These homemade snickers bars are the ultimate healthy Halloween candy for filling your kid’s candy bag and enjoying all year long.
I have no shame admitting that I have a real good sweet tooth and I often buy boxes of Halloween “fun sized” chocolate bars just for myself. But if you find those a little too cloying for your taste, you’re not a fan of the processed ingredients, or you’re looking for a vegan, gluten free Halloween candy alternative, these homemade snickers bars are for you.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
These homemade snickers bars are such a hit with my family and friends, and here’s why you’ll love them too:
- Vegan
- Gluten free
- Made with wholesome ingredients you probably have!
- Freezer friendly
Key Ingredients
Nougat Layer – To make these homemade snickers bars, it starts with a gluten free “nougat” layer made from oat flour, almond flour, peanut butter, maple syrup and coconut oil. So simple and honestly, delicious enough that you’ll want to just eat it out of the food processer all on its own.
Date Caramel – The vegan caramel is naturally sweetened with dates, coconut cream, and lots of crunchy peanuts. I’m a big fan of making caramel out of dates, and this version is just as sticky and chewy as the classic stuff you’re used to.
Chocolate Coating – Finally, I like to finish with a luscious layer of dark chocolate melted with a bit of coconut oil that hardens it into a beautiful shell.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: To a food processor, puree the oats, almond flour, peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and salt until smooth. Pack into the bottom of the loaf pan and freeze.
Step 2: Place dates, maple syrup and coconut cream in a sauce pot and simmer until bubbling.
Step 3: Transfer to the food processor and puree until very smooth.
Step 4: Mix with the peanuts and layer on top of the nougat layer. Transfer back to the freezer for 2 hours.
Step 5: Remove the parchment from the sides and cut into bars.
Step 6: Dip the bars into melted chocolate until fully coated. Refrigerate or freeze for 10 minutes.
Expert Tips
I make these homemade snickers bars full size, and then cut them into pieces, but feel free to use a Twinkie mold or a smaller pan to make more dainty bars. You can also simply cut them into smaller pieces before coating them in chocolate.
Either way, you’re going to want to make a triple batch. I even like to keep any leftovers in my freezer and let them thaw out for about 10 minutes before digging in. The freezer is a GREAT spot to keep treats like this so that you have to plan ahead (even just by 10 minutes), rather than just pounce on a hangry impulse when you need a little sweet somethin’ somethin’.
Recipe FAQs
These homemade snickers bars uses almond flour and oat flour, which don’t naturally contain gluten. If you have Celiac disease, use products labelled gluten free to avoid risks from cross-contamination.
You can store these in an air tight container in a cool dark place or the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks. You can also try freezing them in a freezer bag and they can last for up to a year.
You can totally omit the peanuts or try substituting sunflower or pumpkin seeds to add some texture, however it may alter the taste slightly.
You definitely can 😉 I totally think there’s a time and place for a classic Snickers bar, but it’s also fun to experiment with your own ingredients! Plus, there’s something super satisfying about recreating your favourite flavours in your own kitchen.
More Recipes You Might Like
If you loved these homemade snickers bars for Halloween, you’re going to love these recipes!
- Healthy Twix Bars (Vegan)
- Halloween Blood & Guts Chocolate Cups (Vegan)
- Healthy Halloween Dirt Cups (Vegan & Kid Friendly)
- Halloween Chocolate Mousse Graveyards
What’s your favourite Halloween candy? Have you tried these homemade snickers bars? Let me know down in the comments below!
Homemade Snickers Bars (Healthy Vegan Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
Nougat
- 1/3 cup gluten free oats pureed in the food processor to a flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
Date Caramel
- 2 cups medjool dates diced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3 tbsp coconut cream
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Coating:
- 150 g dark chocolate chopped
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper extending up both sides like wings.
- To a food processor, puree the oats, almond flour, peanut butter, coconut oil, maple and salt until smooth. Pack into the bottom of the loaf pan and freeze.
- Place the dates, maple and coconut cream in a sauce pot and simmer until bubbling. Transfer to the food processor and puree until very smooth. Mix with the peanuts and layer on top of the nougat layer. Transfer back to the freezer for 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, melt the chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave on 50% in 30 second intervals until smooth, stirring between each 30 seconds.
- Using a greased knife, carefully remove the parchment from the sides of the bars and cut into 12 bars.
- Prepare a baking sheet lined with a silpat.
- Dip the bars into the chocolate until fully coated and place on the silpat. Refrigerate or freeze for 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
I make these full size, and then cut them into piece. You can also use a Twinkie mold or a smaller pan to make smaller bars. You can also simply cut them into smaller pieces before coating them in chocolate. Freezing Instructions
Freeze in individual portions in a freezer bag and let thaw for 10 minutes before eating.
Nutrition
Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by the Ontario College of Dietitians. She is a mom, YouTuber, Blogger, award winning cookbook author, media coach specializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications like Healthline and on national broadcast TV shows.
Marlin says
Hi Abbey,
I hope you’re doing well! I was wondering if you could suggest an alternative to oats for this recipe. I really appreciate your help!
Lauren says
They taste so good! A mix between a Reese’s and a snickers!
Abbey Sharp says
So glad you like them!
Marlin says
Can I use gluten-free flour or coconut flour instead of oats?
Monica Martinez says
LOVED this recipe and it was super easy to make in my opinion. I’ve been trying to ease into becoming vegan mostly for health reasons and am soooo happy I can add this recipe to my list. They were absolutely delicious and even my boyfriend loved them! He’s been on the fence about vegan food being “fun” so this was a great step forward for us. Thank you for the recipe! ?
Abbey Sharp says
So happy to hear this!!!
Jesi says
These snickers bars are delicious! And so easy to prep. Love them!!
Abbey Sharp says
So glad you liked!
A m says
Can I ask if the calories are per bar or total?
Abbey Sharp says
per bar!
Carmen Szekely says
Looks delicious but what are the macros ? They seem to have a lot of fat with the almond flour, peanut butter and coconut oil. Dates are very sugary too. Healthy stuff but still packed with calories.
Abbey Sharp says
Hey Carmen, these bars are intended to eat in moderation. This recipe makes 12 bars and one serving (one bar) is 356 calories, 19 grams fat, 42 grams carbohydrate and 8 grams of protein.
Meg says
Love this! Do you think I could use the caramel and chocolate coating over a vegan shortbread to make Twix?????
Abbey Sharp says
I actually have a twix recipe as well: https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/vegan-twix-bars/ Enjoy!
Rachel says
You did it again. These look friggin DELICIOUS!!!
Abbey Sharp says
Thanks Rachel!
Mikki says
Oh my goodness! OK. I think I have all the ingredients for these.. and a perfect time of the month to eat them if you know what I mean. LOL! They look amazing.
Abbey Sharp says
right!
GiGi Eats says
No but seriously, you NAILED this recipe. Package your babies up and sell em at all the stores! Snickers won’t know what hit them 😉
Abbey Sharp says
haha I should!
Kelly says
This might just be the best looking snickers bar I’ve ever seen. Definitely the healthiest. Can’t wait to try!
Abbey Sharp says
aw thank you!
Deborah Brooks says
wow I bet those are delicious! Great alternative for a healthier treat. Saving for later!
Abbey Sharp says
Totally. Thanks Deborah