This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
These healthy Snickers protein bars look and taste like the OG candy bar, but they’re ACTUALLY good for you. Each bar packs over 15 grams of protein.
My family knows I have a fascination with Snickers (hello, Snickers cake!), and when I first saw Snickers protein bars in the stores, my jaw just about hit the floor!
Then…I looked at the back of the package. They pack almost as many calories as a regular Snickers, and they don’t even have that much protein. I decided to make them from scratch (adapting my OG homemade protein bars), and now they’re my family’s favorite protein bar!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- No baking. I wanted to keep this recipe as simple as possible, so there’s no oven needed.
- Diet friendly. They’re vegan and gluten free without even trying.
- Tastes like the real thing. Like my cookie dough protein bars, I wanted these bars to actually taste like dessert AND have good macros. Win-win!
- Layers of flavor. Just like the classic candy bar, I made sure to incorporate layers of protein nougat, chocolate, and of course, caramel!
If you’re hungry for more protein bar recipes, try my coconut protein bars, banana protein bars, or cookies and cream protein bars next!
Key ingredients
For the nougat base:
- Coconut flour. This is my favorite no-bake flour to use. It keeps the base thick and gives it a chewy bite but with no coconut flavor.
- Protein powder. I used vanilla brown rice protein powder, but use any vanilla or unflavored protein powder that you enjoy the flavor of.
- Pure maple syrup. My preferred sticky sweetener, especially in this recipe. I also tried honey and had equally delicious results.
- Water or milk. The amount of liquid will vary depending on the thickness of your protein powder. I usually add 1-2 tablespoons of water or unsweetened almond milk if my nougat layer is too crumbly.
For the chocolate and caramel layers:
- Peanut butter. For added richness and healthy fats. I always try to use creamy peanut butter with no added sugar.
- Maple syrup. For sweetness and to bind the ingredients.
- Coconut oil. I tested this recipe with and without coconut oil, and while you don’t HAVE to use it, it will help firm up the batter and give it a more ‘traditional’ texture.
- Chopped peanuts. Finely chopped for some crunch.
- Chocolate. I like to use vegan chocolate chips, but use whichever you prefer.
How to make Snickers protein bars
Step 1- Prep. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2- Nougat layer. Combine the nougat ingredients in a large mixing bowl until the batter is thick (adding liquid as needed). Press it into the lined pan and chill.
Step 3- Caramel layer. Microwave the peanut butter, syrup, and oil, then whisk until smooth. Pour over the nougat and sprinkle with crushed peanuts. Freeze until firm.
Step 4- Chocolate layer. Melt the chocolate until smooth. Remove the bar mixture from the freezer, cut into bars, and dip each into the chocolate. Chill until firm.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Firmly press the nougat into the pan. I found that if there are any gaps or air pockets in the pan, it can make the bars crumbly.
- Thin out the melted chocolate. I like my chocolate layer thick, but if you want it to be a little less overpowering, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to the chocolate coating to thin it out.
- Chill the bars on a greased wire rack. This way, they get more evenly covered in chocolate.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to 1 month.
To freeze: Place the Snickers bars in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Let them thaw overnight.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, easily substitute the coconut flour for almond flour.
Replace the peanut butter with alternatives like almond butter, tahini, or sunflower seed butter.
More high protein snacks
If you tried this Snickers Protein Bars Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Snickers Protein Bars
Video
Ingredients
For the nougat layer
- 1 cup coconut flour
- 1 cup protein powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 cup milk of choice * See notes
For the caramel layer
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons peanuts chopped
For the chocolate coating
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8 square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the coconut flour, protein powder, and maple syrup and mix well. Add the milk of choice and mix until a thick batter remains. Transfer into the lined pan and refrigerate.
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil and microwave in 20-second spurts until warm. Whisk together until smooth. Pour the caramel over the top of the nougat base. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top. Place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes, or until firm.
- Remove from the loaf pan and cut into bars. Melt your chocolate chips and pip each snickers base in the chocolate until evenly coated. Refrigerate until chocolate has firmed up.
Notes
- Sugar-free. Use sugar free chocolate chips and keto maple syrup for the sweetener.
- Nut-free. Swap the peanut butter for tahini or sunflower seed butter, and swap the peanuts for crushed sunflower seeds.
- Coconut free. Swap out the coconut flour for either blanched almond flour or oat flour.
- Garnish. Top the bars with coarse sea salt for a salty-sweet finish.
Wow on photo this looks just like Snickers. I must try it as I love Snickers so much.
I ended up using unflavoured protein powder (small mistake!) so added more maple syrup (I used your keto syrup recipe – awesome!) and man, you got the texture pretty spot on. I used natural peanut butter too, so not so much chemicals and sugar, again needed extra syrup. It’s much less sweet than I’m sure your original recipe is, but I love it.
I need to try this. Usually I always buy Snickers or something with peanuts. I never made some recipe with peanuts before.
Wow they look like normal snickers. I must try it.
Hi,
Can I use Vitafiber powder instead of maple syrup?
I haven’t tried that before but you are welcome to experiment and see!