A delectable twist on a classic, this Vegan Snickers Recipe bar combines rich, dark chocolate, creamy nougat, and a luscious caramel layer sprinkled with crunchy roasted peanuts. Crafted entirely from plant-based ingredients, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies the sweet tooth while adhering to ethical dietary choices. Perfect for those seeking a compassionate alternative without compromising on taste.
WHY IT WORKS?
- The homemade caramel layer is crafted from natural sweeteners, offering a guilt-free sweetness.
- Crunchy, roasted peanuts add a satisfying texture contrast.
- Plant-based ingredients ensure it’s a treat everyone can enjoy, aligning with vegan and ethical eating standards.
- Simple, whole-food components make this snack not just delicious but also nourishing.
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Craving a sweet treat but finding options that align with a vegan lifestyle can be challenging. The quest for that perfect blend of chocolate, nougat, and caramel, paired with the crunch of peanuts, seems almost mythical.
Yet, as someone who’s navigated this culinary landscape, I’ve discovered a game-changer: a homemade Vegan Snickers recipe. This revelation isn’t just about indulging guilt-free; it’s a journey towards crafting delights that mirror our ethical choices.
By embarking on this recipe adventure, we’re satisfying our sweet tooth and embracing a compassionate lifestyle. The transformation of simple, plant-based ingredients into a decadent masterpiece is a testament to the creativity and possibilities within vegan cooking.
What Are Vegan Snickers?
Vegan Snickers is a plant-based version of the classic Snickers chocolate bar designed to cater to those following a vegan lifestyle. Unlike the traditional bar, which contains dairy and other animal-derived ingredients,
vegan Snickers are made with alternatives like dark chocolate, nut butter, and plant-based milk to create the nougat, caramel, and chocolate layers.
These ingredients are combined with peanuts to replicate the beloved crunchy, chewy, and sweet experience of a Snickers bar without compromising taste or texture, ensuring everyone can enjoy this iconic treat regardless of their dietary preferences.
Fact– Snickers, introduced in 1930, was named after the favorite horse of the Mars family, showcasing a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation in candy bar history.
Recipe Directions
Base
- In a food processor, blend peanuts until they form a light crumb. Add salt and Medjool dates, blending until completely combined.
- Line the base and sides of a 12 x 3½” or 8 x 8″ dish with parchment paper, creating a sling for easier removal. Press the mixture evenly into the base using a spatula.
Caramel
- Combine dates, rice milk, half a cup of peanut butter, salt, and vanilla extract in a high-speed blender. Blitz until smooth.
- Transfer the caramel to a bowl. Add the remaining half cup of peanut butter and stir well.
- Spread the caramel over the base. Add roasted peanuts and press them into the caramel. Freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Coating
- Remove the Snickers slab from the tray and cut it into bars. Freeze again while preparing the coating.
- Melt chocolate and coconut oil over a double boiler. Dip bars into chocolate, placing them on a parchment-lined cooling rack to set. For a thicker layer, dip twice.
Serving and Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature for an hour before serving.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Nut Varieties: Experiment with different nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts, as the base or topping to introduce varied flavors and textures.
- Protein-Packed: For a protein boost, incorporate a scoop of plant-based protein powder into the nougat layer or the caramel.
- Salted Caramel: For a popular salted caramel twist, increase the salt in the caramel layer, enhancing the sweet-savory contrast.
Add-Ons
- Superfoods: For added nutrition, sprinkle superfoods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds onto the caramel layer before freezing.
- Coffee Flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the caramel or chocolate coating for a mocha twist.
- Fruit Infusion: Add finely chopped dried fruits such as cherries, apricots, or figs to the caramel layer for a fruity flavor and chewy texture.
Toppings
- Drizzles: Once the chocolate sets, drizzle additional melted chocolate, peanut butter, or contrasting chocolate (white or dark) over the bars for an artistic finish.
- Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the chocolate coating can enhance the sweet flavors and add a crunchy texture.
- Edible Gold Leaf: After the final chocolate coating, apply small pieces of edible gold leaf to the top of the bars for a luxurious touch.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Sweet Potatoes: Pureed for a sweet, creamy base, mimicking the nougat layer.
- Avocado: Blended into the caramel layer for a rich, buttery texture.
- Zucchini: Finely grated and squeezed dry, zucchini can bulk up the nougat layer, adding moisture without a strong flavor.
- Pumpkin Puree: Used in the base for a subtle sweetness and moist texture.
- Carrots: Finely shredded and added to the caramel layer for a natural sweetness and crunch.
- Beets: Roasted and pureed for natural sweetness in the chocolate coating or caramel layer.
- Dates: Not a vegetable, but a vital natural sweetener in vegan desserts, perfect for the caramel and nougat layers.
Quick Tip– Soak your dates in warm water for 10 minutes before blending for a smoother caramel layer in your vegan treats. This softens them, ensuring a creamy texture.
Best Side Dishes
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream A classic pairing, the creaminess of the ice cream complements the crunchy and chewy texture of the Snickers.
- Fresh Berry Salad The acidity and freshness of the berries cut through the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel.
- Coconut Whipped Cream A dollop of light, fluffy coconut whipped cream adds a tropical twist.
- Espresso or Coffee The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the Snickers, making for a perfect pairing.
- Vegan Salted Caramel Sauce Drizzle extra caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Almond Milk Latte A warm, bubbly almond milk latte pairs wonderfully, especially if you enjoy the Snickers as a mid-morning snack.
- Chai Tea The spices in chai tea complement the nutty and chocolate flavors of the Snickers bar.
How To Serve?
- As Dessert: Serve chilled Vegan Snickers as a stand-alone sweet treat after a meal.
- Coffee Companion: Pair with hot coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
- Ice Cream Topping: Chop into small pieces and sprinkle over vegan ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Party Platter: Arrange neatly on a platter with other vegan desserts for gatherings.
- Gift Idea: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
- Snack Box Addition: Include in a homemade vegan snack box for a sweet surprise.
- With Fruit Salad: Serve with a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing dessert.
Quick Tip– To enhance the flavor of your vegan Snickers, toast the peanuts lightly before adding them. This step brings out a deeper, nuttier aroma and crunch.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Make Ahead: Prepare Vegan Snickers bars in advance for convenient snacking. The flavors meld beautifully when allowed to rest.
- Refrigeration: Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, maintaining their freshness and texture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars on a baking sheet before transferring them to a container. They last up to 2 months.
- Defrosting: Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for about an hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Batch Preparation: Double or triple the recipe for a ready supply of treats. Making large quantities doesn’t significantly increase preparation time.
- Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers for storage to prevent the bars from absorbing other flavors and odors from the fridge or freezer.
Fact– The original Snickers bar, created in 1930, was named after a horse owned by the Mars family. The vegan Snickers recipe transforms this classic, aligning it with modern ethical and dietary choices.
Time-Saving Tips
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients before starting. Having everything ready can significantly speed up the process.
- Soak Dates in Bulk: If you use dates often, soak a large batch in warm water, drain, and freeze them. This way, you’ll always have pre-soaked dates ready for recipes.
- Use a Food Processor: A food processor blends the ingredients smoothly and quickly for the base and caramel layers, saving time on manual mixing.
- Double the Recipe: Making a larger batch doesn’t add much more time but ensures you have plenty of bars for later, reducing the frequency of making them from scratch.
- Freeze for Quicker Setting: If you’re short on time, freezing the layers as you go can firm them up faster than chilling them in the refrigerator.
- Pre-Cut Parchment Paper: Keep pre-cut parchment paper that fits your tray or dish. This small prep step can save time when you’re ready to make the recipe.
- Melt Chocolate in the Microwave: Instead of using a double boiler, quickly melt chocolate with coconut oil in the microwave, using short bursts and stirring in between to avoid burning.
Mastering The Vegan Snickers Recipe – Secrets Only Chefs Know!
This Vegan Snickers recipe is a delightful twist on the classic candy bar, offering a guilt-free indulgence for those following a plant-based diet. It layers crunchy peanuts, rich caramel, and creamy nougat, all enrobed in silky dark chocolate. It’s a homemade treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
12
large bars20
minutes10
minutes280
kcal2
hoursKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients List
2 Cups (290 g) 2 Unsalted peanuts
10 10 Medjool dates (Base)
¼ Tsp ¼ Himalayan pink salt or sea salt (Base)
10 10 Medjool dates (Caramel)
½ Cup (118 ml) ½ Rice milk or other non-dairy milk
1 Cup (258 g) 1 Crunchy peanut butter (divided)
1 Tsp 1 Vanilla extract
½ Tsp ½ Himalayan pink salt or sea salt (Caramel)
1 Cup (146 g) 1 Roasted peanuts
9 Oz (255 g) 9 Vegan chocolate for coating
1 Tsp 1 Coconut oil, solid, for coating
Step-By-Step Directions
- Base Preparation
- Blend Peanuts: Use a food processor to blend 2 cups of unsalted peanuts until they reach a light crumb texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add ¼ teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt (or sea salt) and 10 pitted Medjool dates to the peanut crumbs. Blend until the mixture is completely combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line the base and sides of a 12 x 3½” or 8 x 8″ baking dish with parchment paper, creating a sling for easy removal later. Press the peanut-date mixture evenly into the base of the dish with a spatula.
- Caramel Layer
- Blend for Caramel: In a high-speed blender, combine 10 pitted Medjool dates, ½ cups of rice milk (or other non-dairy milk), ½ cup of crunchy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt. Blitz until the mixture is smooth.
- Mix in Peanut Butter: Transfer the caramel to a bowl. Add the remaining ½ cup of crunchy peanut butter and stir well.
- Assemble Layer: Spread the caramel mixture over the prepared base. Scatter 1 cup of roasted peanuts on top, pressing them gently into the caramel. Freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.
- Chocolate Coating
- Prepare Bars: Remove the Snickers slab from the freezer and cut it into 18 miniature bars or 12 large bars. Place the bars back in the freezer while you prepare the coating.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt 9 oz of vegan chocolate with 1 teaspoon coconut oil over a double boiler.
- Coat Bars: Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, and place on a cooling rack lined with parchment paper. Once the first coating has set, dip each bar a second time for a thicker chocolate shell.
- Serving and Storage
- Store: Place the coated bars in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to one week or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Serve: Defrost bars at room temperature for an hour before serving. Enjoy your homemade Vegan Snickers as a delicious treat!
- Equipment List
- Food Processor
- High-Speed Blender
- Baking Dish (12 x 3½” or 8 x 8″)
- Parchment Paper
- Spatula
- Double Boiler
- Cooling Rack
- Knife
- Airtight Container
Notes
- Peanut Substitutions: Almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts can replace peanuts for variety.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Reduce or increase the number of dates based on preferred sweetness.
- Freezing Time: Longer freezing ensures firmer layers for easier chocolate coating.
- Double Boiler Alternative: Melt chocolate with coconut oil in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
- Storage: Keeping bars in the freezer extends their shelf life, perfect for make-ahead treats.
- Serving Suggestion: Allow bars to sit at room temperature briefly for a softer texture before serving.
- Customization: Experiment with different toppings like sea salt or drizzled peanut butter for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Vegan Snickers Without A Food Processor?
Yes, you can still make Vegan Snickers without a food processor. You can manually chop the peanuts as finely as possible for the base and mix them with the dates and salt using a strong fork or a potato masher. It might require more effort, but it’s doable. Consider using a strong blender or finely mashing the dates and vigorously mixing them with the other ingredients for the caramel layer.
How Do I Store Vegan Snickers, And How Long Do They Last?
Vegan Snickers should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Refrigerator: They can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them; they can last up to 2 months. Defrosting: Allow them to defrost at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Are Vegan Snickers Healthy?
Vegan Snickers are a healthier alternative to traditional Snickers bars, made with natural, plant-based ingredients. They contain no refined sugars (if using dates) and offer good fats from nuts and dietary fiber. However, like any treat, they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can I Use Another Type Of Nut Instead Of Peanuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts can be substituted for peanuts in the base and the topping. Each nut has a unique flavor and nutritional profile, allowing you to customize the recipe.
How Can I Make The Chocolate Coating More Interesting?
To elevate the chocolate coating, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of crushed nuts to the chocolate before it sets. Another option is to mix a small amount of cinnamon or chili powder into the melted chocolate for a subtle spice kick. For a decorative touch, drizzle melted white vegan chocolate over the bars once the dark chocolate coating has set for a stylish contrast.
