Healthy Homemade Snickers Bars (No-Bake Recipe)

Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with Dates.

Craving a Snickers bar but want something healthier? These homemade Snickers bars are the perfect guilt-free alternative! Made with a chewy date and cocoa base, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich dark chocolate topping, they’re naturally sweetened and packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack, a healthy dessert, or a treat to meal prep for the week, these no-bake bars deliver all the satisfaction of the classic candy bar without the refined sugar or artificial ingredients. Best of all, they come together in just 10 minutes of active prep time and require only 8 simple ingredients. Store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick grab-and-go treat that the whole family will love!

Healthy Homemade Snickers Bars (No-Bake Recipe)

Author: Hajar Jarari @balanced_treats Cooking Method:No-Bake Food Processor Cuisine:American Healthy Fusion Courses:Dessert Snack

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesChill Time: 30 minutesTotal time: 40 minutesServings:16 squaresEstimated Cost:12 $Calories:89 kcal Best Season:Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Description

These healthy homemade Snickers bars taste just like the real thing but are made with wholesome ingredients like dates, peanut butter, and dark chocolate. No refined sugar, no baking required—just pure chocolatey, peanut buttery bliss in every bite!

Ingredients

Base:

• 120g soft pitted dates (about 2 cups or 4.2 oz; Medjool dates work best)
• 40g oat flour (about ½ cup or 1.4 oz; can make your own by blending oats)
• 10g unsweetened raw cocoa powder (about 2 tablespoons or 0.35 oz)
• 25ml water (about 2 tablespoons or 0.85 fl oz)
• 1 pinch vanilla extract (or ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract)

Filling:

• 100g natural peanut butter (about ½ cup or 3.5 oz; use creamy, no added sugar)
• 21g honey (about 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon or 0.74 oz; substitute with maple syrup for vegan)
• 1 pinch salt (to taste)

Topping:

• 50g sugar-free dark chocolate (about ⅓ cup chopped or 1.76 oz; 70% cacao or higher recommended)
• RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Instructions

Prepare the Base

1. Add the soft pitted dates, oat flour, cocoa powder, water, and vanilla to a food processor. Pulse and blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture comes together into a sticky, dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together when pressed.

Press Into Pan

2. Line a 7×7-inch (18×18 cm) square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Transfer the date mixture to the pan and press it down firmly and evenly using your hands or the back of a spoon. Make sure the base is compact and smooth.

Make the Peanut Butter Layer

3. In a small bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the chocolate date base using a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Add Chocolate Topping

4. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave (heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each). Once melted and smooth, pour the chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it covers the entire surface.

Chill and Set

5. Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the bars to set completely. This helps them hold their shape when cutting.

Slice and Serve

6. Remove the pan from the freezer and lift out the bars using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices.

Store

7. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Enjoy straight from the fridge or let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes for a softer texture.

Video

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Notes:

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Dates: If your dates are hard or dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain before using.
• Oat Flour: You can make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor until fine. Alternatively, use almond flour for a grain-free option.
• Peanut Butter: Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work great as alternatives.
• Honey: Substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version.
• Chocolate: Use any dark chocolate you prefer. For a sweeter version, use chocolate chips with slightly higher sugar content.

Tips for Success:

• Use soft, fresh dates (Medjool are ideal) for the best texture.
• Make sure to press the base firmly so it holds together well.
• For easier slicing, let the bars sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes after removing from the freezer.
• These bars taste even better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld together.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Store for up to 3 months. No need to thaw—they’re delicious eaten frozen!

FAQs:

Q: Can I make these bars nut-free? A: Yes! Replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: Do I need to use a food processor? A: A food processor works best for achieving a smooth, sticky base. However, if you don’t have one, you can finely chop the dates and mix everything by hand—just make sure the mixture is well combined and holds together.

Q: Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of raw cocoa powder? A: Absolutely! Regular unsweetened cocoa powder works perfectly fine. Raw cocoa powder has slightly more antioxidants, but both will give you great flavor.

Q: Why are my bars falling apart? A: This usually happens if the dates aren’t sticky enough or if the base wasn’t pressed firmly. Make sure your dates are soft (soak them if needed) and really compact the base layer.

Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe? A: Yes! Chopped peanuts or almonds can be mixed into the peanut butter layer or sprinkled on top of the chocolate for extra crunch, just like a real Snickers bar.

Q: How do I make these bars sweeter? A: Add an extra tablespoon of honey to the peanut butter layer, or use a sweeter chocolate (60-70% cacao instead of 85%).

Q: Are these bars kid-friendly? A: Definitely! Kids love these because they taste like candy bars. They’re also a great way to sneak in healthy ingredients like dates and fiber.

Q: Can I use a different pan size? A: Yes, but keep in mind it will change the thickness of your bars. A larger pan will make thinner bars, while a smaller pan will make thicker bars. Adjust chill time accordingly.

Q: Do these need to stay refrigerated? A: Yes, they hold their shape best when kept cold. They’ll soften at room temperature, which is fine if you prefer a softer texture, but they may get messy.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and follow the same instructions. You’ll have 32 squares instead of 16.

Summary:

These healthy homemade Snickers bars are a no-bake treat that rivals the classic candy bar. With a rich chocolate-date base, creamy peanut butter center, and dark chocolate topping, they’re naturally sweetened and ready in just 40 minutes. Perfect for meal prep, these squares are packed with fiber, protein, and wholesome ingredients—making them an ideal guilt-free snack or dessert!