Crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey—these no-bake bars pack all the flavor of a Snickers with none of the baking hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No oven required

• Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

• Great for lunchboxes, potlucks, or anytime snacking

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

• 1 cup peanuts, roughly chopped

• 1/4 cup butter

• 3 cups rice cereal

• 1 cup caramel sauce

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Kcal: 320 per bar

Directions

Step 1: Mix Cereal and Peanuts

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice cereal and chopped peanuts.

Step 2: Melt Wet Ingredients

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, peanut butter, and caramel sauce together in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Pour the melted caramel mixture over the rice cereal and peanuts. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Press into Pan

Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Topping

Melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Pour over the cereal mixture and spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Chill

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once set, cut into 12 bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture

• Swap caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a deeper flavor

• Add a layer of nougat for a more authentic Snickers vibe

• Top with a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too runny, or the bars may not hold together as well.

How long do these bars keep?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to a month.

Can I make them nut-free?
Absolutely! Use sunflower seed butter and omit the peanuts, or substitute with crispy pretzels or seeds for crunch.

Do I have to chill them for the full 2 hours?
For clean cuts and solid texture, yes—but if you’re in a rush, 1 hour in the freezer can help speed things up.

Final Thoughts

These No Bake Crispy Snickers Bars are a satisfying homemade alternative to candy bars—rich, chewy, and super easy to whip up. Keep a batch on hand for sweet cravings or share with friends for instant smiles.