If you love Snickers bars and crave dense, fudgy brownies, this Snickers Brownies recipe is your ultimate dessert dream come true! These brownies combine layers of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter caramel nougat, and roasted peanuts, all topped with a glossy dark chocolate coating. With every bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors—just like a Snickers bar, but even better! Perfect for parties, bake sales, or a well-deserved treat for yourself, these brownies are absolutely irresistible.
Why You Will Love Snickers Brownies
These Snickers Brownies are packed with flavor and texture, making them an unforgettable dessert:
- Fudgy and rich: The brownie base is perfectly dense and chocolatey.
- Snickers-inspired layers: A creamy peanut butter caramel nougat with crunchy peanuts adds Snickers magic.
- Simple but impressive: They look bakery-worthy but are surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredient Notes for Snickers Brownies
Here’s everything you need to make these indulgent Snickers Brownies:
For the Brownie Batter:
- Bittersweet Chocolate (4 oz / 113g): Use high-quality chocolate (70% cocoa) for deep, rich flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons / 84g): Adds richness and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Provide structure and help create a fudgy texture.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup / 150g): Sweetens and balances the bitterness of the chocolate.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
- Salt (heaped ¼ teaspoon): A touch of salt intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (⅓ cup / 50g): Keeps the brownies dense and fudgy.
- Cocoa Powder (2 tablespoons / 12g): Adds a boost of chocolate flavor.
For the Nougat Layer:
- Salted Caramel Sauce (⅓ cup / 80ml): A rich, sweet base for the nougat layer. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought caramel.
- Peanut Butter (½ cup / 120ml): Smooth peanut butter adds creaminess and pairs perfectly with the caramel.
- Peanuts (½ cup / 60g, roasted): Add a satisfying crunch and salty contrast to the sweetness.
For the Chocolate Topping:
- Dark Chocolate (3 oz / 85g, finely chopped): Creates the perfect glossy top layer. Use at least 60-70% cocoa for a deep flavor.
- Coconut Oil (1 teaspoon / 5ml): Adds shine and helps the chocolate set with a smooth texture.
Substitution Tip: You can swap the dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter topping, or use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for extra texture.
Kitchen Equipment Needed For Snickers Brownies
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Electric hand mixer (optional)
- Wire cooling rack
- Sharp knife for slicing
How to Make Snickers Brownies
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
- In a saucepan over very low heat, combine the bittersweet chocolate and butter. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power in short bursts, stirring frequently.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened. Use an electric mixer for a fluffier texture.
- Stir in the warm melted chocolate mixture until smooth.
- Sift together the flour and cocoa powder, then sprinkle over the chocolate mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter until just combined—do not overmix.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft but no longer jiggly.
- Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the brownies cool completely.
3. Make the Nougat Layer
- In a medium bowl, combine the salted caramel sauce, peanut butter, and roasted peanuts. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Spread the nougat layer evenly over the cooled brownies. The mixture will be thick, so use a spatula to spread it gently.
4. Make the Chocolate Topping
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in short 20-30 second bursts, stirring until smooth and glossy. Alternatively, melt in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the nougat layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Chill and Serve
- Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate topping to set completely.
- Once set, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife (warmed under hot water and dried) to cut into 16 squares.
- Serve and enjoy the decadent layers of chocolate, caramel, and peanuts!
Serving and Storage Tips For Snickers Brownies
- Serving: Serve these brownies at room temperature or slightly chilled for the perfect texture. Pair with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for ultimate indulgence.
- Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- Freezing: These brownies freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
Variations and Substitutions For Snickers Brownies
- Nutty Swap: Use chopped almonds or cashews instead of peanuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Extra Caramel: Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce on top of the chocolate layer before it sets.
- Milk Chocolate Topping: Swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter topping.
Helpful Notes
- Cutting Tip: For clean slices, use a sharp knife heated under hot water, then wiped dry. Repeat between cuts.
- Don’t Overbake: The brownies should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven to keep them fudgy.
- Layer Consistency: Chill the nougat layer for 10 minutes before adding the chocolate topping to ensure smooth, even layers.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Claire Saffitz: Always use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor in brownies and toppings.
- Ina Garten: Let your brownies cool completely before adding layers to prevent the nougat from melting.
- Martha Stewart: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a gourmet touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought brownie mix?
Yes! Prepare the mix according to package instructions and follow the recipe for the nougat and topping layers.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
You can use vegetable oil or butter to thin the chocolate for the topping.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges will look set, and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and nutty flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Snickers Brownies are the ultimate treat for chocolate and caramel lovers. With their rich, fudgy base, creamy peanut butter caramel nougat, and glossy chocolate topping, they’ll be a hit at any gathering. Easy to make yet stunning to serve, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whip up a batch and savor every decadent bite!
If you love brownies, check out these recipes!
- Muddy Buddy Brownies: A delightful combination of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies: A zesty dessert delight that combines the tanginess of lemon with the richness of cream cheese.