Are you ready for a dessert that delivers on taste, texture, and pure indulgence without ever needing to turn on your oven? Say hello to these incredible No Bake Snickers Bars with Crunch and Butterscotch! This recipe takes everything you adore about the classic candy bar – creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and rich chocolate – and elevates it into an easy-to-make, irresistible bar form, with a secret hint of butterscotch that makes them truly special.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just satisfying that intense sweet craving, these bars come together quickly and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Imagine layers of crispy peanut butter rice cereal, topped with a luscious caramel, and finished with a decadent chocolate coating. Each bite is a symphony of sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy. Let's dive into making this extraordinary treat!
Crafting Your No-Bake Masterpiece: Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards these delightful no-bake bars. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry!
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup corn syrup or honey
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped peanuts
- 1½ cups caramel bits or soft caramels, melted with 2 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Guide to No Bake Snickers Bars
Follow these simple instructions to create your own batch of delicious, no-bake Snickers bars.
The Crispy Peanut Butter Base
This forms the foundation of our bars, offering that satisfying crunch and rich peanut flavor.
- Step 1: Prepare your pan. Line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the creamy peanut butter, corn syrup (or honey), and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture just begins to bubble around the edges. Do not bring to a rolling boil.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it's well incorporated.
- Step 4: Add the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped peanuts to the warm peanut butter mixture. Fold quickly until all the cereal and peanuts are evenly coated.
Layering the Decadence: Caramel and Chocolate
Now for the iconic Snickers layers! These steps bring the classic flavor profile to life.
- Step 5: Transfer the cereal mixture to your prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan. This creates a compact base for the other layers. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 6: Prepare the caramel layer. In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine the caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels) with 2 tablespoons of milk. Heat in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring well after each, or melt gently on the stovetop until smooth and pourable. Pour the melted caramel evenly over the cooled peanut butter base and spread to the edges.
- Step 7: Melt the chocolate. In a clean microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy. Once melted, spread the chocolate evenly over the caramel layer. For another fantastic no-bake dessert, consider trying our Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cups!
The Final Chill and Serve
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to no-bake treats!
- Step 8: Refrigerate the assembled bars for 1 to 2 hours, or until they are completely firm. This is crucial for clean slicing.
- Step 9: Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into desired bar sizes. For a rich and decadent alternative, explore The Ultimate Guide to Peanut Butter Poke Cake with Reese’s.
Tips for Perfection
- Even Layers: Ensure each layer is spread evenly for a uniform and appealing bar.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality peanut butter and chocolate will really shine through in the final taste.
- Don't Rush the Chill: A fully chilled bar is easier to cut and holds its shape beautifully.
- Customize Your Crunch: While we use Rice Krispies, feel free to experiment with other crispy cereals like Corn Flakes for a slightly different texture.
These No Bake Snickers Bars with Crunch and Butterscotch are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. They're a fantastic, fuss-free dessert that always disappears quickly. The combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy elements makes them utterly addictive. For more insights into the Snickers bar's history and varieties, you can visit Wikipedia.
We hope you enjoy making (and devouring!) these delightful treats. Happy baking… or rather, no-baking!
FAQs
How long do No Bake Snickers Bars last?
These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Can I make these No Bake Snickers Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making in advance. Prepare them a day or two before your event and keep them chilled in the refrigerator. They also freeze wonderfully for up to two months.
What can I use if I don't have corn syrup?
Honey is an excellent substitute for corn syrup in this recipe, providing a similar texture and a delicious complementary flavor. You can also try brown rice syrup, though the texture might be slightly softer.
Can I add different mix-ins to the bars?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You could add pretzel pieces for extra saltiness, miniature marshmallows, or even a different type of nut like walnuts or pecans. Just ensure any additions are mixed into the base layer evenly.
No Bake Snickers Bars with Crunch and Butterscotch
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An incredibly easy and delicious no-bake treat featuring crispy peanut butter cereal, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and a chocolate-butterscotch topping.
Ingredients
3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup corn syrup or honey
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped peanuts
1½ cups caramel bits or soft caramels, melted with 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, corn syrup (or honey), and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture just starts to bubble. Do not bring to a rapid boil.
Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped peanuts into the warm peanut butter mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
Step 5: Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan. Let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Melt the caramel. In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine the caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels) with 2 tablespoons of milk. Heat in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each, or melt gently on the stovetop until smooth and pourable. Pour the melted caramel evenly over the cooled peanut butter base and spread it to the edges.
Step 7: Melt the chocolate. In a clean microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer.
Step 8: Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or until they are completely firm. This step is essential for clean and neat slicing.
Step 9: Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate layer before chilling. You can also mix a tablespoon of butterscotch chips into the melted chocolate for a more pronounced butterscotch flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
