No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars Recipe
Get ready for a sweet treat that’s about to steal the spotlight at every gathering: No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars. Imagine all the chocolatey, nutty, caramel goodness of a classic Snickers, but transformed into an irresistibly crispy bar you can whip up right in your own kitchen—no oven required! Each bite is a delicious adventure, with layers of creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, crunchy nuts, and a snappy chocolate coating. Whether you’re craving a simple dessert to share with friends or a nostalgic snack for movie night, these bars are a total game changer. Trust me: this is one recipe you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars lies in their straightforward ingredients, each one playing a key role in delivering that classic candy bar experience. Gather these pantry staples and get ready for some hands-on fun—the results will wow everyone!
- Crisped rice cereal: These give the bars their airy crunch, mimicking that classic “snap” you love in the best candy bars.
- Creamy peanut butter: Acts as the glue, binding the cereal together while adding that rich, nutty flavor at the heart of any Snickers-inspired treat.
- Light corn syrup: Helps everything stick together and brings a beautiful gloss and chewiness to the mix.
- Brown sugar: Adds just the right hint of deep, caramel sweetness that takes these bars over the top.
- Vanilla extract: A dash for warmth and background flavor—never underestimate the power of good vanilla!
- Mini marshmallows: They melt in to create soft pockets and help the mixture hold, plus they keep things light.
- Chopped salted peanuts: For texture and a salty crunch, these really bring the classic Snickers vibe.
- Caramels: The soft caramel layer is a star here, melting into a ribbon of gooey heaven with each bite.
- Heavy cream: Just a splash ensures the caramel layer stays soft and luscious instead of turning chewy or hard.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted over the top to seal everything in a glossy, snappy chocolate “shell.”
How to Make No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
First thing’s first: line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some extra hang over the edges for easy lifting later. This little trick makes taking your No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars out of the pan a total breeze, and cleanup is just as easy.
Step 2: Mix Up the Crispy Base
In a large saucepan set over medium heat, combine your peanut butter, light corn syrup, and brown sugar. Stir them together until they melt into one velvety mixture and just begin to gently bubble. Turn off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract, then quickly add your crisped rice cereal and mini marshmallows. Mix everything thoroughly so the cereal and marshmallows are evenly coated—it gets a little sticky, but that just means you’re doing it right!
Step 3: Press and Top with Nuts
Scrape your crispy mixture into the lined pan. With a spatula, or even clean, slightly damp hands, press it firmly and evenly into the corners. Immediately sprinkle the chopped salted peanuts over the surface, gently pressing them into the top—they’ll add an irresistible crunch and that trademark Snickers flavor!
Step 4: Pour on the Caramel Layer
Now for the ooey-gooey magic! Melt the unwrapped caramels with the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring in between until silky smooth. Pour the warm caramel all over the peanut layer, using a spatula to spread it edge to edge. Let it cool for about 10–15 minutes, so it slightly sets before the chocolate goes on.
Step 5: Finish with Chocolate
Last but definitely not least, melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave, again using short intervals and stirring until glossy and lump-free. Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel layer and spread it into one even, luscious coat. Pop the entire pan in the fridge and let it chill for at least an hour—this helps everything firm up for those perfectly crisp slices.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once fully chilled and set, lift your creation from the pan using the parchment paper. With a sharp knife, slice into bars or squares—however you like them! Each piece sings with the flavors of No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars, ready to delight snackers of all ages.
How to Serve No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars
Garnishes
Take your No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars over the top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of extra melted chocolate, or a light scattering of crushed peanuts on top just before serving. These little touches make them look fantastically polished and add even more flavor.
Side Dishes
These bars pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a bowl of fresh fruit (like sliced strawberries or bananas). Their richness finds a happy balance with lighter, creamy, or fruity sides, making snack time or dessert feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try cutting your bars into tiny, bite-sized squares and placing them in colorful mini-muffin liners. Or get fancy by stacking them on a tiered platter alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy get-together. No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars also make amazing edible gifts—just tuck them into a box lined with parchment and tie with a ribbon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extras store beautifully! Keep your No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars in an airtight container. For a firmer bite and longer shelf life, stash them in the fridge; if you like them a little softer, room temperature works too. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long.
Freezing
Want to make a big batch ahead? These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to indulge, just let them thaw in the fridge or on the counter for a satisfying treat anytime.
Reheating
While these bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, if you’re craving a gooier experience, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave will soften the caramel and chocolate, making them extra decadent—just don’t overdo it or things will get messy fast!
FAQs
Can I make No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars without corn syrup?
Yes! You can swap in honey or maple syrup for the light corn syrup—just be aware the flavor will change slightly, but the bars will still hold together and taste amazing.
Are there any nut-free options?
Absolutely. Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter and just skip the chopped peanuts. The texture stays perfect, and you’ll get a similar sweet-salty vibe without any allergens.
What’s the best way to slice the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water between cuts. Clean each slice with a paper towel for crisp, neat edges—this trick makes every bar look bakery-ready!
Can I use different types of chocolate?
For sure. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate all work for the top layer. Each one gives the No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars a unique twist, so feel free to use your favorite or try a combination.
How do I make these dairy-free?
Simply opt for a dairy-free chocolate, substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut milk, and use your favorite nut or seed butter. These simple swaps turn No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars into a treat everyone can enjoy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a foolproof dessert that draws rave reviews every single time, No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars are it. They’re playful, nostalgic, and downright addictive. Gather your friends—or keep them all for yourself—and let the sweet snacking begin!
Print
No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of these homemade No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars that are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Layers of crispy rice cereal, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and rich chocolate make these bars a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Main Layer:
- 3 cups crisped rice cereal
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Topping:
- 1 cup chopped peanuts (salted)
- 11 ounces caramels (unwrapped)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Base: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Combine peanut butter, corn syrup, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir until smooth, then mix in vanilla. Add rice cereal and marshmallows, press into pan.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the base. Melt caramels with cream, pour over base. Melt chocolate chips, spread over caramel layer.
- Chill and Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, then slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Store bars in the fridge for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
- For a dairy-free version, use almond butter and dairy-free chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
