Snickers Brownie Bars Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy peanuts, you are going to adore this Snickers Brownie Bars Recipe. It takes classic brownies to an entirely new level by layering them with marshmallow crème, creamy peanut butter, soft caramel, and a crisp nut topping, all finished with a luscious melted chocolate glaze. This dessert captures the essence of a Snickers bar but in one big, shareable pan—ideal for parties, potlucks, or just spoiling yourself. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your absolute favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s wonderful about the Snickers Brownie Bars Recipe is how simple yet essential every ingredient is to achieve those perfect layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the fudgy brownie base to the creamy peanut butter nougat and the luscious caramel topping.

• 18-oz box brownie mix: The fudgy foundation that keeps these bars moist and chocolatey with minimal fuss.
• Marshmallow crème (7 oz): Adds a fluffy, sweet texture that pairs perfectly with peanut butter for the nougat layer.
• Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): Brings that authentic nutty flavor and smooth richness to the bars.
• Vanilla caramels (11 oz, about 40 pieces): Melted into a silky caramel topping that delivers the irresistible gooey sweetness.
• Heavy cream (1 tablespoon): Helps melt the caramels into a smooth, spreadable glaze.
• Dry roasted peanuts (1 cup, chopped): Adds crunch and saltiness that balance the sweetness in every bite.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The decadent finishing touch, melted and spread to seal in all those yum layers.

How to Make Snickers Brownie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Start by mixing your brownie batter according to the instructions on the box. You can absolutely use your favorite homemade brownie recipe, as long as it fits into a 9×13-inch pan. This will be the decadent, chocolatey base that supports all the amazing layers on top, so make sure the batter is well mixed for even baking.

Step 2: Bake and Cool the Brownies

Line your 9×13-inch pan with foil and spray it with nonstick spray for easy removal later. Spread the brownie batter evenly across the pan and bake as directed, usually until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, cooling is crucial—allow the brownies to rest for an hour or two so the layers you add won’t melt or slide off.

Step 3: Make the Nougat Layer

Using a mixer or your hands, combine the marshmallow crème and creamy peanut butter until smooth and evenly mixed. This dreamy nougat mixture will spread over the cooled brownies, creating a fluffy, nutty layer that’s reminiscent of a classic Snickers bar filling. I find spreading it by hand works best—you get better control and it feels oddly satisfying!

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Topping

Unwrap your vanilla caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with the tablespoon of heavy cream. Microwave for one minute and then stir. Continue microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring each time until the caramel is perfectly melted and silky smooth. This step is crucial to create that luscious caramel layer that oozes just the right amount of sweetness and stickiness.

Step 5: Add the Caramel Layer

Drizzle the warm caramel evenly over the peanut butter nougat layer, then quickly spread it out with a rubber spatula before it hardens. You need to move swiftly here to achieve a smooth caramel top that will set nicely but still give a satisfying gooeyness in every bite.

Step 6: Press the Chopped Peanuts

Generously sprinkle the chopped dry roasted peanuts over the caramel and gently press them in with your hands. This adds a beautiful crunch and the perfect salty contrast to the sweet layers below, bringing in that trademark Snickers flavor that you know and love.

Step 7: Melt and Spread the Chocolate Chips

Scatter your semi-sweet chocolate chips over the peanut layer. Set your oven broiler to high and carefully place the pan on the highest rack just a few minutes under the heat. Watch very closely—as soon as the chocolate chips visibly melt, remove the pan and spread the chocolate with a rubber spatula for a smooth, glossy finish. If the chocolate isn’t soft enough, you can pop it back under the broiler for another minute. For a quicker method, melting the chocolate in the microwave works just as well.

Step 8: Chill and Set

Allow the chocolate topping to cool and harden. For faster results, place the pan in the refrigerator or freezer, but you can also just let it come to room temperature. This will set the chocolate so the bars can be sliced cleanly without the layers slipping apart.

Step 9: Cut and Serve

Lift the entire slab out of the pan using the foil edges and place it on a cutting board. Cut into 16 equally sized bars for the perfect indulgent snack or dessert portions. These bars keep well at room temperature but are best served alongside a cold glass of milk for dunking!

How to Serve Snickers Brownie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

While these bars are showstoppers all on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate can jazz them up for special occasions. Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the top before the chocolate sets for a gourmet twist that enhances all the sweet and salty flavors.

Side Dishes

Snickers Brownie Bars pair beautifully with simple sides like vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries to balance the richness. A scoop of whipped cream can also add a light, fluffy contrast to the dense and chewy texture of the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with alternating mini Snickers bars for a fun theme. Or stack them in a dessert trifle with layers of whipped cream and chopped nuts for a show-stopping party treat everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Snickers Brownie Bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days without losing any of their wonderful texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.

Reheating

Warm your bars gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you like your caramel and chocolate gooier, but be careful not to overheat or the layers can become too soft and messy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownies for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade brownies work perfectly as long as they fit neatly into a 9×13-inch pan and bake to a fudgy, moist texture. This will make your Snickers Brownie Bars even more personal and delicious.

Is there a way to make these bars nut-free?

You could skip the chopped peanuts and replace the peanut butter with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative. Just be mindful this will change the classic Snickers flavor profile.

Can I prepare these bars in advance for a party?

Yes! These bars actually taste even better after the flavors have melded for a few hours or overnight. Just store them covered at room temperature or in the fridge and cut them right before serving.

What’s the best way to melt the caramels smoothly?

Microwaving the caramels with a little heavy cream in short intervals while stirring often ensures a smooth, lump-free caramel topping that spreads easily over the nougat layer.

Can I substitute chocolate chips with chocolate chunks or bars?

Definitely! Chocolate chunks or chopped chocolate bars will melt nicely too, giving you a more rustic and rich chocolate layer. Just be sure to watch the broiler carefully as chunks might take a bit longer to melt.

Final Thoughts

This Snickers Brownie Bars Recipe is pure magic in every bite. From the chewy brownies to the creamy nougat and luscious caramel, all topped with crisp nuts and melted chocolate, it’s a dessert that brings pure joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these bars will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe box. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!

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