Homemade Protein Snickers Bars (Paleo, Vegan)

These homemade protein snickers bars are paleo, vegan and secretly healthy.  This snickers recipe consists of an almond-protein nougat, a layer of dairy free caramel topped with chopped almonds and an extra dark chocolate coating.  This is the best paleo candy bar recipe - the perfect replacement for a conventional snickers.

A homemade snickers bar that is high in protein, paleo AND vegan?!  Yes, dreams do come true 😉

I'm telling you...these homemade protein snickers bars are a Halloween MUST.

This healthy candy bar recipe has it all...

• Paleo & Vegan
• dairy free
• gluten free and grain free
• high in protein
• no bake
• peanut free
• no refined sugar or hydrogenated oils

And not only that, but this gluten free snickers actually tastes good.  Sweet, but not too sweet, indulgent yet healthy.

This healthy candy bar recipe is the perfect replacement for a conventional Snickers bar.

Homemade Protein Snickers Bars

So, what exactly makes this paleo Halloween treat healthy?

These snickers are a candy bar with actual nutritional value.  They are made with whole food ingredients that are: gluten free, grain free, refined sugar free and free of hydrogenated oils.  (Unlike your conventional variety.)

This recipe consists of three inner layers and a dark chocolate coating:

• raw nougat layer composed of almond butter and protein powder
• simple, dairy free caramel layer made from coconut cream and maple syrup
• chopped almonds
• extra dark chocolate coating

Let's dive into the specifics...

Ingredients in Homemade Protein Snickers Bars

Here's what you will need to make these protein snickers bars:

• almond butter (unsalted, unsweetened)
• protein powder (I used pea protein)
• coconut cream
• water
• maple syrup
• vanilla extract
• salt
• dark chocolate

And that's it!  Only 8 simple ingredients (6 if you don't include things like water and salt).

Almond Butter

For these homemade protein snickers, I used a no-stir almond butter that was unsalted and unsweetened.  Any type of almond butter or nut butter will work, but depending on it's consistency you may need to adjust the quantity of water.  A super runny almond butter will most likely require less water than this recipe calls for.

Also, if your almond butter is salted, I recommend omitting the salt from the nougat layer.

Protein Powder

I used my favorite pea protein (from Nuzest) to make the homemade snickers nougat. 

Nuzest's pea protein is clean, healthy and made from high quality golden European peas.  Not only do I like the flavor and texture of this Paleo protein powder, but I also like that it is tested for safe microbial activity, allergenic substances and heavy metals.  In addition, it is certified gluten free and GMO free.

Any flavor of protein powder works for this recipe.  I used Nuzest's "Just Natural" but the vanilla flavor would be another great option.  You can use my affiliate coupon code "bakeitpaleo" for a discount on any Nuzest purchase.

I have not tested any other brand of protein powder, but most should work as a replacement.

Coconut Cream

Coconut cream is necessary for making the caramel layer of these dairy free candy bars.  I do not have a substitute for this ingredient.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is my sweetener of choice for this recipe and is used in both the nougat and the caramel.  Any liquid sweetener can be used in place of the maple syrup in the nougat.  However, I have not tested the caramel with anything other than maple syrup and do not recommend a substitution for this.

How to make Protein Snickers Bars

Although these snickers bars look hard to make, I promise they're not.  The "hardest" part is the homemade caramel, but if I can do it, you can do it!  You do not need a candy thermometer and I've made it a number of times without fail.

Make the Nougat

First, make the raw nougat.  In a medium-sized bowl, combine the almond butter, pea protein, maple syrup and salt.  Mix to the best of your ability, then add the water one tablespoon at a time.  Depending on the consistency of the almond butter and protein powder you use, you may need more or less water.

When mixing, first use a spatula, then use your hands to knead the dough.  You'll know you have enough water when the nougat layer is holding together (not crumbly) and has a play dough-like texture.

Firmly press the nougat layer into a lined 8" x 4" baking pan.  I recommend lining the pan with parchment paper and pinning down the sides with a couple clips.

Make the Caramel

Next, make the simple Paleo caramel.  Place all ingredients for the caramel in a small sauce pan.  Set the pan on the stove top and turn the heat to medium-high.  Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring every so often. 

Boil for 6-7 minutes, stirring constantly with a spatula.  While stirring, use the spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan so that the caramel doesn't burn.

After 6-7 minutes of boiling, the mixture should have browned and slightly thickened.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for 4 minutes, stirring every so often.  When done, the caramel will be golden brown and thick.  When you dip the spatula into the caramel and pull it up, the solution should slowly drip off.

Cool the caramel for 5 minutes, then pour it onto the nougat layer.  Spread it out over the entire nougat layer.

Add the Chopped Almonds

Next, measure ¼ cup almonds and chop them using a large knife.  Sprinkle the almonds over the entire caramel layer.

Freeze the Candy Bar

Place the candy bars in the freezer overnight, or for at least 2 hours.  This allows the caramel to fully set so that it can be cut into bars.

Coat the Snickers in Chocolate

Next, melt the dark chocolate.  Place the chocolate in a small sauce pan and melt on the stove top, over low heat.  If the chocolate you're using is too thick, add a teaspoon or two of coconut oil.  This will make the melted chocolate runnier and easier to work with when dipping the bars.

Once fully melted, remove the chocolate from the heat and grab the snickers bars from the freezer.  Cut the bars into 8 equal pieces.

Dip each bar into the melted chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking pan to set.

Since the bars were frozen, the chocolate should set quickly, but you can also put them in the fridge or freezer to make sure the chocolate fully hardens.

Storage

Because these homemade snickers candy bars do not have any preservatives, they must be stored in the fridge or freezer.

Place them in an airtight container or bag and keep in the fridge up to two weeks or the freezer for up to two months.

More Healthy Candy Bar Recipes

• Healthy Homemade Twix Bars
• Homemade Mounds Bars
• 100 Grand Candy Bars
• Healthy Kit Kats

Enjoy!

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