Growing up, there was always one thing that could get the whole family to stop what they were doing and head to the kitchen: the smell—or in this case, the promise—of a candy-inspired dessert. These No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars take everything you love about the classic candy bar—chocolate, peanuts, caramel—and layer it into something even easier and more satisfying. And the best part? No oven required.
Whether you’re escaping the summer heat or cozying up in winter, these bars are the perfect anytime indulgence. They’re crunchy, gooey, chocolatey, and packed with peanut flavor. Inspired by classic American candy bars, they’re made with pantry staples and are ready in minutes. Let’s dive into the magic of making these bars from scratch!
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars
- No oven needed – perfect for hot days or quick treats.
- Super easy – ideal for beginner bakers or kids.
- Customizable – add more crunch, extra caramel, or even a salty twist.
- Make ahead – they store beautifully for days.
- Inspired by American candy nostalgia.
Ingredients
This recipe yields 7 servings—just enough to treat yourself and a few lucky friends!
Base Layer:
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Nougat Layer:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Caramel Peanut Layer:
- 11 oz soft caramels (about 1 bag), unwrapped
- 1 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 cup peanuts, roughly chopped
Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
How to Make No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars
Step 1: Make the Crispy Base
- Grease or line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, granulated sugar, and butter. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to bubble.
- Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth.
- Fold in the crispy rice cereal and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Nougat Layer
- In another saucepan, melt butter, evaporated milk, sugar, and marshmallows over medium-low heat.
- Stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in peanut butter.
- Pour over the crispy base and spread evenly. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Caramel Peanut Layer
- Place the caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Stir in chopped peanuts.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the nougat layer and smooth it out.
Step 4: Top It Off With Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together.
- Stir until smooth and pour over the caramel peanut layer.
- Use a spatula to evenly spread the chocolate.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set.
- Remove from the pan using parchment edges, slice into 7 bars, and serve!
Pro Tips for Perfect Snickers Bars
- Line your pan well for easy removal—parchment is your best friend.
- Use creamy peanut butter for smooth layering; chunky can be unpredictable in melting.
- If you like extra crunch, sprinkle a handful of extra peanuts on top before the chocolate sets.
- For a salted caramel twist, add flaky sea salt to the top layer.
Make It Seasonal
Summer:
Keep them chilled for a refreshing bite on hot days. Serve with iced coffee or a cool lemonade.
Winter:
Serve warm from room temperature with hot cocoa or espresso. That chocolate-peanut combo is a winter dream.
How to Store and Freeze
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freeze in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or on the counter.
Variations to Try
- Almond twist: Replace peanuts with toasted almonds.
- Dark chocolate fans: Swap the milk chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chips.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
- Vegan version: Substitute dairy-free butter and plant-based marshmallows and chocolate.
What Makes These Bars So Irresistible?
These No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars deliver:
- That signature crunch from crispy rice cereal.
- A luscious nougat layer that’s marshmallowy and rich.
- A classic caramel-peanut combo that mirrors your favorite candy bar.
- And a glossy chocolate-peanut butter finish to tie it all together.
Every bite is perfectly balanced: not too sweet, not too salty, just right.
Reader FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They’re even better the next day once the layers meld together.
What if I don’t have corn syrup?
You can use honey or maple syrup, but the bars may turn out softer and less structured.
Are these kid-friendly?
Very! They’re no-bake and easy to slice into small pieces—perfect for lunchboxes or bake sales.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and refrigerate an extra 30 minutes to set.
Pairing Ideas
Make your dessert table complete with these American-inspired favorites:
My Family’s Twist on a Classic
This recipe was inspired by a road trip to the Grand Canyon when my grandmother pulled out a batch of homemade “snack bars” wrapped in wax paper. They had peanuts, cereal, chocolate… and something sweetly gooey in the middle. Years later, I realized it was her version of Snickers—only simpler, no-bake, and made with love.
That nostalgic bite is what I’ve recreated here—only now with a few modern improvements like a silky chocolate-peanut butter top and that irresistible caramel crunch.
Wrap-Up: Why You Need These in Your Life
If you’re a fan of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, creamy and chewy—all wrapped up in one bite—then these No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars are for you. They’re quick, require zero baking, and deliver pure dessert satisfaction in every bite.
Whether you’re whipping them up for a picnic, holiday tray, or midnight snack, these bars are guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.