These Gluten-Free Vegan Snickers bars are an easy and healthy recipe made with only 7 clean, real food ingredients. They're the perfect plant-based healthy candy bar treat you can enjoy guilt-free!
Here's Why This Recipe Works
My top 3 favorite reasons:
- Healthy Candy Bar Makeover Recipe - Just like my Healthy Peanut Butter Cups recipe, this is another healthy plant-based recipe makeover you'll love!
- Homemade Caramel - I used my famous Homemade Caramel Sauce for the middle layer!
- Made With Clean, Real Food Ingredients - Ingredients such as oats, dates, peanut butter, Medjool dates, coconut oil, pure vanilla extract, peanuts, allergy-free chocolate chips, and Himalayan pink salt.
It's a much, much better alternative than the original store-bought candy bar:
S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) Snickers* Candy Bar Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavor), Peanuts, Corn Syrup, Sugar, Milkfat, Skim Milk, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Lactose, Salt, Egg Whites, Chocolate, Artificial Flavor, May Contain Almonds.
*SNICKERS® Brand®/™ SNICKERS and the SNICKERS Parallelogram and are registered trademarks of Mars, Inc. ©Mars, Incorporated
My healthier plant-based version is raw, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, no-bake, soy-free and contains no refined sugars.
Karielyn's Expert Tips + Ingredient Substitutions
Here are some of my expert tips to make this recipe perfectly:
Coconut Oil. If you don't like the taste or flavor of coconut oil, use organic refined coconut oil which has zero coconut taste or flavor.
Peanuts. I used organic dry roasted peanuts, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Chocolate Chips. Since the chocolate chips will be melted to make the chocolate coating, you can use either mini chocolate chips or the standard-size - just measure out (1) cup.
Himalayan Pink Salt. This is my salt of preference, however, you can always use sea salt.
Storage. They will need to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve because they will get soft and lose their shape if left out at room temperature.
Serving Size. This recipe will make (6) full-size candy bars. However, you can also cut the full-size candy bars into (12) mini-bars if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Recipe Vegan?
Did you know the original Snickers candy bar is not vegan? It contains milk, milkfat, and egg whites making it non-vegan.
My healthier recipe is 100% vegan and gluten-free.
Want More Healthy Plant-Based No-Bake Dessert Recipes?
Check out these:
- Chocolate Crunch Bars
- Pomegranate and Dried Blueberry Chocolate Bark
- Dark Chocolate Cups with Pistachios and Goji Berries
- or my CLEAN DESSERTS Cookbook with 72 plant-based no-bake dessert recipes made with clean, real food ingredients just like this one that you will love!
Did You Make This Recipe?
I'd love to hear about it! Please give it a rating and leave a comment below...it would make my day! 🙂
Gluten-Free Vegan Snickers Bars
Ingredients
For the nougat layer:
- 1 cup organic gluten-free quick rolled oats
- ½ cup organic Medjool dates (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons organic peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon organic pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
For the caramel layer:
- 1 cup organic Medjool dates (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons organic peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon organic pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
For the peanut layer:
- ½ cup organic peanuts
For the chocolate coating:
- 1 cup Enjoy Life semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare both a 9 x 5 loaf pan and cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and set aside.
Prepare the nougat layer:
- Add all ingredients for the nougat layer to a food processor and process until the dates are broken down into small pieces and the oats are as fine as possible.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly on the bottom of the pan.
- Place an extra piece of parchment paper on top of the nougat mixture and press it down very tight and compact, then set aside.
Prepare the caramel layer:
- Add all ingredients for the caramel layer to a food processor and process until the dates are broken down into small pieces and everything is well combined, taking care to not overprocess.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly over the top of the nougat layer.
Prepare the peanut layer:
- Sprinkle the peanuts for the peanut layer evenly over the top of the caramel layer and gently pat them down so they are slightly embedded into the caramel layer.
- Place the loaf pan in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the bars are firm.
Prepare the chocolate coating:
- After the bars have firmed in the freezer, add all ingredients for the chocolate coating to a small saucepan and melt on lowest heat, stirring until it is completely melted and smooth, taking care to not let it burn, then set aside.
Assembly:
- Remove the loaf pan from the freezer and cut into 6 full-size bars or 12 mini bars.
- Dip each bar into the chocolate coating until the bar is completely covered on all sides; using a fork to slip them over and to allow the excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place the bars onto the prepared cookie sheet and return to the freezer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens.
- Store in an air-tight BPA-free container in the freezer or refrigerator until ready to serve because the bars will get soft and lose their shape if left out at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
Copyright Notice
The instructions, notes, and photographs for this recipe by Karielyn Tillman of The Healthy Family and Home™ website are copyrighted material. This copyrighted work is protected and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 International License and the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) and cannot be legally used without my written permission.
Ragi says
I made this the other day, gave a piece to my boyfriend to try without telling him what he was, and he was like "what is this, it tastes like snickers" haha success!! Thank you so much for this recipe, i've got your goji berry cheescake in the freezer now and can't wait to try em later! 🙂
Karielyn says
Hi there Ragi! I love it! I'm so glad to hear that he liked them and you got the thumbs up lol!
Thanks so much for trying out my recipes and for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed them...I really appreciate it 😉
Holly says
Oh my gosh!!! I did not believe that the date filling could taste like caramel, but I was soooo wrong. These are amazingly delicious! Thank you for these! The only thing I did different is place the bottoms in the freezer to set them up before putting the filling on and they turned out beautifully.
Thanks again for an amazing recipe!
Karielyn says
Hi Holly! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed them! They are a nice treat that you can enjoy guilt-free because they are made with clean ingredients.
Thank you for trying out the recipe and for taking the time to let me know you liked them 😉
Keri says
WARNING...these will only last for about 5 minutes after frozen! Oh my goodness! Here is another fantastic recipe! My family ate these within minutes (even with a cold headache). You are amazing! Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of your goodies with us. I know it takes so much time to make everything from scratch... & you are creating & sharing it all with us...that's a lot of time. It's much appreciated!!
I used almonds & almond butter & they were great!
Thanks again!!! Blessings!
Karielyn says
Hi Keri! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed them and that your family liked them too! And, I bet the almond combo was really good!
Thanks so much for your kind comments, I really appreciate it 😉
Nadine says
Made them, they are so good! Look my insta gram page for the picture. And other lovely recipes!
Karielyn says
Hi Nadine! Thanks so much for trying out my recipe and for sharing it...I'm so happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
Brittany says
These were amazing, just added it to my "blog this" bookmark folder to make again (:
Karielyn says
Hi Brittany! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed them! Thanks for trying out the recipe and for letting me know how much you liked them 🙂
Anna-Lynn says
Thanks Karielyn--these were a HUGE hit, I'm trying your peanut butter cups next for my husband. He just devoured the "snickers" ones. I get so excited when I find healthy versions of his favorite treats and he actually LOVES them...so your recipes are kind of a big deal to me. 🙂 I can't thank you enough. I have to tell you, he asked where I got the chocolate and I told them I made it, that it was part of the recipe, and he was SUPER impressed. His actual words were "WOW...that's some good chocolate." Since our daughter was born 10 months ago, he's really been trying to eat healthier and I love that I can treat him now and then and it's STILL HEALTHY!!!
THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO! 🙂
Karielyn says
Hi Anna-Lynn! First, thanks so much for taking the time to let me know that your family enjoyed them, it really means a lot to me!
Second, I am so glad to be able to share healthier treats, snacks and meals with others. It is those same recipes that help keep me on track and away from processed, toxic, gmo-ingredient filled foods that are not good.
And believe me, I know...a husband-approved recipe is a BIG deal!! lol So I'm especially happy to be able to help out in that area.
Even though both my husband and myself were raised on the S.A.D. diet, it was much easier for me than him to walk away from the bad foods. We isn't always a big fan of everything I make (because he's so used to eating the unhealthy version), but when he does like something, it just makes my day.
Just like it did when I read your comment! That's what motivates me to do what I do.
Thanks again for trying out the recipe and I hope you find many more that you will like just as much 😉
Josh Brancek says
Wow, these were so delicious!!! Will definitely make another batch for my lady!!!
Thanks Karielyn
Karielyn says
Hi Josh! Thanks, I'm glad you found the recipe and hope she will enjoy them as much as you did!
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Anna-Lynn says
How many does this recipe make as is? I'm making them for friends and not sure if I should double everything???? Thanks!
Karielyn says
Hi Anna-Lynn! Using a 9 x 5 loaf pan, this recipe will make (6) full-size candy bars. You can also make mini-size candy bars by cutting the full-size bars in half which would give you (12) mini's.
Thanks for the question and I hope you enjoy the recipe!
tara says
hey! these sound delicious! however, can i substitute regular salt instead of the the pink himalyan one?
Karielyn says
Hi Tara! Yes, you can definitely substitute with regular salt or even sea salt.
Himalayan pink salt is just my salt of preference, but it can always be substituted in any of my recipes.
Thanks for the question and I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Jamie says
OMG!!!! I just made these and they are soooooo good. I've never worked with dates before so I was absolutely shocked that the caramel layer literally tasted like caramel. Awesome recipe!
Karielyn says
Hi Jamie! I am so happy that you liked them! Isn't it amazing how versatile dates are? They are a lifesaver as a natural sweetener in raw snacks and desserts.
Thanks for trying out the recipe and leaving me feedback...I really appreciate it 😉
Christa says
I just made them, they are in the fridge and I am waiting right now. Used coconut blossom sugar in the caramel. I think they will be delicious, even the separate parts where amazing, I had a little sneaky taste while preparing. Thanks for this recipe!
Karielyn says
Hi Christa! I'm excited that you made them! You have to tell me though, what is coconut blossom sugar? Is it liquid or granular? I'd love to know more!
I hope you enjoy them when they are ready (if they don't get hard in the fridge, just put them in the freezer...it won't take long).
I appreciate your feedback and thanks for visiting 🙂
Christa says
It is the first time I used the coconut (blossom) sugar. I heard it has a very low GI and it seems to be the best choice in natural sweeteners.
I just put them in the freezer. Will let you know what the result looks and tastes like... thanks again
Karielyn says
Thanks for the info...I will definitely check it out 😉
Christa says
They really do taste great! thanks again for the recipe... will definitely be making these more often.
Karielyn says
Hi Christa! I'm so glad you made them and enjoyed them!
Thanks for leaving feedback...I really appreciate it 😉
Samantha Hall says
Oh goodness.. I'm not sure if finding this post was a good thing or a bad thing yet LOL. These look so tasty!
I agree with Livvy-- I may just eat the whole batch before my hubby gets home!
Karielyn says
Hi Samantha! Probably a lot of good and a little bad...but only if you eat them in moderation lol!
I hope you like them if you try them out 🙂
Silvana says
Do you think these would work/keep shape if i poured into a muffin cup instead of cutting into a bar?
Karielyn says
Hi Silvana! Yes, you could definitely do that and I would suggest using standard-size silicone muffin cups so they can be removed easily.
Just equally divide the nougat layer between the number of muffin cups you will be using, then equally divide the caramel mixture, then equally divide the peanut topping.
Then, divide the melted chocolate between the muffin cups using a spoon to pour it over the peanut layer.
Place them in the freezer just as you would the loaf pan for the same amount of time.
Great question and thanks for stopping by 🙂
Emily Benson says
Loved these!!! So fun and easy to make!
Karielyn says
Hi Emily! Thanks for trying out the recipe and for letting me know you liked it! 🙂
Simply called "food" says
It really look good for Easter!
Karielyn says
Hi there! Yes, it would be a nice treat to make and are pretty quick and easy to make too.
Thanks for visiting and I hope you try them out 🙂
Tabatha says
Okay, total yum!! I made these and my mouth is watering. Will definitely make again!
Karielyn says
Hi Tabatha! Thank you...so glad to hear you liked them! 🙂
Livvy says
These were SO GOOD!!!!!!! I'm afraid I'll eat 'em all at once! LOL!
Karielyn says
Hi Livvy! The only thing saving me from eating them all at once is they have to be stored in the freezer...out of sight out of mind! 🙂