Copycat Snickers Bars with Gooey Caramel and Peanuts

Want to create copycat snickers bars that rival with the ones you buy at the store, from the comfort of your home? Then you’ve come to the right place.

This recipe will teach you to make chocolate bars with gooey caramel and peanuts in them, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing friends and family.

The process is simpler than you’d think and we’ll guide you through every step of the way in making these indulgent treats from scratch.

Ready to get started?

Let’s do this then.

Key Takeaways

Recreate a popular candy bar’s layers using simple kitchen tools
Balance textures with crispy nuts, smooth chocolate, and sticky caramel
Choose premium ingredients for better flavor than mass-produced versions
Master foundational techniques like tempering chocolate and making nougat
Package finished bars as thoughtful edible gifts
Adjust sweetness levels to match personal preferences

Gooey Caramel and Peanuts Chocolate Bars

Here’s a recipe to make a chocolate bar with gooey caramel and peanuts, similar to your favorite Sneakers bar.

This version includes three decadent layers: nougat, caramel-peanut, and chocolate.

Yields: About 24 bars.

Ingredients:

Nougat Layer:

1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups (150g) marshmallow fluff (or crème)
1/4 cup (65g) creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel-Peanut Layer:

1 (14 oz / 396g) bag soft caramels (e.g., Kraft or Werther’s)
3 tbsp (45ml) heavy cream
1 cup (150g) roasted salted peanuts (roughly chopped)

Chocolate Coating:

3 cups (525g) milk chocolate chips (or chopped bar chocolate)
3 tbsp (45ml) neutral oil or shortening (for smoother coating)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare Pan

Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for easy removal.

Nougat Layer

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil.
Boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
Stir in marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour and spread evenly into the prepared pan. Chill in fridge for 15–20 minutes.

Caramel-Peanut Layer

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels and heavy cream together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth (about 2–3 minutes total).
Stir in chopped peanuts.
Spread this caramel-peanut mixture evenly over the chilled nougat. Return to fridge for 30 minutes to set.

Chocolate Coating

Melt chocolate chips and oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Pour over the set caramel layer and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
Chill for at least 1 hour or until fully set.

Slice and Serve

Lift the slab from the pan using the parchment overhang.
Cut into bars (6 rows x 4 columns = 24 pieces).
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Optional Tips:

For an extra crunch, toast the peanuts before adding.
Use dark chocolate for a richer variation.
Freeze bars for 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Introduction to Homemade Copycat Snickers Bars

There’s magic in transforming basic pantry items into decadent treats that spark nostalgia.

This recipe lets you craft the iconic chocolate-peanut-caramel combo using techniques even beginners can master.

The process becomes a delicious adventure, blending kitchen creativity with sweet rewards.

Recipe Background and Inspiration

Many home cooks discover candy-making through family traditions and mixing chocolate with peanut butter has been around for centuries.

One baker even started recreating these bars after helping her sister-in-law prepare holiday gifts during their annual Baking Day.

The joy of sharing personalized sweets inspired her to refine the method for everyday kitchens.

Why Make Them at Home?

Store-bought versions can’t match the flavor of fresh, quality ingredients.

You decide how sweet to make each layer and which nuts to use.

Need gluten-free or reduced-sugar options? Swap ingredients effortlessly.

Preparing these treats costs less than buying multiple candy bars, especially for parties.

Kids love pressing nougat layers, while adults handle chocolate tempering.

Together, you’ll create memories and desserts that disappear faster than store wrappers!

By the way, if you want to explore making your own brand of another popular candy bar, take a look at our recipe for a Copycat Cadbury Crunchie bar.

Exploring Healthier Alternatives for a Guilt-Free Treat

Who says indulgence can’t align with wellness goals?

Modern recipes let you enjoy classic flavors while meeting dietary needs.

Let’s explore smart swaps that maintain texture and taste without common allergens or processed sugars.

Gluten-Free Foundations and Dairy Alternatives

Almond flour creates a nutty base layer packed with protein.

Coconut oil binds ingredients while adding subtle tropical notes.

For dairy-free magic, try raw cashew butter as its creaminess rivals traditional nougat textures.

Natural Sweetness Upgrades

Maple syrup caramelizes beautifully, offering complex sweetness without refined sugar.

Coconut sugar pairs perfectly with dairy-free chocolate chips in the coating. These alternatives reduce overall sugar content while enhancing depth of flavor.

Your homemade versions stay shelf-stable for weeks. Package them in parchment-lined containers for grab-and-go snacks.

Friends with food sensitivities will appreciate treats crafted specifically for their needs, no compromises on taste required!

And if you are looking for a guilt-free treat, check out our Strawberry Chocolate Clusters recipe.

FAQ

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Swap peanut butter with almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for allergies or flavor preferences. Adjust consistency with a touch of honey or maple syrup if needed.

How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan?

Line your pan with parchment paper and lightly coat it with coconut oil. This keeps the caramel layer smooth and easy to remove once set.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate without burning it?

Use a double boiler or microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between intervals. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil helps maintain a silky texture.

Can I make these gluten-free or vegan?

Yes! Use gluten-free pretzels or oats for the base, dairy-free chocolate chips, and coconut cream in the caramel. Opt for date syrup or monk fruit sweetener to replace refined sugar.

How long do they need to set before cutting?

Freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up all layers. For cleaner slices, warm your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.

Why does my nougat turn out too crumbly?

Overheating the marshmallow mixture can dry it out. Mix just until combined, and press the nougat layer firmly into the pan to bind it with the other layers.