I have a major soft spot for the perfect symphony of textures in a Snickers bar—the crunchy peanuts, the gooey caramel, the soft nougat, all wrapped in chocolate. But I always wondered if I could capture that magic at home. One rainy Saturday, I decided to try, layer by careful layer. The process filled my kitchen with the most incredible smells: roasting peanuts, bubbling caramel, and melting chocolate. When I finally took a bite of my homemade version, I was speechless. It was rich, complex, and satisfyingly authentic. The pride of creating such a legendary candy from scratch was almost as sweet as the bar itself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this recipe because it breaks down a seemingly complex candy bar into manageable, fun steps, and the final product is astonishingly close to the real thing—some might say even better. It’s a rewarding project that results in a decadent, impressive treat perfect for gifting, parties, or just treating yourself to a homemade candy bar experience that feels truly special.
Ingredients
For the Nougat Layer:
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk (any kind)
For the Peanut Caramel Layer:
- 1 (11 oz) bag of soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 ½ cups (225g) roasted, salted peanuts
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 16 ounces (about 450g) milk chocolate, chopped
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for thinning)
Let’s talk ingredients because a few choices make all the difference. For the nougat, use a standard creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy, not the natural kind that separates—the oils will make the layer greasy and unstable. For the caramel, using store-bought soft caramels is the ultimate shortcut and provides that perfect, chewy texture. Do not substitute with homemade caramel sauce; it won’t set firm enough. The roasted, salted peanuts are non-negotiable; their saltiness cuts the sweetness. For the chocolate, a good-quality milk chocolate bar will give you the best flavor and snap, though chocolate chips can work in a pinch.(See the next page below to continue…)