Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars combine all the best elements of a Snickers candy bar—chocolate, caramel, nougat, and peanuts—into an easy-to-make dessert that requires no baking. With multiple layers of irresistible textures and flavors, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy any craving for something sweet and crunchy. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, and you can make a large batch to share with friends and family. The combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy cocoa pebbles, and gooey caramel will have everyone reaching for another bite.
Ingredients
Crispy Chocolate Top and Bottom Layer
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12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
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11 ounces butterscotch chips, divided
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1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
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3 cups Cocoa Pebbles, divided
Nougat Layer
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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1 cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup evaporated milk
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7 ounces marshmallow creme
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¼ cup creamy peanut butter
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1 ½ cups roasted lightly salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Layer
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11 ounces bag KRAFT caramels or caramel bits
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¼ cup evaporated milk
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Crispy Chocolate Bottom Layer
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Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
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In a large microwave-safe container, combine half of the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
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Stir in half of the Cocoa Pebbles until fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.
Nougat Layer
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In a small saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and evaporated milk over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
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Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
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Stir in marshmallow creme, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Fold in the chopped peanuts.
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Pour the nougat layer over the chilled chocolate bottom layer and refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.
Caramel Layer
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In a microwave-safe container, combine the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir and heat in 30-second intervals until the caramel is completely melted.
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Spread the caramel over the nougat layer and refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.
Crispy Chocolate Top Layer
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Repeat the bottom layer process: combine the remaining chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chips are fully melted and smooth.
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Stir in the remaining Cocoa Pebbles until fully coated. Pour the mixture on top of the chilled caramel layer.
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Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
Once firm, cut into bars and serve. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 24 servings
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
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Chill Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
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Add more crunch: You can add additional nuts, such as almonds or cashews, to the nougat layer for more crunch and flavor.
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Flavor swap: Use milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor profile.
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Caramel variation: You can try adding a bit of sea salt to the caramel layer to enhance the sweetness with a salty contrast.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The bars will keep their shape and texture best when chilled, and they’re perfect for grabbing as a quick treat. They can be kept at room temperature for a short period, but they’re best enjoyed cold.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of Cocoa Pebbles?
Yes, you can substitute Cocoa Pebbles with other crispy cereals, such as Rice Krispies or Cornflakes.
How long will these bars last in the fridge?
They can last for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but creamy peanut butter provides a smoother consistency in the layers, so it’s recommended for the best texture.
Can I freeze these No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn.
What can I use instead of marshmallow creme?
You can use mini marshmallows as a substitute for marshmallow creme, though the texture may be slightly different.
How do I cut these bars into perfect pieces?
To cut them evenly, use a sharp knife and let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting to make slicing easier.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade caramel can be used in place of store-bought, though it might require more time and attention during preparation.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, these bars are gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cereal (like Rice Krispies) and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add chocolate chips to the caramel layer?
You can, but be aware that the chocolate might not melt as smoothly when mixed with the caramel. If you want to add a chocolatey touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the caramel layer after chilling.
Conclusion
No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars are a fantastic dessert for anyone who loves the classic Snickers bar but wants an easier, no-bake version. With multiple layers of chocolate, caramel, nougat, and peanuts, these bars offer a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet everyday treat, they are sure to delight everyone who tries them!
No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars
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No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars are a decadent, indulgent treat that combines all the best elements of a Snickers candy bar—chocolate, caramel, nougat, and peanuts—into an easy-to-make, no-bake dessert.
- Author: Paula
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
11 ounces butterscotch chips, divided
1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
3 cups Cocoa Pebbles, divided
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup evaporated milk
7 ounces marshmallow creme
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
1 ½ cups roasted lightly salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 ounces bag KRAFT caramels or caramel bits
¼ cup evaporated milk
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe container, combine half of the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in half of the Cocoa Pebbles until fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and evaporated milk over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
- Stir in marshmallow creme, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Fold in the chopped peanuts. Pour the nougat layer over the chilled chocolate bottom layer and refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe container, combine the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir and heat in 30-second intervals until the caramel is completely melted. Spread the caramel over the nougat layer and refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.
- Repeat the bottom layer process: combine the remaining chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chips are fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in the remaining Cocoa Pebbles until fully coated. Pour the mixture on top of the chilled caramel layer. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Once firm, cut into bars and serve. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat.
Notes
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a crunchy variation, add additional nuts such as almonds or cashews to the nougat layer.
- These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months, just be sure to store them in an airtight container or wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg