Candy Bars at Home

 

If you are a child of the 70’s and 80’s then you remember the commercials for Snickers where they talked about chocolate, caramel, peanuts and NOUGAT. What? Nougat? What in the heck is that….Well, it has only taken me 30 years to go figure it out. Really, it is nothing more than butter, sugar, peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. Sorry that am bursting your nougat bubble but it is so stinking easy to make that you might just have a candy renaissance! Nougat your brains out! Instead of peanuts…use almonds, cashews, pistachios. You are the boss of your own nougat and ultimately your candy bar.

Now it is time for me to share my recipe for homemade Snicker Bars. My hubby just asked me, “why in the world would you make homemade Snickers when you could just buy one.” Well, because I can! Check out this delicious recipe. My only tip is to place the pan in the refrigerator between layers for them to fully set!

Easy Snicker Bars

Bottom layer:
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter

Nougat layer:
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 large container marshmallow fluff
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla or vanilla paste
1 cup chopped salted peanuts (you can use almonds, cashews, etc.)

Caramel layer:
1 package Caramel Bits (11 ounce)
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Top layer:
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter

Assembly:

Line a rectangle 9×13 pan with parchment paper. Then spray well with nonstick cooking spray.

Bottom Layer: Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir and then continue microwaving for 30 additional seconds until smooth. Using an offset spatula spread the chocolate over the bottom of the pan. Place in the refrigerator to setup for 20 minutes.

Nougat Layer: In a medium sized stock pot over medium heat melt the butter, sugar and evaporated milk. Cook till bubbly for 5 minutes. Stirring occasionally. Add in the marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, and vanilla. Stir till it is all thoroughly combined. Fold in the nuts. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Pour over the top of the chilled chocolate layer. Bang the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Return to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.

Caramel Layer: In a medium sized stock pot melt together the caramel and whipping cream till smooth. Pour over the chilled nougat layer. Spread to cover completely. Bang again on the counter. Return to the refrigerator to set.

Top Layer: In a microwave safe bowl, melt together the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Pour over the caramel layer. Spread to cover completely and then return to the refrigerator to set up. Allow to chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

To serve: Simply cut into squares and serve!