Name: No Bake Snickers Bars with Crunch and Butterscotch
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
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

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If you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, and packed with chocolate and peanut butter flavor, these No Bake Snickers Bars with Crunch and Butterscotch are going to become your new go-to treat. They’ve got everything you love in a candy bar — crispy cereal, creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and a salty crunch from the peanuts — all layered together without ever turning on the oven.

This recipe is perfect for when you need a quick dessert that looks and tastes impressive but comes together with minimal effort. I first made these when I needed a last-minute dessert for a party, and they were gone before I could even grab a second piece. Since then, they’ve become a staple in our treat rotation.

Whether you’re making them for a potluck, a weekend snack, or a no-bake summer dessert, these bars are a guaranteed hit. The combination of textures and flavors makes them feel indulgent and just a little bit nostalgic — kind of like a homemade candy bar, but way easier to make.

Ingredients for No Bake Snickers Bars

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

STEPS: Make the Crispy Peanut Butter Base

Step 1: Line the Baking Dish

Start by lining an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift the bars out once they’re set and ready to slice.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, corn syrup (or honey), and granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture just begins to bubble. You don’t need a full boil — just enough heat to bring everything together smoothly.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract

Once the mixture is off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract. This gives the base an extra layer of flavor that balances out the sweetness.

Step 4: Mix in the Cereal and Peanuts

Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped peanuts while the mixture is still warm. Stir until everything is evenly coated and sticky.

Add the Layers: Caramel, Chocolate, and Chill Time

With the crispy peanut butter base pressed firmly into your pan, it’s time to take these no-bake Snickers-inspired bars to the next level. The caramel and chocolate layers not only bring that signature Snickers flavor but also help bind everything together for the perfect bite. Each layer adds richness and balance — sweet, creamy, and just a little bit salty.

What’s great about this recipe is how easily each layer comes together. The caramel melts into a smooth pourable topping, the chocolate chips melt like a dream, and after a short chill in the fridge, everything sets up into neat, sliceable bars. Let’s build that next layer.

STEPS: Add Caramel and Chocolate Layers

Step 5: Press the Base Firmly Into the Pan

Once your cereal and peanut mixture is fully combined, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly using a spatula or a sheet of wax paper. Make sure the base is even and compact so the layers will sit nicely on top. Let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes before adding the next layer.

Step 6: Melt and Add the Caramel

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels) and 2 tablespoons of milk. Heat in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between, or melt gently on the stove until smooth and pourable. Pour the caramel over the cooled base and spread it evenly to the edges.

Step 7: Melt and Spread the Chocolate

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until smooth and glossy. Once fully melted, spread the chocolate evenly over the caramel layer with a spatula.

Chill and Set

Step 8: Refrigerate Until Firm

Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or until fully set. This step is key to getting those clean, crisp slices when it’s time to cut them.

Tips for Success

Line your pan well: Parchment paper makes lifting and slicing a breeze.
Use fresh caramel: Caramel bits melt more evenly, but if using wrapped caramels, unwrap and chop them before melting.
Don’t skip the chill time: It may be tempting to dive in early, but chilled bars slice much more cleanly and hold their shape better.

No Bake Snickers Bar FAQ: Storage, Substitutions, and Tips

You’ve layered, chilled, and sliced your bars — and hopefully snagged a bite or two already! Now let’s go over some of the most common questions that come up when making these No Bake Snickers Bars with Crunch and Butterscotch. Whether you’re wondering how to store leftovers, make ingredient swaps, or change things up for next time, this section has all the helpful tips you’ll need.

1. How do I store these bars?

Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week. If you prefer a softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

2. Can I freeze them?

Yes! These bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars in parchment or wax paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

3. What’s the best caramel to use?

Caramel bits melt the fastest and most evenly, but soft wrapped caramels work just as well when chopped and melted with a splash of milk. Avoid thick or overly chewy caramel — it can make slicing tricky.

4. Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely. Swap the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter (if allergies allow), and use toasted oats or crushed pretzels in place of peanuts for crunch. Be sure to use nut-free chocolate chips as well.

5. Can I use butterscotch chips instead of chocolate?

Yes! Butterscotch chips make a great substitute or addition. You can even swirl melted chocolate and butterscotch together for a layered flavor effect.

6. What can I use instead of corn syrup?

Honey works well as a substitute, giving the bars a slightly different sweetness and flavor. Brown rice syrup or maple syrup can also be used, but may result in a softer bar.

Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing, No-Bake Treat Worth Repeating

These No Bake Snickers Bars are the kind of treat you’ll find yourself making again and again — not just because they’re easy, but because they’re seriously delicious. The combination of creamy peanut butter, crispy cereal, gooey caramel, and chocolate is pure dessert gold.

They’re perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or any time you need a no-bake dessert that delivers big flavor. And with so many ways to customize them, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this sweet, crunchy bar. If you try a variation or add your own twist, let me know how it turned out — I’d love to hear what you came up with!