Vegan Snickers Bars

These vegan snickers bars are easy, gluten-free, healthy, and incredibly delicious! It’s a no bake dessert recipe that requires just 7 ingredients. Enjoy a soft and chewy nougat topped with salted date caramel and roasted peanuts. The bars are coated in melted chocolate for a true recreation of the classic snickers candy bar!

Who doesn’t love Snickers? I’ll admit, it’s been quite awhile since I’ve been able to enjoy one. Since ditching dairy several years ago, they haven’t been an option for me. However, they were always one of my favorite candy bars as a kid. Thankfully, it’s possible to recreate this classic candy bar with just 7 healthy ingredients at home!

These homemade snickers bars are pretty much my weakness lately. I mean, what’s not to LOVE about a chewy nougat layered with salted caramel, roasted peanuts, and creamy chocolate? Whether it’s family movie night at home, your best friend’s birthday, or you’re just craving something chocolaty… this dessert is for you!

These vegan snickers bars are:

• Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and no bake
• Sweet, salty, and peanut buttery
• A healthy dessert with no added sugar
• Made with simple + minimal ingredients
• Great for gift giving, pot lucks, and parties
• Kid-approved and non-vegan approved!

What ingredients are in a vegan snickers bar?

• Oats: Oats are a main ingredient in the nougat layer. They are loaded with fiber which makes this homemade candy bar healthier than the real deal!
• Dates: This dessert contains no added sugar. Instead, we’ll use medjool dates to sweeten the nougat and caramel layers.
• Peanut butter: Peanut butter provides a richer, creamier, and nuttier flavor for the nougat layer.
• Chocolate chips: Any variety of vegan chocolate will work well in this recipe. I prefer to use dark chocolate since there’s already a lot of sweetness in the caramel.
• Vanilla: A dash of vanilla adds a subtle warmth to the medjool date caramel.
• Maca powder: Although maca powder is optional, it really enhances the caramel flavor. I recommend using it, but it’s not entirely necessary.
• Peanuts: Roasted chopped peanuts are preferable, but raw peanuts work too. If you don’t have any peanuts, cashews make a great replacement.

How to make these vegan nougat bars

Here’s a glimpse into the process of creating these homemade snickers bars! For the full ingredients list and step-by-step instructions, see the recipe card below.

Prepare the no bake nougat layer

To start, we’ll prepare the soft and chewy nougat layer. Combine the oats, peanut butter, and dates in a food processor. Process the ingredients until a sticky, pinch-able dough forms. You should be able to press the dough together with your hands. If more moisture is needed, add 1-2 tablespoon water and process again.

Prepare the date caramel

To create the caramel layer, combine the dates, vanilla, maca powder, and salt in a food processor. Process until smooth. If needed, remove the lid and scrape down the sides of the food processor to push the ingredients toward the center blades. Attach the lid and process again. Repeat until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Assemble the layers

Line a loaf pan (or any small rectangular dish) with parchment paper. Firmly press the nougat layer into the base of the pan. Then, spread the caramel layer on top. After, gently press the peanuts over the caramel.

Store the snickers dough in the freezer for at least 1 hour to set. After, lift the parchment paper out of the pan to remove the dough. Slice it into 8 bars.

Dip the vegan snickers in chocolate

It’s chocolate time! Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl. Microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until almost all of the chocolate chips are melted. This should require just 2-3 intervals. Do not burn the chocolate.

Dip each bar into the melted chocolate. Be sure to fully coat the bars. Place them onto parchment paper, then store in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set. Finally, enjoy!

Tips for making the best homemade snickers bars

For the nougat layer, I recommend sticking with rolled oats. If you don’t have any, quick oats will also work.

If your dates are quite dry and hard, you may need to add moisture while processing the nougat and/or caramel ingredients. To do this, simply add 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or extra dates.

Maca powder is entirely optional. Maca has an earthy flavor with subtle hints of butterscotch and caramel, so it enhances the caramel layer. Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients. You can still create a delicious caramel spread without this unique ingredient, though!

Is a full candy bar too much for you? Instead of slicing the snickers block into 8 full-sized bars, chop them crosswise to create 16 “fun size” candy bars.

Keep the vegan snickers bars stored in the refrigerator or freezer. They will be softer in the refrigerator and chewier in the freezer. You can’t go wrong with either option!

More vegan candy bars

• Homemade PayDay Bars
• Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
• Crispy White Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
• Homemade Take 5 Candy Bars (Vegan & Healthy!)

If you try these Vegan Snickers Bars, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

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