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    Home » Sweets » Vegan Snickers Bars

    Vegan Snickers Bars

    Published: May 28, 2020 · Modified: Nov 4, 2021 by Kaylie Grace · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read the affiliate disclosure here. 

    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!
    vegan snickers bars on a wire rack surrounded by chocolate chips, medjool dates, peanut butter, and rolled oats

    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.
    small bowls filled with oats, medjool dates, peanuts, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract on a marble board

    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.

    oats, dates, and peanut butter in a food processor
    nougat for vegan snickers bars in a food processor
    medjool dates, maca powder, vanilla extract, and salt in a food processor
    medjool date caramel in a food processor

    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.

    a hand holding a white spatula pressing vegan nougat into a loaf pan
    a hand holding a white spatula spreading medjool date caramel on a vegan nougat in a loaf pan
    medjool date caramel over vegan nougat in a loaf pan
    a hand spreading vegan nougat and date caramel into a loaf pan

    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.

    no bake nougat topped with date caramel and peanuts on a wire cooling rack surrounded by peanut butter, chocolate chips, and oats
    vegan snickers bars sliced nougat without chocolate

    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!

    vegan snickers bars with nougat, date caramel, and chocolate on a wire cooling rack

    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!

    vegan snickers bars on a wire rack surrounded by chocolate chips, medjool dates, peanut butter, and rolled oats

    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!

    Print
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    Vegan Snickers Bars

    ★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews
    • Author: Kaylie Grace
    • Prep Time: 30 minutes
    • Cook Time: 1 hour (freezer)
    • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    • Yield: 8 bars 1x
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Blend
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    These no bake vegan snickers bars are healthy, gluten-free, and easy to make! The chewy nougat base is topped with salted medjool date caramel and roasted peanuts. Cover the homemade candy bars in melted chocolate and enjoy!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Nougat Layer

    • 2 cups rolled oats
    • 10 large medjool dates, pitted
    • ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter

    Caramel Layer

    • 20 large medjool dates, pitted
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp maca powder, optional
    • ¼ tsp salt

    Other

    • ½ cup roasted peanuts
    • 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
    • 2 tsp coconut oil

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the nougat layer: Combine rolled oats, medjool dates, and peanut butter in a food processor. Process until a sticky dough forms. You should be able to pinch the dough together with your hands. If your dates are quite dry, you may need to add 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil for extra moisture. This will help you achieve a sticky dough. Alternatively, you can simply add extra dates.
    2. Line a loaf pan or a small rectangular dish with parchment paper. Firmly press the nougat into the base of the pan.
    3. Prepare the caramel layer: Add medjool dates, vanilla extract, maca powder, and salt to the food processor. Process until a smooth caramel forms. If needed, scrape down the sides of the container and push the dates toward the center blades. Process again. Repeat until a smooth consistency forms.
    4. Spread the caramel over the nougat. Gently press roasted peanuts over the caramel layer. Store in the freezer for at least 1 hour to set. After, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and slice the snickers block into 8 bars.
    5. Melt the chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until almost all of the chocolate chips are melted. This should only require 2-3 intervals. Do not burn the chocolate.
    6. Gently dip each snickers bar into the melted chocolate. Be sure to evenly coat all four sides. Place onto parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Keep the snickers bars stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
    • For smaller treats, you can slice the snickers crosswise into 16 “fun size” bars.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: ½ bar
    • Calories: 310
    • Sugar: 37g
    • Fat: 11.5g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Carbohydrates: 51g
    • Fiber: 7g
    • Protein: 6g

    Keywords: vegan snickers bars, snickers bar recipe, vegan nougat

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @purelykaylie on Instagram and hashtag it #purelykaylie

    This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, and love!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Mara

      July 03, 2022 at 1:26 pm

      Hii how long do these bars last in the fridge for?

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        July 04, 2022 at 9:11 am

        Hey, Mara! I always recommending enjoying no-bake desserts within 3 days for the freshest flavor and texture. If you would like to save them longer, keep them stored inside the freezer for up to 2 months. Either way, they will be best kept in a tightly sealed bag or container. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Maria

      June 18, 2022 at 6:38 am

      Hi there. These look awesome and
      I want to add protein powder to make them into protein bars for my pre workouts and I was wondering which layer should i mix the powder in the nougat or caramel layer, I guess the nougat layer perhaps would be ok but I don’t know really.

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        June 20, 2022 at 11:56 am

        Hi, Maria! I am so glad you’re interested in making these vegan snickers bars. Honestly, I would not suggest adding protein powder to either layer. It would change the texture and might not work out well. You will have much better success creating my No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars or No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars instead! You can even add chopped peanuts on top of the melted chocolate layer if you want them to have a crunchy texture like these snickers bars. Also, you could use caramel flavored protein powder to mimic the flavor of caramel. Enjoy! xo

        Reply
    3. Merle

      June 09, 2022 at 6:06 am

      SO GOOD!!!
      I did not cover the entire bar with chocolate, I just dipped the bottoms and it was plenty. Had to add the 2TBSN of water to help the dates, thank you for that tip.
      The only problem I had and not sure what I did wrong was a few of the bars separated from the nougat and caramel but I was able to save them before adding the chocolate.
      We cut the bars in half to have “mini’s” We are keeping them in the freezer to help them last a little longer,

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        June 13, 2022 at 10:11 am

        Thank you for sharing, Merle! I am so glad you enjoyed these vegan snickers bars 🙂

        Reply
    4. Sarah

      June 25, 2021 at 10:19 am

      I love this recipe , I make this snickers every Friday’. Thank you

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        June 25, 2021 at 10:36 am

        Thank you, Sarah! So glad you love these no-bake snickers bars 🙂

        Reply

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    Hello, I’m Kaylie!

    Welcome to the Purely Kaylie kitchen! I share plant-based recipes with simple, healthy ingredients. Whether you’re vegan or not, take a look around. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy! About Kaylie →

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