Vegan Snickers Bar Recipe (gluten free)

Healthy eating is important, but sometimes you just want a little treat to take the edge off. Is it possible to still eat healthy while treating yourself? You bet. Homemade candy bars are a simple way to indulge yourself while controlling the artificial ingredients and preservatives found in so many packaged foods.

Are healthy candy bars really worth all the work involved? Absolutely. In fact this vegan Snickers bar is gluten free, has seven ingredients, and only requires 20 minutes of hands-on effort (not counting the time it takes it in the freezer. Patience, people). You can also adjust the ingredients depending on nut allergies. Your body will appreciate the fact that it is made with real food, and your taste buds will do a happy dance.

As with a standard Snickers bar, you will make this vegan Snickers bar in layers.

For the caramel layer, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup dates, pitted and packed tightly into the measuring cup (Medjool dates are best)
2 tablespoons peanut butter (or any other nut butter you desire)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Maca Powder (optional, but it does add extra caramel flavor to the finished candy bars)

To make the nougat, you will need the following:

2/3 cup oat flour
1/4 cup of the caramel layer made above

For the outside layers, gather the following:

1/3 cup peanuts (or almonds or cashews if you are so inclined)
4 ounces vegan chocolate (any kind works depending on whether or not you care about keeping the bars free of refined sugar)

First, place the dates in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Soak them for ten minutes. Drain well so they are moist but not dripping. Place them in a food processor along with the peanut butter, vanilla, salt, and Maca powder. Process the ingredients, scraping the sides of the container as needed, until you have a thick, smooth consistency.

Remove the caramel from the food processor. Without cleaning the bowl, add the oat flour and 1/4 cup of the caramel you just made. This will be used to make the nougat. Process until mixed well. The dough will be slightly sticky and hold together when rolled into a ball.

Line a bread pan with parchment paper and press the nougat into the bottom of the pan, making sure that it is packed firmly and evenly. Spread the caramel over the top, and then sprinkle the nuts on top. Lightly press the nuts into the caramel. Freeze for 60 to 90 minutes until firm.

Before taking the bars out of the freezer, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30 second intervals. Working quickly, remove the bars from the freezer. Use a sharp knife to cut the bar into candy bars size pieces (fun size or regular size; you decide). Place a bar into the chocolate and use two forks to dip and roll the bar until it is completely coated in chocolate. Place the bar on a parchment-paper lined tray. Continue until all the bars have been coated, remelting the chocolate as needed. Refrigerator the bars for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.

These Snickers bars can be served and/or stored at room temperature, or they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For longer storage, they can also be kept in the freezer for up to a month (although you may want to thaw them for a few minutes before eating).

And that’s it! Seven simple ingredients, so special equipment, and a little bit of time is all it takes to make your own gluten-free, vegan Snickers bars. Enjoy!

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