Healthy Snickers

This healthy snickers recipe features layers of chewy nougat, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. It’s everyone’s favorite candy bar recipe, made in just 15 minutes!

If you’ve been following me for long, you know I have a massive sweet tooth, especially when it comes to chocolate. 

As much as I love crunch bars and bounty bars, I think snickers may be my favorite treat for when the chocolate cravings hit. I mean, between the layers of creamy caramel, crunchy nuts, and thick melted chocolate, it’s a texture lover’s dream come true. 

Like we’ve done with numerous other popular candies, we’ve made a homemade version that uses wholesome ingredients but packs just as much flavor. Plus, it couldn’t be easier to make!

Table of Contents

1. Why this recipe works
2. Ingredients needed
3. How to make healthy snickers
4. Recipe tips and variations
5. Storage instructions
6. Frequently asked questions
7. More healthy candy recipes to try
8. Healthy Snickers (Recipe Card)

Why this recipe works

• Easy to make. For how many elements go into making these bars, they come together effortlessly, and most of the time spent making them is patiently waiting for them to firm up in the fridge.
• Layered with flavor. Like millionaire bars, there’s literally layer upon layer of rich and decadent filling. 
• Better than the original. I’ve got nothing against a traditional snickers bar, but for some reason, they just taste better when you make them from scratch. 

No one (again, no one) will be able to say no to these Snickers bars. I guarantee it. That’s why they’ve quickly become a family staple in our house, along with these kit kat bars. 

Ingredients needed

The ingredient list for homemade snickers bars is surprisingly simple. Here’s what you’ll need for the nougat layer:

• Almond meal. I recommend using almond meal, not almond flour, since we want the coarse texture from the skins to add a chewy bite. 
• Coconut flour. One of my go-to flours for no-bake recipes since it gives a nice cakey texture and absorbs moisture well. 
• Maple syrup. For essential sweetness and to bind the dry ingredients together. 
• Milk. I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk will work.

For the caramel layer:

• Almond butter. For the classic nutty filling. You can make your own or swap it for other nut butters, like peanut butter if preferred. 
• Maple syrup. To thin out the almond butter and add a caramelized sweetness. 
• Coconut oil. Melted to add richness. Use refined coconut oil if you’re not a fan of coconut flavor. 
• Chopped nuts. I used roasted peanuts, but any type of nuts, like cashews or almonds, will work.  

For the chocolate coating:

• Chocolate chips. I used semi-sweet chocolate since the rest of the layers are plenty sweet, and the subtle bitterness will balance out the rest of the ingredients well. That said, you can also use dark chocolate if you prefer. 

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How to make healthy snickers

Step 1- Prep work. Spray a square pan or loaf pan with cooking spray or line the pan with parchment paper. 

Step 2- Make the nougat layer. In a large bowl or a food processor, combine almond meal, coconut flour, and maple syrup. Mix or pulse until a crumbly texture remains. Add ½ cup of milk and mix. Continue adding milk until a smooth batter remains. 

Step 3- Chill the bars. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place in the fridge. 

Step 4- Make the caramel layer. In a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, heat the caramel ingredients (except for the nuts) until combined. Whisk very well, as the coconut oil tends to separate. 

Step 5- Add caramel layer. Pour the caramel mixture over the nougat. Sprinkle the bars with crushed nuts, then place the bars in the freezer so they chill faster. 

Step 6- Add chocolate. Melt the chocolate chips. Remove the bars from the pan and cut them into 18 bars. Moving quickly, use two forks to dip each bar in the melted chocolate until evenly covered. Once they are all covered in chocolate, refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened. 

Recipe tips and variations

• Slice with a warm knife. Trust me, using a warm, sharp knife to slice the bars will make way less mess and help break through each layer without squishing the bars.
• Use a wide bowl to melt the chocolate. When I make these bars, I like to use a wide, shallow bowl to melt the chocolate so they’re easier to dip. 
• Enhance the flavor. While I think these bars are perfect as is, you could add a dash of salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to amplify the rest of the ingredients. 
• Use good-quality chocolate. High-quality chocolate melts more evenly and leaves a silky smooth texture. 

Storage instructions

To store: Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 2 weeks. 

To freeze: Transfer leftover bars to an airtight container and freeze them for up to 6 months. Let the bars thaw overnight in the fridge. 

Frequently asked questions

More healthy candy recipes to try

• Peanut brittle– A family favorite made with NO corn syrup. 
• Turkish delight– Vegan, gluten-free gummy candies made with rosewater.
• Maple fudge– Smooth, creamy fudge made with no refined sugar. 

Recipe originally published February 2019 but updated to include new information for your benefit.