If you love the classic candy bar, you’re going to fall in love with this homemade Snickers Candy Recipe. Made with layers of creamy chocolate, fluffy peanut nougat, gooey caramel, and crunchy salted peanuts, these no-bake candy bars taste just like the real thing.
Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday gifts, parties, or keeping a stash in the freezer for whenever a sweet craving hits, these homemade candy bars are always a crowd favorite.
Servings, Prep Time & Cook Time
Servings: About 48 bite-sized pieces
Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: About 7 hours
Total Time: About 8 hours 5 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Snickers Candy Recipe
- Just like your favorite candy bar
- Rich chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter in every bite
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Great for holiday cookie exchanges
- Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months
- Easy to cut into bite-sized treats
Ingredients for Snickers Candy
Layer One: Chocolate Base
2 teaspoons butter
1 cup milk chocolate chips
¼ cup butterscotch chips
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
The first layer creates a smooth, chocolatey foundation that holds all of the delicious layers together.
Layer Two: Peanut Nougat
¼ cup butter
1 cup sugar
¼ cup evaporated milk
1½ cups marshmallow cream
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups chopped salted peanuts
This fluffy peanut nougat layer is what gives these bars their signature homemade Snickers flavor.
Layer Three: Caramel Layer
1 (14-ounce) package caramels
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Melting the caramels with heavy cream creates a silky, chewy caramel layer.
Layer Four: Chocolate Topping
1 cup milk chocolate chips
¼ cup butterscotch chips
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
The final chocolate layer seals everything together with a rich, glossy finish.
Equipment We Love for This Recipe
- Baking dish
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Medium saucepans
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
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Snickers Candy Recipe: Homemade Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bars
Ingredients
- Layer One
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup butterscotch chips
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- Layer Two
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup evaporated milk
- 1½ cups marshmallow cream
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups chopped salted peanuts
- Layer Three
- 1 14-ounce package caramels
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- Layer Four
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup butterscotch chips
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13 baking dish with foil and generously butter the foil.
- In a saucepan, combine all Layer One ingredients over low heat until melted and smooth.
- Spread into the prepared pan and refrigerate for about 1 hour until firm.
- For Layer Two, melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar and evaporated milk and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow cream, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped peanuts.
- Spread over the chilled chocolate layer and refrigerate for another hour.
- For Layer Three, melt the caramels and heavy cream over low heat until smooth.
- Spread over the nougat layer and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- For Layer Four, melt the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter together over low heat until smooth.
- Pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely firm.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Store in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How to Make Snickers Candy
Begin by lining a 9 x 13 baking dish with foil and generously buttering the foil to prevent sticking.
Make the chocolate base by melting the butter, milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter together over low heat. Once smooth, spread it evenly into the prepared pan and refrigerate until firm.
Next, prepare the peanut nougat by melting the butter, then adding the sugar and evaporated milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat and cooking for five minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the marshmallow cream, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth, then fold in the chopped peanuts. Spread over the chilled chocolate layer and refrigerate again.
For the caramel layer, melt the caramels with the heavy cream until silky smooth. Pour over the nougat and chill until firm.
Finish by melting the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter together. Spread evenly over the caramel layer and refrigerate for at least four hours before cutting into bite-sized squares.
What to Serve with Snickers Candy
These homemade candy bars are delicious alongside:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
- Gooey Brownie Pudding Jars Recipe
- Pink Lemonade Pie Recipe
They’re also perfect served with:
- Hot coffee
- Cold milk
- Hot chocolate
- Vanilla ice cream
For a festive holiday dessert table, pair these with Oatmeal Cookies Recipe and Snickerdoodles Recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store the candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 3 months. The bars taste delicious straight from the freezer and thaw quickly before serving.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary. Simply enjoy chilled or frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These are an excellent make-ahead dessert and are ideal for preparing several days before a party or holiday.
Do I have to freeze them?
No. They can be stored in the refrigerator, but they hold their shape especially well in the freezer.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Creamy peanut butter provides the smoothest texture, but crunchy peanut butter can be substituted if you enjoy extra crunch.
Why do I need to chill between each layer?
Allowing each layer to set keeps the candy bars neat and creates those beautiful, distinct layers.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Snickers Candy Recipe is everything you love about the classic candy bar in a rich, homemade dessert. With layers of creamy chocolate, fluffy peanut nougat, gooey caramel, and crunchy peanuts, it’s a freezer treat everyone will request year after year.
If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.
Enjoy!
McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective
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