Chewy Homemade Snickers Treats

Indulge in Homemade Perfection: The Ultimate Snickers Bites Recipe

Craving that iconic blend of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness? Look no further! These Homemade Snickers Bites are an irresistible answer to your sweet tooth, offering all the delightful layers of a classic Snickers bar in a perfectly portioned, bite-sized treat. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich chocolate coating, followed by a velvety peanut butter nougat, a layer of gooey caramel, and the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts. Best of all, you can create this decadent candy right in your own kitchen with surprising ease!

A delectable pile of homemade Snickers bites elegantly arranged on a parchment-lined white plate, with one piece showing a tempting bite taken out.

Why Make Your Own Snickers Bars? The Joy of DIY Candy!

While store-bought Snickers bars are undoubtedly delicious, there’s a unique satisfaction that comes with crafting your own batch of this beloved candy. Our easy homemade Snickers bar recipe eliminates the need for complicated techniques or special equipment like candy thermometers, making it accessible for even novice bakers. Just like our popular Homemade KitKat Bites, this recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. You’ll be amazed at how fresh, vibrant, and utterly decadent these DIY Snickers taste compared to their commercial counterparts.

Making candy at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose high-quality components for a superior taste and texture. Plus, there’s an undeniable charm in presenting handcrafted confections to family and friends. These bite-sized wonders are not only incredibly tasty but also a fantastic conversation starter, guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them. Prepare to fall in love with the process and the delicious results!

Perfectly arranged rows of homemade Snickers bites on a parchment-lined aluminum baking sheet, with one piece ready to be enjoyed.

Homemade Candy: A Sweet Tradition for Any Season

From the spooky festivities of Halloween to the joyous celebrations of Christmas, and every occasion in between, homemade candy bars become a delightful obsession in our kitchen. Imagine a bowl brimming with these exquisite Homemade Snickers Bites, ready to welcome guests, delight your children and their friends, or simply serve as your perfect late-night sweet escape. The fresh ingredients and absence of preservatives mean these treats not only taste better than the originals but also offer a delightful homemade charm that store-bought versions simply can’t match.

Don’t just take our word for it; prepare to watch them vanish in a flash! Their irresistible combination of textures and flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or as thoughtful edible gifts. Embrace the joy of creating these memorable treats and start a new sweet tradition with your loved ones.

A generous pile of freshly made homemade Snickers bites, glistening with chocolate, on a parchment-lined white plate, ready for serving.

Crafting Your Snickers Bites: Essential Ingredients and Supplies

Creating these delightful chocolate covered peanut butter nougat treats is simpler than you might think, especially when you have the right ingredients and tools at hand. Below is a comprehensive list to ensure your journey to homemade candy perfection is smooth and enjoyable. (Specific measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post).

Key Ingredients for Irresistible Flavor:

  • Creamy Peanut Butter: The foundation of our luscious nougat. Opt for a smooth, classic variety for the best texture.
  • Powdered Sugar (Confectioner’s Sugar): Essential for sweetening and achieving that incredibly smooth nougat consistency.
  • Marshmallow Fluff: This is the secret ingredient that gives our nougat its signature light, airy, and chewy texture.
  • Roasted Salted Peanuts: Halved or lightly chopped, these provide the characteristic crunch and salty contrast that makes Snickers so addictive.
  • Caramel Squares: For that wonderfully gooey, chewy caramel layer. Pre-packaged squares make this step incredibly easy.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The perfect choice for a rich, balanced chocolate coating that isn’t overly sweet.

Recommended Supplies for Smooth Preparation:

  • Electric Mixer fitted with the Paddle Attachment: Ideal for effortlessly blending the nougat to perfection.
  • Sheet Pans: You’ll need at least two – one for shaping and freezing the nougat, and another for softening the caramels.
  • Parchment Paper: A crucial tool for preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting chocolate quickly and efficiently.
  • Fork: Essential for dipping and coating your bites evenly in melted chocolate.
A vibrant display of fresh ingredients for homemade Snickers bites, meticulously arranged in small white dishes on a elegant white marble counter, ready for preparation.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Master Homemade Snickers Bites

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of these incredibly satisfying peanut butter caramel chocolate treats. Precision and patience are key for the best results!

  1. Prepare the Irresistible Nougat Base: In the bowl of an electric mixer equipped with the paddle attachment, combine your creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Beat them together until they are thoroughly combined and form a smooth paste. Next, add the marshmallow fluff and continue beating until the mixture becomes wonderfully thick, smooth, and cohesive. This forms the soft, chewy foundation of your Snickers Bites.
  2. Shape the Nougat Rectangles: Take approximately 1 teaspoon portions of the prepared nougat mixture. Carefully shape each portion into a flat rectangle, roughly measuring 1.5 x 0.5 inches. Arrange these nougat rectangles on a small, parchment-lined sheet pan that can easily fit into your freezer. This precise shaping ensures uniform bites.
  3. Infuse with Crunchy Peanuts: Gently press about 10-12 peanut halves or lightly chopped peanuts into the top surface of each nougat rectangle. The peanuts will stick securely, adding that essential crunch element directly into the nougat layer.
A visual step-by-step guide illustrating the initial stages of crafting delicious Snickers Bites, showing nougat shaping and peanut placement.
  1. Soften the Caramel Layer: Preheat your oven to a low 250°F (120°C). Unwrap your caramel squares and place them a few inches apart on a separate parchment-lined baking sheet. Place this sheet pan on the middle rack of your preheated oven for precisely 5 minutes. The goal here is to soften the caramels, not to melt them completely. They should be pliable enough to reshape easily.
  2. Form the Gooey Caramel Topping: Remove the softened caramels from the oven. While they are still warm and soft, gently flatten each caramel into a rectangle. Ensure the size of the flattened caramel is similar to that of your nougat rectangles. Carefully place a flattened caramel piece over the peanut-studded nougat on each bite.
  3. Flash Freeze for Firmness: Transfer the sheet pan containing your assembled bites into the freezer for 15 minutes. This crucial “flash freezing” step will firm up the layers, making them much easier to handle and coat in chocolate without losing their shape.
  4. Prepare the Decadent Chocolate Coating: When you’re ready for the chocolate dipping, place 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and beautifully smooth. This method helps prevent the chocolate from overheating.
A visual step-by-step guide showcasing the caramel softening and chocolate coating process for delicious Snickers Bites.
  1. Dip Half the Bites: Remove half of your flash-frozen bites from the freezer. Using a fork (insert it gently into an end or side), carefully dip each nougat-caramel-peanut bite into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl before transferring the chocolate-covered bite to a clean, parchment-lined sheet pan. Work quickly but carefully!
A homemade Snickers bite perfectly impaled on a metal fork, being carefully dipped into a rich pool of melted chocolate, illustrating the coating process.
  1. Repeat for Remaining Bites: Repeat the melting and dipping process with the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips and the second batch of bites still in the freezer. Keeping them frozen until dipping helps maintain their structure and prevents too much melting from the warm chocolate.
Another homemade Snickers bite on a metal fork, being expertly coated in smooth, melted chocolate, ensuring every surface is perfectly covered.
  1. Set and Store: Allow the chocolate-coated bites to set completely at room temperature. This can take an hour or two depending on your environment. Once set, store your delightful homemade Snickers candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, see our freezing instructions below.
Rows of freshly coated homemade Snickers bites neatly arranged on a parchment-lined aluminum baking sheet, allowing the chocolate to set.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Snickers Bites

  • Achieving the Perfect Nougat: The nougat should be firm enough to shape but still pliable. If it’s too sticky, try chilling it briefly in the refrigerator. If it’s too dry, a tiny bit more peanut butter might help, but avoid overdoing it.
  • Caramel Softening: Be careful not to overheat the caramels. They should be just soft enough to flatten easily, not liquid. Over-melted caramel will be messy and hard to work with.
  • Chocolate Dipping Technique: Work in small batches when dipping to keep the bites cold. If your chocolate starts to thicken, microwave it again for a few seconds to restore its smooth consistency. For a super shiny finish, you might consider tempering your chocolate, though it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe.
  • Even Coating: Tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. This ensures a thinner, more appealing coating and prevents pooling at the bottom of the bites.
  • Quick Chill if Needed: If your kitchen is warm and the chocolate is taking a long time to set, you can briefly place the sheet pan of coated bites in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes, but avoid leaving them too long as this can sometimes cause dull spots on the chocolate.

Creative Variations for Your DIY Candy Bars

Once you’ve mastered the classic Homemade Snickers Bites, feel free to experiment with these exciting variations to create your own unique treats:

  • Dark Chocolate Delight: Instead of semi-sweet, use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet coating.
  • Nutty Alternatives: Swap out peanuts for almonds, cashews, or even pecans for a different flavor profile and crunch.
  • Sea Salt Sprinkle: A delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the wet chocolate coating before it sets can elevate the flavor by enhancing the caramel and chocolate notes.
  • White Chocolate Drizzle: After the semi-sweet chocolate has set, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the bites for an elegant finish and an extra layer of sweetness.
  • Miniature Size: Make even smaller bites for a party platter, adjusting the nougat and caramel portion sizes accordingly.

More Delectable Homemade Candy Recipes You’ll Adore

If you’ve enjoyed crafting these chocolate peanut butter caramel treats, you’ll love exploring other simple yet delicious homemade candy recipes:

  • Homemade KitKat Bites: Discover how crisp wafers enveloped in rich chocolate can be made at home with just two ingredients! These bites are incredibly simple and taste remarkably like the real thing.
  • Homemade Take 5 Candy Bars: Indulge in a symphony of flavors with dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and savory peanuts. A truly incredible five-ingredient treat!

Optimal Storage for Your Homemade Snickers Bites

Proper storage ensures your delicious homemade Snickers candy stays fresh and delightful for as long as possible:

  • Room Temperature Storage: Store your homemade Snickers bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they are kept away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent melting.
  • Freezing for Longer Freshness:
    1. To freeze, first flash freeze the bites in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan for about 1 hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
    2. Once flash-frozen, you have two options:
      • Wrap each individual bite tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
      • Alternatively, you can layer them in a freezer-safe container, separating each layer with parchment paper. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Defrosting Frozen Candy Bars: To enjoy frozen Snickers bites, transfer them to the refrigerator first and allow them to defrost while still wrapped. Once defrosted in the fridge, let them come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before savoring their deliciousness. This gradual thawing helps maintain their texture and prevents condensation from affecting the chocolate.
Neatly arranged rows of tempting homemade Snickers bites on a parchment-lined aluminum baking sheet, showcasing their readiness for storage or enjoyment.

Share Your Sweet Creations!

We absolutely love seeing your culinary triumphs! If you whip up a batch of these incredible Homemade Snickers Bites, be sure to capture a picture and share it with us on Instagram @thebakermama. We can’t wait to see your delightful creations! For even more inspiration and to connect with a community of fellow food enthusiasts, join our Facebook group, Friends of The BakerMama. It’s a fantastic place to share your successes, ask questions, and discover new favorite recipes. Your creativity truly inspires us, and we cherish seeing how you bring our ideas to life. Enjoy every sweet bite!

Happy baking,

Signature of The BakerMama
A pile of homemade Snickers bites on a parchment lined white plate. One of the candies has a bite out of it.

Homemade Snickers Bites

  • Author: The BakerMama
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Freezing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bites
Print Recipe

Description

These Homemade Snickers Bites offer the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter nougat, chewy caramel, crunchy roasted peanuts, all enveloped in a rich chocolate coating. A bite-sized treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup marshmallow fluff
  • 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts, halved or lightly chopped
  • 30 caramel squares
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. To create the nougat layer, combine peanut butter and powdered sugar in an electric mixer. Beat until well combined, then add marshmallow fluff and beat until thick and smooth.
  2. Shape 1 teaspoon portions of nougat into 1.5x.5-inch flat rectangles and place them on a parchment-lined sheet pan suitable for your freezer.
  3. Press 10-12 peanut halves into the top of each nougat rectangle.
  4. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Unwrap caramels and place them on a separate parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes to soften (do not melt).
  5. Remove softened caramels from the oven. While warm, flatten each into a rectangle to fit the nougat size and place over the peanuts on each nougat piece.
  6. Freeze the sheet pan of bites for 15 minutes to flash freeze them.
  7. For the chocolate coating, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  8. Remove half the frozen bites from the freezer. Using a fork, dip and fully coat each bite in the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off before transferring to a parchment-lined sheet pan.
  9. Repeat the melting and dipping process with the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips and the second batch of frozen bites.
  10. Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.