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Copycat Snickers Candy Bars Recipe

Homemade Snickers Bars

I love chocolate and peanut butter, so when I came across a simple copycat for Snickers bars I had to try it. These homemade Snickers bars deliver the same classic layers — chocolate, nougat-like filling with marshmallow and peanut butter, a caramel layer, and a chocolate top — but with the advantage of being made at home where you can control the flavor and texture. The result is rich, chewy, and satisfying.

Homemade Snickers Bars

Found recipe from: Eat Cake For Dinner (adapted and clarified here)

Ingredients

First Layer (Chocolate Base)

  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Filling (Nougat-like)

  • 1/4 cup (half stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 1/2 cups marshmallow cream (fluff)
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Caramel Layer

  • 1 (14 oz) bag caramels (unwrapped)
  • 1/4 cup evaporated milk

Top Chocolate Layer

  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Equipment

9 × 13-inch glass or metal baking pan, saucepan, spatula, microwave-safe bowls, and parchment paper or nonstick spray.

Directions

1. Prepare the Pan

Lightly grease the 9×13 pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing. Set it aside while you make the layers.

2. Make the Chocolate Base

Combine the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and 1/4 cup peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and fully melted. Spread the melted mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling so the base firms up.

3. Prepare the Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar and evaporated milk, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and continue stirring for 3–5 minutes; it should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon. Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the marshmallow cream, 1/4 cup peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth. Spread this mixture over the chilled chocolate base, smoothing with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped salted peanuts evenly over the filling.

4. Add the Caramel Layer

Place the unwrapped caramels and 1/4 cup evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20–30 second intervals, stirring each time, until the caramels are melted and silky. Carefully pour and spread the caramel over the peanut-topped filling. Work quickly but gently so you keep the layers neat.

5. Finish with the Top Chocolate Layer

Repeat the melting process used for the base: combine the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and 1/4 cup peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread evenly over the caramel layer. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill until the top has fully set, at least 1–2 hours.

Serving and Storage

Once firm, remove the slab from the pan using the parchment or by lifting the edges if greased. Cut into small bars with a sharp knife; warming the knife under hot water and drying it between cuts can help achieve clean edges. Store the bars in the refrigerator to keep the caramel stable and the chocolate from becoming soft. They will keep for up to one week refrigerated; for longer storage, freeze for up to one month and thaw briefly before serving.

Tips and Variations

  • Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slices.
  • Use roasted, lightly salted peanuts for a classic salty-sweet balance. Adjust salt to taste if using unsalted peanuts.
  • If you prefer a firmer filling, chill the filling layer briefly before adding the caramel.
  • For a quicker method, you can use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar mixture reaches a slightly higher temperature for a firmer nougat-like texture, but the stovetop timing described works well for a soft, chewy filling.
  • Cutting these into small portions makes them rich and easier to serve at gatherings.

Enjoy these homemade Snickers bars as a treat for holidays, parties, or whenever a chocolate-peanut craving hits. The combination of creamy chocolate, fluffy filling, sticky caramel, and crunchy peanuts creates the classic Snickers profile—made at home and entirely customizable.