No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars – The Ultimate Layered Dessert

Some desserts don’t just satisfy a sweet tooth—they grab your attention, hold it, and refuse to let go. These No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars are one of those desserts. Think about everything you love in a candy bar—chocolate, nougat, caramel, peanuts—and now imagine it in bar form with a crunchy twist. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on your oven.

This recipe layers up gooey caramel, peanut-packed nougat, and a crispy chocolate crunch both on the top and the bottom. Every bite is chewy, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re making these bars for a party, gifting them during the holidays, or just treating yourself on a weeknight (because you deserve it!), they’re a guaranteed showstopper.

Let’s dive into what makes these bars irresistible and how you can whip up your own batch at home.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

Ingredients & Substitutions

Like most great desserts, these bars look fancy but are secretly simple. Here’s the breakdown:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (6 oz per layer): Gives that deep, rich chocolate base and top. If you’re more into milk chocolate, swap it in for a sweeter finish.
• Butterscotch Chips (5.5 oz per layer): Adds a warm caramelized flavor that balances perfectly with chocolate. You can use white chocolate chips if you’d rather keep it milder.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup per layer + ¼ cup in nougat): Smooth and nutty—this is what ties the chocolate together and helps hold the layers. Natural peanut butter works, but the consistency might be softer.
• Cocoa Pebbles Cereal (1½ cups per layer): The secret ingredient that makes these bars crispy. Rice Krispies work just as well if that’s what you have in the pantry.
• Butter (¼ cup): For richness in the nougat layer.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the nougat and balances the saltiness of the peanuts.
• Evaporated Milk (½ cup total): Keeps both the nougat and caramel layers smooth.
• Marshmallow Creme (7 oz): This creates that fluffy, chewy texture in the nougat layer. Marshmallows can be melted down in a pinch.
• Lightly Salted Peanuts (1½ cups): Roasted and chopped, they bring that signature Snickers crunch. Almonds or cashews would make for fun swaps.
• Caramels (11 oz): Kraft caramels are the classic choice, but any soft caramel candies will do.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Brings all the nougat flavors together.

Step-by-Step: How to Make No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—layers that come together in minutes and chill into a masterpiece.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. Leave a little overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out when they’re done.

Step 2: Make the Crispy Chocolate Bottom Layer

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt together the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter in 30-second bursts. Stir until smooth, then fold in Cocoa Pebbles. Spread evenly in the pan and chill until firm (about 15 minutes).

Step 3: Build the Nougat Layer

On the stovetop, combine butter, sugar, and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow creme, peanut butter, and vanilla. Fold in peanuts, then spread this nougat over the chocolate layer. Chill for another 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Caramel Layer

Melt the caramels with evaporated milk in the microwave until smooth. Spread over the nougat and refrigerate until firm.

Step 5: Make the Crispy Chocolate Top Layer

Repeat the chocolate-butterscotch-peanut butter melt, fold in Cocoa Pebbles, and spread over the caramel. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 6: Slice & Serve

Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out, then cut them into squares. Keep them chilled until ready to serve for the cleanest cuts.

Toppings & Variations

One of the best things about these bars? They’re endlessly customizable.

• Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on the caramel layer before adding the top chocolate.
• Nut Swap: Try cashews, almonds, or pecans instead of peanuts for a different crunch.
• Holiday Ready: Add red and green sprinkles to the top layer for a Christmas version, or pastel candies for Easter.
• Extra Gooey: Drizzle melted caramel or chocolate on top before serving.

Want more ideas? Check out this Brownie Caramel Cheesecake for another over-the-top dessert that takes classic flavors to the next level.

How to Store

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

For quick treats that store well, try No Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies or this Healthy Edible Cookie Dough.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

These No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars are:

• Easy to make without an oven.
• Perfect for parties, potlucks, or gifting.
• A mash-up of chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and crunch.
• A dessert that tastes even better the next day.

For chocolate fans, you might also love trying Chocolate Orange Truffles or Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping It Up

These No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars are a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them at a birthday party, adding them to a holiday platter, or simply indulging on a quiet night in. They’re decadent, crunchy, gooey, and—most importantly—easy to make.

If you’re ready for your next dessert adventure, don’t miss my Chocolate Pudding Cake or Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. And for daily inspiration, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest.