This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Vegan Snickers are a plant based take on classic snickers bars! A thick nougat, covered in homemade caramel, and covered with chopped peanuts and extra chocolate, it requires no baking.
Love homemade candy recipes? Try kit kat bars, crunch bars, almond joy, and bounty bars.
Why buy store bought candy or chocolate bars when you can make a healthier, homemade version with a handful of ingredients?
Not to throw shade on junior mints, but I think snickers bars might just be my favorite candy bar. Of course, the store-bought version isn’t suitable for vegans, nor is it particularly healthy either. That’s why I decided to make my own vegan version.
Not to gloat, but I have to say, these bars taste even better than the original. Just ask my whole family!
Why I love this recipe
- Easy to make. Whether you love making homemade candy or you’re a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and simple to follow.
- A healthier option. Traditional snickers are loaded with corn syrup, milk powder, and unnecessary fillers. This recipe is made with easy-to-pronounce ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand.
- Fun for the whole family. No baking is required, and other than boiling the caramel, it’s a low-effort recipe that kids can enjoy getting involved with.
Ingredients needed
These bars are made with a short list of wholesome ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Chocolate– vegan chocolate chips, which will be melted to form the bottom and top layers of the Snickers. This also helps hold the fillings together, as they are quite fragile.
- Cashews– Soak the cashews in boiling water for 20 minutes, to soften them up before blending.
- Cacao butter– Also known as cocoa butter, it is the yellow extract removed from the cocoa bean. It gives the nougat the perfect texture!
- Maple Syrup– Adds sweetness and also keeps the nougat soft. You can also use agave nectar.
- Caramel– I used my homemade vegan caramel that uses just 1 ingredient. You can use any caramel sauce of choice, or see my 3 ingredient caramel below, for a healthier alternative.
- Chopped Peanuts– What is a Snickers without peanuts?
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make vegan snickers
Step 1- Prep work. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2- Melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt 1 ¼ cups of chocolate chips. Pour the chocolate into the prepared pan, spread it into an even layer, and refrigerate.
Step 3- Add the nougat layer. In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the soaked cashews, cacao butter, and maple syrup. Pulse until thick and smooth. Pour the nougat mixture over the chocolate and refrigerate.
Step 4- Add the caramel layer. While the bars are refrigerating, prepare the caramel. Pour it over the nougat, then sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Step 5- Top with chocolate. Melt the remaining chocolate chips and pour over everything. Refrigerate until firm, then remove from the fridge and slice into bars.
Recipe tips and variations
- Use high-quality chocolate. Since chocolate is a big part of the recipe, I like to use the higher-end stuff. It’ll improve the flavor of the bars and give them a silkier texture.
- Make them nut-free. If someone I know has a nut allergy, I’ll make these bars with sunflower seeds and sunflower seed butter.
- Make thicker bars. If you like your bars to be thicker, use a 9×4-inch loaf pan instead.
- Smother them in chocolate. This recipe leaves the bars chocolate-less on the sides, but if you’d like them to be covered in chocolate, build the nougat, caramel, and nut layers. Let them firm in the fridge, slice the bars, and dunk them in the melted chocolate using two forks. Transfer them to a cooling rack and refrigerate until firm.
- Change the texture. If you’d like to make the chocolate layer smoother and have a softer bite, add ¼ cup of peanut butter to the chocolate chips before melting.
- Make a quick caramel. If you don’t have condensed coconut milk, you can make caramel using softened Medjool dates blended with a few tablespoons of warm water.
Storage instructions
To store: Snickers is best stored in the refrigerator, as the caramel is quite fragile and we don’t want it to seep out of the chocolate bars. Place the snickers bars in a sealable container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
To freeze: Place snickers in a ziplock bag or freezer friendly container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
More vegan candy recipes to try
- Candy grapes– Ever since I discovered this viral candy recipe, I always have a bag of these grapes in my freezer.
- Dairy-free candy bars– One of my family’s current obsessions.
Vegan Snickers
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups vegan chocolate chips divided
- 2/3 cup raw cashews soaked in boiling water for 15 minutes
- 1/3 cup cacao butter * See notes
- 1/4 cup maple syrup can sub for agave
- 1 cup homemade caramel ** See notes
- 1/2 cup peanuts chopped
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl or stovetop, melt 1 1/4 cups of chocolate chips. Pour the chocolate into the pan and spread out until completely covered. Place in the refrigerator.
- In a high speed blender or food processor, add your soaked cashews, cacao butter, and maple syrup. Pulse until thick and smooth. Pour the nougat mixture over the chocolate and refrigerate.
- While it is refrigerating again, prepare your caramel. Pour that over the nougat and bottom layer of chocolate, followed by the chopped peanuts. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Melt remaining chocolate chips and pour over everything and refrigerate until the chocolate has firmed up. Slice into bars.
I constantly value the distinct angles and insights in your writing.
I can’t wait to make some snickers bars, my very favorite candy.
Thanks Arman so glad you posted this I tried other recipes but this is my favourite it’s deliciously decadent & best of all , it’s fool proof 🙌
😀 Love it!!!!
peanuts are not paleo btw
Well aware of that, hence the paleo option to use another nut. Enjoy
Have made these and they are AMAZING!!
LOVE IT!
Hey Arman! Hopefully you see this, i want to make these for a baby shower coming up. Was wondering do these keep their texture during room texture, does it get too soft with no refrigeration? Also, if the coconut oil is opt out will that drastically change the texture? Excited about these!! Looks amazing
Hi there! you can omit the coconut oil, it really won’t differ to much, just be thicker 🙂 If you cover them completely in chocolate, they will be fine at room temperature 🙂
I am confused! Help! The video shows protein powder but that isn’t in the written directions.
Hi, that is a similar, related recipe, not the one in the recipe post 🙂
The Keto version of Vegan Snickers Bars calls for ‘1-2 tbsp ‘liquid’ or choice’ What liquid??
Hi! Coconut milk will be great!
Ok, am I totally missing where the recipe for the keto caramel is? Is there a link?
Hi! It has been updated, enjoy!
FYI traditional Snickers bars are gluten free, but these are healthier! Can’t wait to try!
😀 YES! Enjoy!
These look amazing, can’t wait to make them! Just an fyi though, snickers are gluten free. I’m celiac and I’ve eaten them for years prior to going keto.
oh wow thanks for that! 🙂
The picture looks like different layers than the recipe states? And are there nuts pictured but not in the recipe?
Those are just added for garnish
I tried the Paleo version of these bars and they are ridiculously good. Thanks for this recipe!
LOVE IT!
Did your’s look the same as the end result?
Do they taste like snickers? What do they taste like?
how many grams is the serving ? thanks 🙂
Not sure, I didn’t weigh them 🙂
What would you suggest for keto version for sticky sweetener of choice? I guess I don’t understand what sticky sweetener would be. New to keto so learning about different ingredients. Thanks! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Hi there! Monk fruit sweetened maple syrup is great! 🙂
I think you are awesome. Thanks for the recipes
YOU are awesome, Shannon!
How many bars do you cut it into for your serving size?
I made 12-15
For the Keto version which sticky sweetener do you suggest?
Hi there! Monk fruit sweetened maple syrup 🙂
I love snickers! Can’t wait to try these!
This is such a fantastic recipe! as a kid I always had a love affair with snickers…but it has been years since I have had one, I gotta give this much healthier version of snickers a try! thanks for the recipe Arman 🙂
Snickers were a favorite bar of mine as a child too! These Paleo and vegan versions just look too incredible. I would definitely love to give them a try someday!
YUM! Love me some Snickers (0;
I love Snickers! These bars look so delicious and I have to try them!