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Homemade Snickers bars with layers of soft nougat, caramel and peanuts coated in chocolate on a rustic wooden cutting board.
Jana Rae

Homemade Snickers Bars

Homemade Snickers bars with layers of chewy nougat, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and a smooth chocolate coating. This easy copycat recipe tastes just like the real thing and takes about 45 minutes of hands-on time. Perfect for holiday gifts, parties, or anytime you're craving a chocolate caramel treat.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

For the Nougat Layer
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 large egg whites room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Caramel-Peanut Layer
  • 2 cups soft caramel candies about 50 squares, unwrapped
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups salted roasted peanuts roughly chopped
For the Chocolate Coating
  • 24 ounces milk chocolate finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil optional

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium saucepan
  • Candy thermometer Essential for the nougat
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer With whisk attachment
  • Microwave-safe bowl For melting caramel and chocolate
  • Offset spatula For spreading layers
  • Sharp knife For cutting bars
  • Forks For dipping bars in chocolate
  • Baking Sheet For setting coated bars

Method
 

Make the Nougat Layer
  1. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the parchment.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Once dissolved, stop stirring and bring to a boil. Cook until the mixture reaches 275F on a candy thermometer.
  4. Don't stir the sugar once it boils—this prevents crystallization.
  5. Meanwhile, in a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
  6. Keep egg whites at room temperature for better whipping.
  7. With the mixer running on low, slowly stream the hot sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the egg whites.
  8. Increase speed to high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes, until thick, glossy, and holding stiff peaks. Beat in the vanilla and salt.
  9. Spread the nougat evenly into the prepared pan using a greased offset spatula. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Make the Caramel-Peanut Layer
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream.
  2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes total.
  3. Stir in the chopped peanuts.
  4. Pour the caramel mixture over the chilled nougat layer, spreading evenly to the edges.
  5. Return the pan to the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until the caramel is firm.
Cut and Coat the Bars
  1. Lift the slab out of the pan using the parchment overhang and place it on a cutting board.
  2. Cut into 24 bars, about 2 inches by 1 1/2 inches each. Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts for cleaner edges.
  3.  Warm your knife between cuts for clean edges.
  4. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  5. Using two forks, dip each bar into the melted chocolate, turning to coat completely. Let excess drip off.
  6. Place coated bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For a classic look, create a textured vein on top with the back of a spoon.
  7. Let chocolate set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes until firm.

Notes

Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Layer between sheets of waxed paper to prevent sticking.
Make Ahead: These bars can be made up to 3 days in advance. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Variations: Swap peanuts for almonds or cashews. Use dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor. For a vegan version, use aquafaba instead of egg whites, vegan caramel, and dairy-free chocolate.
Allergy Note: This recipe contains peanuts, dairy, and eggs. Always let gift recipients know what's inside.