Quick Description
These homemade Snickers Candy Bars are made with a creamy caramel layer of dates and almond butter, a crunchy layer of peanuts, and a rich chocolate coating. They’re the perfect snack for those following a keto or low-carb diet, or anyone craving a healthier sweet treat.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8–10 bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Ingredients List
For the Base Layer
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
For the “Caramel” Layer
- 12 dates, soaked in hot water
- 3 tablespoons fresh almond butter
- ½ cup raw peanuts or pecans (lightly salted)
For the Chocolate Layer
- 8 oz vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Layer
-
Soak the Dates:
- Soak the 12 dates in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them.
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Blend the Caramel:
- In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the soaked dates and 3 tablespoons almond butter. Add a splash of unsweetened almond milk to help blend and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Process until you have a thick caramel-like texture.
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Add the Nuts:
- Add the raw peanuts or pecans to the food processor. Pulse a few times to break them down into smaller pieces, leaving some texture for a crunchy bite in the caramel layer.
- Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
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Line the Pan:
- Line a small 9×5-inch loaf pan (or a similar size pan) with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang for easy removal.
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Layer the Caramel:
- Spread the caramel mixture evenly into the base of the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly to ensure it’s compact.
- Place the pan in the freezer to set for 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Layer
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Melt the Chocolate:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the vegan chocolate chips. You can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, or use a double boiler method on the stovetop.
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Coat the Bars:
- Once the caramel layer has set, pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and nut mixture in an even layer.
- Spread the chocolate evenly using a spatula. If you like, you can lightly tap the pan on the counter to smooth the chocolate out and remove air bubbles.
Step 4: Chill and Set
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Chill the Bars:
- Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden and the layers to set completely.
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Cut into Bars:
- Once set, remove the pan from the freezer. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut the bars into 8–10 pieces using a sharp knife.
Step 5: Serve
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Enjoy the bars immediately, or store them in the freezer for a cold, satisfying treat later. You can also store them in the fridge for a softer texture.
Additional Notes
- Customize the Nuts: Feel free to use other nuts like cashews or almonds for the caramel layer.
- Chill Time: Make sure the bars are properly chilled in the freezer to allow the chocolate to harden. You can leave them in the fridge for a softer texture but expect the bars to be less firm.
- Sweetener Adjustment: Depending on your sweetness preference, you can adjust the amount of dates used in the caramel layer. You can also try adding a touch of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Dietary Info
- Low-Carb
- Keto-Friendly
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free
- No Added Sugar
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Dates: If you want to reduce the sugar content even further, you can experiment with sugar-free date alternatives like stevia-sweetened date syrup. However, dates give that classic caramel flavor and texture.
- Almond Butter: You can use peanut butter or cashew butter as a substitute for almond butter.
- Vegan Chocolate: If you prefer, you can use dark chocolate (with a high cacao percentage) if you’re not strictly vegan, but ensure it’s sugar-free to keep the bars low-carb.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add a Caramel Drizzle: For extra caramel flavor, drizzle some sugar-free caramel sauce on top of the bars before serving.
- Add Coconut: If you like coconut, you can sprinkle unsweetened shredded coconut over the chocolate layer for a tropical twist.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid them sticking together.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Net Carbs: 8 g
- Fiber: 4 g
FAQs
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars store well in the fridge or freezer. You can make them ahead and store them for easy, keto-friendly snacks.
Q: Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of vegan chocolate?
Yes! You can substitute regular sugar-free chocolate chips or even dark chocolate if you’re not following a vegan diet.
Q: How can I make these bars sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can add a little more sugar-free sweetener to the caramel mixture.
Optional Personal Story
These Snickers Candy Bars have been a hit in my house! They’re my go-to for a guilt-free dessert that feels indulgent without any of the sugar spikes. I love that they’re easy to make and keep well in the fridge or freezer, so I always have a sweet treat on hand when cravings hit!
Call-to-Action
Make these Snickers Candy Bars today for a delicious and healthier alternative to the classic! They’re low-carb, dairy-free, and packed with flavor — perfect for any occasion.
