Low-Carb Snickers Bars

A guilt-free, keto-friendly twist on the classic candy bar, these homemade Low-Carb Snickers Bars capture all the flavor of the original with none of the sugar rush. With a creamy peanut butter base, rich chocolate topping, and crunchy peanuts, this treat satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping your carb count low.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Low-Carb Snickers Bars are perfect for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or sugar-free diet who still craves something sweet. They require no baking and come together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate creates that classic candy bar experience without the processed ingredients or sugar overload. Plus, they’re easy to customize based on your preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsweetened peanut butter forms the base of these bars, providing healthy fats and that signature nutty flavor that makes Snickers so irresistible. Choose a natural version without added sugar for the best low-carb results.

Coconut flour helps bind the peanut butter layer and adds structure while keeping the carb count minimal. This fiber-rich flour absorbs more liquid than regular flour, which is why we only need a small amount.

Swerve sweetener (or alternative sweeteners) brings sweetness without the sugar. Feel free to substitute with your preferred sugar-free sweetener like erythritol, monk fruit, or allulose, adjusting to taste.

Sugar-free chocolate chips melt beautifully to create that classic chocolate coating. Look for versions sweetened with stevia or erythritol to maintain the low-carb profile.

Chopped salted peanuts add that essential crunch and slight saltiness that balances the sweetness. They’re reminiscent of the peanuts in traditional Snickers bars.

Coconut oil helps the chocolate layer set properly and gives it a smooth, glossy finish. It also adds a subtle hint of coconut flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes that pair perfectly with chocolate and peanut butter.

Directions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut flour, and sweetener, mixing until well-combined.
2. Line a small loaf pan with parchment paper and press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom.
3. Freeze the pan for 15-20 minutes to set.
4. In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth.
5. Remove the pan from the freezer and pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer.
6. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top.
7. Freeze for 1-2 hours until set. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 servings, with each bar containing approximately 170 calories. The prep time is minimal at just 10 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes of cooking time (for melting the chocolate). Including freezing time, the total time required is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, though most of that is hands-off waiting time while the bars set in the freezer.

Variations

Almond Butter Bars: Substitute almond butter for peanut butter for a different nutty flavor profile.

Coconut Crunch: Add unsweetened shredded coconut to the peanut butter layer or sprinkle on top with the peanuts.

Caramel Layer: For a more authentic Snickers experience, add a layer of sugar-free caramel sauce between the peanut butter and chocolate layers.

Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use sugar-free dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Protein Boost: Add a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the peanut butter mixture for added protein.

Sea Salt Topping: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a sweet-salty contrast.

Storage/Reheating

These Low-Carb Snickers Bars should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where they’ll keep fresh for up to 1 week. Due to the coconut oil in the chocolate layer, they can soften at room temperature, especially in warmer climates.

For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before eating, or enjoy straight from the freezer for a more firm texture.

These bars are meant to be enjoyed cold and don’t require reheating. In fact, heating would cause them to melt and lose their structure.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of coconut flour?

Coconut flour has unique absorbent properties, making it difficult to substitute with regular flour. If you don’t have coconut flour, almond flour could work as an alternative, though you’d need approximately 3-4 times the amount due to its different absorbency level.

How can I make these bars truly sugar-free?

Ensure all ingredients are sugar-free, particularly the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Some commercial peanut butters contain added sugars, so read labels carefully. Use 100% sugar-free chocolate chips sweetened with approved sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.

My bars are too soft. What went wrong?

The texture depends largely on temperature. If your bars are too soft, they likely need more time in the freezer. Additionally, check that you used the correct amount of coconut flour, as it helps firm up the peanut butter layer.

Can I add a caramel layer to make these more like traditional Snickers?

Absolutely! You can create a sugar-free caramel layer using ingredients like butter, heavy cream, and a low-carb sweetener. Add this between the peanut butter and chocolate layers for an authentic Snickers experience.

Are these bars suitable for a keto diet?

Yes, these bars are keto-friendly due to their low carb count and high fat content from the peanut butter and coconut oil. Just verify that your specific brands of ingredients align with your keto macros.

Can I use natural peanut butter, or should I use a specific type?

Natural peanut butter works perfectly in this recipe. In fact, it’s preferred since it typically doesn’t contain added sugars. Just make sure to stir it well before measuring if it has separated.

How many carbs are in each bar?

While the exact carb count depends on the specific brands you use, each bar contains approximately 4-6g net carbs, making them suitable for most low-carb diets.

Can I make these nut-free?

For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter and use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts. Be aware that sunflower seed butter can sometimes turn green when mixed with baking soda, though this doesn’t affect the taste.

Why did my chocolate layer crack when I cut the bars?

Chocolate can crack if it’s too cold when cut. Let the bars sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before slicing, and use a sharp knife warmed under hot water (then dried) for cleaner cuts.

How can I reduce the calories in this recipe?

To reduce calories, you could make smaller portions, use a lighter version of peanut butter if available, or reduce the chocolate layer thickness. However, these modifications may affect the authentic Snickers bar experience.

Conclusion

These Low-Carb Snickers Bars offer a delicious way to enjoy a classic candy bar flavor while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and crunchy peanuts creates a satisfying treat that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Perfect for meal prep, these bars can be made in advance and stored for whenever a sweet craving strikes. Whether you’re following a specific diet or just looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought candy, this simple no-bake recipe is sure to become a regular in your dessert rotation.

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