at home. Perfect for candy lovers wanting a delicious treat made from scratch with quality ingredients.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Category: Candy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel

  • 2 cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • ½ cup Milk
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • 240 g Salted Roasted Peanuts

Peanut Nougat

  • 1 Egg White, room temperature
  • 1½ cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Corn Syrup
  • ½ cup Peanut Butter
  • ½ tsp Vanilla Extract

Chocolate Coating

  • 500 g Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramel: In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy cream, milk, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a caramel color. Remove from heat and fold in the salted roasted peanuts. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Make the Peanut Nougat: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg white until it forms soft peaks. In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water, then bring to a boil. When the syrup reaches hard-ball stage (approximately 250°F or 121°C), gradually pour it into the whipped egg whites while continuing to whisk. Fold in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
  3. Assemble the Bars: Line a rectangular pan with parchment paper. Spread the prepared peanut nougat evenly in the pan forming the base layer. Add a layer of the caramel and peanut mixture on top, pressing lightly to create an even layer. Allow to cool completely and firm up in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  4. Coat with Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove the firm nougat and caramel slab from the pan and cut into bars of desired size. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage, then place on parchment paper to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
  5. Serve and Store: Once the chocolate coating is fully hardened, your homemade Snickers bars are ready to enjoy. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer to ensure proper syrup temperature for nougat consistency.
  • You can substitute salted roasted peanuts with unsalted and add salt to taste if preferred.
  • Make sure egg whites are at room temperature to achieve optimal volume when whipped.
  • Store bars in a cool, dry place to prevent chocolate from melting.
  • For a smoother chocolate coating, temper the chocolate properly before dipping.

Keywords: homemade Snickers, caramel peanut bar, peanut nougat, chocolate candy bar, DIY candy

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