Snickers Protein Bars

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

1. Why I love this recipe
2. Key ingredients
3. How to make Snickers protein bars
4. Arman’s recipe tips
5. Storage instructions
6. Frequently asked questions
7. More high protein snacks
8. Snickers Protein Bars (Recipe Card)

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

More high protein snacks

• Peanut butter protein balls
• Protein granola bars
• Protein cereal bars
• Protein balls

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.