Clean(er) Snickers Bites

Gluten-Free • Dairy-Free • Refined Sugar-Free

Craving something sweet, salty, chocolatey, and satisfying? These homemade Snickers-inspired bars check all the boxes with a soft almond flour “nougat,” creamy peanut butter caramel, crunchy salted peanuts, and a rich chocolate topping.

This recipe is one of Team Turnpaugh member Linden’s favorites! She keeps a batch in her freezer so she has an easy sweet treat ready whenever the craving hits.

While these bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and made without refined sugar, they still feel every bit like dessert.

Ingredients

Nougat Layer

• 1 ¼ cups blanched almond flour
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Peanut Butter Caramel

• ¼ cup all-natural creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

For a thicker caramel layer, use ⅓ cup peanut butter.

Peanut Layer

• ⅓ cup roasted and salted peanut halves

Chocolate Topping

• ¼ cup cacao or cocoa powder
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• ¼ cup maple syrup, at room temperature
• Flaky sea salt, to taste

Optional: Carob powder can be substituted for cacao or cocoa powder. Just keep in mind that carob has a naturally sweeter flavor.

Instructions

1. Prepare your pan. Line a freezer-safe dish with parchment paper. A roughly 6-by-6-inch dish will create thicker bars, while a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan will create thinner bars.

   Linden’s tip: Use binder clips or bag clips to hold the parchment paper in place while you build your layers!

2. Make the nougat. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and sea salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the nougat mixture to your prepared pan and press it firmly and evenly across the bottom. Place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the next layer.
4. Make the peanut butter caramel. In the same bowl, stir together the peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture over the chilled nougat and spread it evenly with a spatula.
5. Add the crunch. Sprinkle the peanut halves evenly over the caramel layer. Gently press the peanuts into the caramel with your hands, then return the pan to the freezer.
6. Make the chocolate topping. In the same bowl, whisk together the cacao powder, melted coconut oil, and room-temperature maple syrup until smooth and pourable. Using maple syrup straight from the refrigerator can cause the coconut oil to firm up, so room temperature works best.
7. Remove the pan from the freezer and pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.
8. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This step is technically optional—but highly recommended!
9. Freeze until firm. Return the pan to the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until completely set.
10. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into small bites or bars of your desired size.

How to Store

Keep your Snickers bars in an airtight container in the freezer. Enjoy them straight from the freezer for a firmer bite, or let one sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a softer, chewier texture.

They’re perfect for keeping on hand when you want a little something sweet without reaching for a traditional candy bar.

A Turnpaugh Kitchen Note

“Refined sugar-free” doesn’t mean sugar-free—these bars are naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Think of them as a homemade alternative made with simple, recognizable ingredients and plenty of satisfying flavor.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not a substitute for a conversation with a qualified healthcare provider. Individual health needs vary. If you have questions about your health, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our providers.