Whoever said you need an oven to make magic clearly never tried no bake Snickers bars. This recipe is stacked with crunchy, gooey, chocolatey layers that hit all the right notes—without breaking a sweat.
I remember the first time I made these. I was in college, late for a party, and had no time to bake. But I had a box of cereal, a bag of caramels, and a craving. The result? A glorious, messy tray of no bake Snickers-inspired bars that disappeared in ten minutes flat.
This recipe has evolved since then, but it still delivers that sweet, salty, crispy bite that made it a crowd favorite.
Ingredients for No Bake Snickers Bars
Bottom Layer:
- 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups Rice Krispies or crispy rice cereal
Nougat Layer:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts (chopped)
Caramel Layer:
- 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits or soft caramel candies
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Top Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Base
In a saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter over low heat. Stir until smooth. Once melted, fold in the Rice Krispies. Press this mixture into a greased 9×13 pan. Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the next layer.
2. Whip Up the Nougat
In a clean saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow creme, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix in the chopped peanuts.
Spread this nougat layer evenly over the chocolate base. Back into the fridge it goes.
3. Caramel Goodness
Melt caramel bits and heavy cream together over low heat, stirring often. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once smooth and gooey, pour it over the nougat layer. Use a spatula to spread evenly. Chill until firm.
4. Final Chocolate Top
Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter (again!) over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy. Pour over the firm caramel layer and spread evenly.
Chill one last time for at least an hour. Slice into bars. Try not to eat three at once.
Why These Bars Work
They’re everything you love in a Snickers candy bar—crunch, caramel, peanuts, chocolate—but homemade and somehow better. And no oven means no babysitting, no heat waves, and no stress.
You can tweak the layers based on what you have. Swap in butterscotch chips. Use chunky peanut butter. Add crushed pretzels for an extra crunch.
It’s that kind of dessert—adaptable, fun, a little messy, and 100% worth it.
Tips to Try Before You Bake (Wait, Don’t Bake!)
- Use parchment paper to line the pan. It’ll save you a cleanup headache.
- Warm your knife before slicing for clean, smooth cuts.
- Chop your peanuts roughly. You want that chunky texture.
- Store in the fridge, but let the bars sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
- Want a Snickers pie instead? Pour the whole mixture into a pie pan and slice like a no bake Snickers pie. It’s dramatic in the best way.
Final Thoughts
This no bake Snickers bars recipe is the kind of treat that gets passed around at family events, shows up at bake sales, and disappears from the fridge before you know it. It’s ridiculously easy, wonderfully indulgent, and always a hit.
Whether you’re calling it a Snicker pie, Snickers dessert, or just “those bars everyone loves,” one thing’s for sure: you’ll come back to this recipe again and again.
Ready to give it a go? You only need one pot, one pan, and zero excuses.
No Bake Snickers Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a pan over low heat. Stir until smooth. Mix in the crispy rice cereal. Press this into a greased 9×13 pan. Chill while preparing the next layer.
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Add sugar and evaporated milk, stir, and let it gently boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallow creme, peanut butter, and vanilla. Fold in chopped peanuts. Spread over the base layer and chill.
- Melt caramel bits with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour over nougat layer and spread evenly. Chill until set.
- Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Once fully set, slice into bars and enjoy.
Notes
- Let the bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing so the top layer cuts cleanly.
- You can use parchment paper in the pan for easy removal.
- For a twist, drizzle melted white chocolate or sprinkle flaky salt on top.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze these no bake Snickers bars?
Yes! Just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.
Q: What can I use instead of marshmallow creme?
You can try mini marshmallows (about 1 1/2 cups), melted down slowly with a bit of butter.
Q: Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Absolutely. It adds texture and extra peanut-y goodness.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal and check labels on your other ingredients. It can be gluten-free with the right swaps.
Q: How long do they last?
Up to 7 days in an airtight container in the fridge. But chances are they’ll be gone sooner.
