Vegan Snickers Bars are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy! These bars capture the classic flavors of Snickers but in a healthier, plant-based version. Perfect for parties, snacks, or just a sweet craving, this recipe is easy to make with only a few key ingredients. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up these delicious bars that are both vegan and gluten-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just four main ingredients, you can have these Vegan Snickers Bars ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel—perfect for kids and adults alike!
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome foods like dates and almond flour, these bars satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or energy boost before a workout.
- No Baking Required: Simply mix and chill; there’s no need to turn on the oven!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing Vegan Snickers Bars easier. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Microwave or double boiler
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Essential for blending the dates into a creamy caramel-like texture.
- Loaf pan: Creates the perfect shape for your bars; ensures even chilling.
- Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal of the bars once they’re set; prevents sticking.
Ingredients
Vegan Snickers Bars are made with healthy ingredients like dates, almond flour, peanuts, and vegan dark chocolate. This recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, ensuring that everyone can enjoy it!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup medjool dates (soaked in hot water)
– 3 tbsp peanut butter
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1.5 cups almond flour
– 1.5 tbsp date caramel
– 4 tbsp peanut butter
– 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
– 1.5 cups dark chocolate chips
– 2-3 tsp coconut oil
How to Make Vegan Snickers Bars
Step 1: Soak the Dates
To start, remove the pit from the dates and soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes. The goal is to make them super soft so they blend well.
Step 2: Blend Date Mixture
After soaking, drain the water from the dates. Add the soaked dates to your food processor along with the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Blend for about 3-5 minutes until you achieve a smooth paste resembling caramel.
Step 3: Prepare the Crust Dough
Remove the date caramel from the food processor. Next, add in almond flour, 1.5 tbsp of date caramel, and peanut butter. Blend again until you get a crumbly dough that holds its shape when pressed.
Step 4: Form the Base
Add this crust mixture to your prepared loaf pan. Firmly press down using a spatula until it’s even across the bottom with no gaps around the edges.
Step 5: Add Date Caramel Layer
Pour your date caramel over the crust and spread it evenly. Top with roasted peanuts and press them gently into the caramel layer.
Step 6: Freeze Until Set
Place your loaf pan in the freezer for about 60-90 minutes to allow it to harden completely. Overnight is also an option if you want to prepare ahead.
Step 7: Melt Chocolate Coating
Melt dark chocolate chips in either a microwave or double boiler with coconut oil until smooth. If using a microwave, melt in intervals of 30 seconds while stirring frequently.
Step 8: Cut into Bars
Once set, remove your bars from the freezer using parchment paper edges. Place on a cutting board and cut into equal-sized bars.
Step 9: Dip in Chocolate
Quickly dip each bar into melted chocolate coating fully then place back on parchment-lined board.
Step 10: Final Chill
Return dipped bars to freezer for another 10-15 minutes until completely hardened before enjoying!
Now you have delicious Vegan Snickers Bars ready for any occasion!
How to Serve Vegan Snickers Bars
Vegan Snickers Bars can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether serving them at a party or just indulging at home, these bars are versatile and satisfying.
As a Dessert
- Offer these bars as a sweet ending to any meal. Their rich flavor provides a perfect finish.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair Vegan Snickers Bars with your favorite hot beverage. The chocolate and peanuts complement the warmth of coffee or tea wonderfully.
In Lunchboxes
- Slice them into smaller pieces for a nutritious treat in lunchboxes. They make a great snack for both kids and adults.
For Special Occasions
- Use these bars as a dessert option for birthday parties or family gatherings. They are sure to impress guests with their unique flavor and texture.
As Post-Workout Fuel
- Enjoy a bar after your workout for a quick energy boost. The dates and peanuts provide carbohydrates and protein to help with recovery.
How to Perfect Vegan Snickers Bars
Making the perfect Vegan Snickers Bars is easy with a few helpful tips.
Use Fresh Dates: Ensure your medjool dates are fresh and soft for the best texture in your bars.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter bars, add more date caramel to the mixture before pressing it into the pan.
Chill Thoroughly: Let the bars chill in the freezer long enough. This helps set the layers and makes cutting easier.
Melt Chocolate Carefully: When melting chocolate, do it slowly to prevent burning. Stir frequently for smooth results.
Experiment with Toppings: Try adding shredded coconut or different nuts on top of the date caramel for extra flavor and crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Snickers Bars
These Vegan Snickers Bars pair well with several side dishes, enhancing your dessert experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness to balance the richness of the bars.
Nut Butter Dip: Serve with almond or peanut butter as an extra dip for added creaminess.
Coconut Yogurt: A dollop of coconut yogurt offers creaminess that complements the crunchy texture of the bars.
Chia Seed Pudding: This nutrient-rich pudding can be made ahead of time and serves as an excellent contrast in texture.
Trail Mix: A bowl of trail mix provides an added crunch and variety, making it perfect alongside these sweet treats.
Herbal Tea: Pairing them with herbal tea can enhance flavors while providing a soothing finish to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Vegan Snickers Bars can be fun, but avoiding common mistakes ensures the best results.
- Using dry dates: Always soak your medjool dates in hot water. This makes them easier to blend into a smooth caramel texture.
- Not pressing the crust firmly enough: Ensure you press the crust tightly into the pan. A well-formed base holds the bars together better.
- Skipping the coconut oil: When melting chocolate, include coconut oil for a smooth and silky finish. This prevents the chocolate from seizing up.
- Cutting bars too soon: Allow the bars to harden fully in the freezer before cutting. This prevents them from falling apart during slicing.
- Overheating chocolate: Melt chocolate gradually, either in a microwave or double boiler. Overheating can ruin its texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Vegan Snickers Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to three months for best quality.
Reheating Vegan Snickers Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until just warm.
- Microwave: Heat each bar in 10-15 second intervals. Be careful not to melt them completely.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Vegan Snickers Bars.
What are Vegan Snickers Bars made of?
Vegan Snickers Bars are made from medjool dates, almond flour, peanut butter, and dark chocolate, creating a delicious and healthy treat.
Can I customize my Vegan Snickers Bars?
Absolutely! You can swap out peanuts for other nuts or add dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
How long do Vegan Snickers Bars last?
When stored properly, these bars can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Are Vegan Snickers Bars gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe uses almond flour, making it naturally gluten-free while still being deliciously satisfying.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Snickers Bars are not only simple to make but also offer a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love. Feel free to customize them with different nuts or add-ins. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a heartwarming treat!
Vegan Snickers Bars
Indulge in the joy of Vegan Snickers Bars, a healthy twist on the classic candy bar that everyone will love! These delectable treats combine the rich flavors of chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet date caramel, all while being gluten-free and made with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, these bars require no baking and can be whipped up in just minutes. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert or an energizing snack, Vegan Snickers Bars are versatile enough to serve at parties or enjoy as a post-workout boost. Get ready to create a delightful experience for your taste buds with this easy and simple recipe!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Makes about 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates (soaked in hot water)
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups almond flour
- 4 tbsp peanut butter (for layering)
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1.5 cups dark chocolate chips
- 2-3 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Soak the medjool dates in hot water for about 10 minutes until soft.
- Drain and blend dates with peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix almond flour, date caramel, and additional peanut butter until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into a loaf pan to form the base.
- Spread the date caramel over the crust and top with roasted peanuts.
- Freeze for 60-90 minutes to set.
- Melt dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave or double boiler.
- Cut set bars into pieces and dip each into melted chocolate.
- Return dipped bars to freeze for another 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
