If you have a soft spot for all things sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly gooey, then the No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars Recipe is certain to become an instant favorite in your dessert arsenal. This magic treat combines the richness of chocolate and caramel, the smoothness of peanut butter, and the delightful crunch of crispy cereals and nuts—all layered in a luscious, no-bake format that makes crafting these bars as fun as eating them. Whether you’re serving them up for a party, a cozy night in, or just because, these bars perfectly mimic the classic Snickers flavor with a wonderful crispy twist, without ever needing to turn on the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step, and you’ll find that each one adds a unique flair to the bars. From the creamy peanut butter that binds everything together, to the sweet crunch of Cocoa Pebbles, and the decadent layers of chocolate and caramel, these simple components come alive in perfect harmony.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces, divided): Provides a rich, smooth chocolate layer that complements the peanut flavor beautifully.
- Butterscotch chips (11 ounces, divided): Adds a buttery sweetness that enhances the caramel notes.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup, divided): Offers that classic Snickers taste and creamy texture that binds the ingredients together.
- Cocoa Pebbles (3 cups, divided): Brings a crispy, cocoa-packed crunch that makes each bite extra special.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps meld the recipe’s layers perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the nougat layer for balanced flavor.
- Evaporated milk (½ cup total, divided): Enhances creaminess and helps create smooth caramel and nougat textures.
- Marshmallow creme (7 ounces): Delivers a luscious, fluffy nougat layer that’s simply dreamy.
- Roasted lightly salted peanuts (1 ½ cups, coarsely chopped): Provides that irresistible roasted crunch and a hint of saltiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth to the sweet layers.
- KRAFT caramels or caramel bits (11 ounces): Melted to form the gooey caramel layer that’s signature to Snickers bars.
How to Make No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper to ensure your bars come out cleanly. This simple prep step makes the final slicing neat and hassle-free, which is always a win when dealing with sticky, delicious desserts.
Step 2: Create the Crispy Chocolate Base
Melt half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together with half a cup of creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir the smooth mixture until perfectly combined, then fold in 1 cup of Cocoa Pebbles. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish—it will form a rich, crispy foundation that holds all your layers together in the best way possible.
Step 3: Make the Marshmallow Nougat Layer
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, ¼ cup evaporated milk, and unsalted butter, stirring until everything is melted and smooth. Add the marshmallow creme and the remaining half cup of peanut butter, stirring until creamy. Gently fold in 2 cups of Cocoa Pebbles, then spread this luscious nougat layer carefully over the chocolate base. This fluffy yet crispy layer is what makes the bars so uniquely tasty.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel and Peanut Topping
Melt the remaining caramel chips with the remaining ¼ cup evaporated milk until smooth. Stir in the coarsely chopped roasted peanuts and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to introduce aromatic richness. Pour this gooey caramel and peanut mixture evenly over the nougat layer, adding that classic Snickers feel that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Step 5: Finish with a Sweet Chocolate Butterscotch Glaze
Melt the remaining semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together. Spread this glossy topping over the caramel layer once it has cooled slightly. This final coat of sweetness locks in all the layers and provides a beautiful finish that’s as tasty as it looks.
Step 6: Chill and Cut
Refrigerate the entire pan for at least one hour to let the bars set and make slicing easier. Once firm, cut into 24 delicious squares and get ready to enjoy this perfectly no-bake delight!
How to Serve No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crushed peanuts and a light drizzle of melted chocolate over individual bars can add an extra touch of elegance and texture that’s especially fun when serving guests or for dessert presentation. You could even add a pinch of flaky sea salt to contrast the sweetness nicely.
Side Dishes
These bars are sweet and rich, so pairing them with fresh fruit like tangy berries or a dollop of whipped cream can create a delightful balance. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also turns these bars into a decadent dessert combo that no one will forget.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bars on a decorative platter or arranging them on a tiered dessert stand for parties. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes them perfect for gifting, and it keeps the nostalgia of sharing homemade goodies alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to a week, maintaining their crispy and gooey textures, so you can enjoy a sweet treat anytime without worry.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
Since these are no bake and best enjoyed cool, reheating is not recommended. However, letting them sit out at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving softens the bars slightly, enhancing their creamy textures without losing that signature crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of Cocoa Pebbles?
Absolutely! Crispy rice cereal, Fruity Pebbles, or even crushed cornflakes can provide a delightful crunch and work perfectly. Just remember that the flavor profile will shift slightly, so choose a cereal that complements the chocolate and caramel flavors.
Do I have to refrigerate these bars?
Yes, refrigeration helps the bars to set properly because of the various melted chocolate, caramel, and nougat layers. Leaving them at room temperature may make them too soft and sticky to cut or serve neatly.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
While peanuts are a key flavor in this recipe, you can omit them or substitute chopped roasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. The texture and taste will change a bit but will still be delicious.
Is there a way to make these bars vegan?
You’d need to swap out the dairy-based ingredients like butter, marshmallow creme, and chocolate chips for vegan alternatives. Using vegan caramels and plant-based peanut butter will also help keep the bars entirely vegan-friendly, though the taste will vary from the traditional.
How long do these bars stay fresh after cutting?
If stored properly in the fridge, these bars maintain their freshness and texture for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time for events or simply satisfying your sweet tooth throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars Recipe has all the flavors and textures that make Snickers Bars unforgettable, with the fun twist of a crispy cereal crunch and no oven required. It’s a fantastic treat that’s straightforward to make, impressive to serve, and delicious with every bite. I encourage you to try making these bars soon—they’re perfect for sharing, enjoying, and having a little homemade indulgence whenever the craving strikes!
Print
No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars combine layers of melted chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, Cocoa Pebbles cereal, marshmallow creme, caramel, and roasted peanuts to create a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat. Perfect for those who want a quick and indulgent dessert without turning on the oven, these bars are chilled to set and cut into bite-sized squares, making them ideal for parties or snack time.
Ingredients
Chocolate and Cereal Layer
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 6 ounces butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup Cocoa Pebbles
Nougat Layer
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups Cocoa Pebbles
Caramel Peanut Layer
- 11 ounces KRAFT caramels or caramel bits
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups roasted lightly salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Top Chocolate Layer
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 5 ounces butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Bottom Chocolate and Cereal Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips along with half a cup of creamy peanut butter. Stir until smooth. Mix in 1 cup of Cocoa Pebbles cereal, then press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Prepare the Nougat Layer: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup evaporated milk, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the marshmallow creme and remaining 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter until smooth. Fold in 2 cups of Cocoa Pebbles cereal gently. Spread this nougat layer evenly over the chocolate base in the baking dish.
- Make the Caramel Peanut Layer: Melt the remaining caramels together with 1/4 cup evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat on the stovetop, stirring until smooth. Stir in the coarsely chopped roasted peanuts. Pour this mixture over the nougat layer and spread evenly.
- Add the Top Chocolate Layer: Melt the remaining semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. Spread this chocolate mixture evenly over the caramel peanut layer to form the final top layer.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the layered bars for at least one hour to allow them to set firm. Once chilled, cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Using parchment paper in the baking dish makes it easier to lift out the bars for cutting clean squares.
- Lightly salted peanuts add a nice balance to the sweetness of the bars.
- If you prefer, substitute Cocoa Pebbles with another crispy rice cereal to vary the texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Make sure each melted chocolate layer is spread evenly to ensure uniform thickness for each bar.
