Outrageous Snickers Brownies Recipe

If you’re a fan of the classic Snickers bar, then you’re in for an absolute treat with these outrageous Snickers brownies! This dessert is a multi-layered masterpiece, combining fudgy brownies, gooey caramel, marshmallow nougat, crunchy peanuts, and a smooth chocolate topping. Each bite is a delicious overload of flavors and textures, mimicking the magic of biting into a Snickers bar but in brownie form. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just as a decadent treat to keep around the house, these brownies are bound to be a hit with everyone!

These brownies have become my go-to dessert for family get-togethers, and let me tell you, they never last long! I once brought a batch to a friend’s BBQ, and within minutes, they were gone—no exaggeration. The layers make each bite an adventure, and the combination of chewy, gooey, and crunchy keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! With a few shortcuts like pre-made brownie mix and caramel bits, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to get bakery-level results.

So let’s dive in and make this dessert of dreams! I’ll walk you through every step, from creating each luscious layer to topping it off with melted chocolate. Let’s get started!

this RECIPE

A quick history of Snickers (and why it inspired this recipe!)

Did you know the Snickers bar was actually named after a horse? It’s true! Back in the 1930s, the Mars family created this iconic candy bar and named it after their family horse, Snickers. The bar quickly became popular, loved for its combination of chocolate, caramel, nougat, and peanuts. This particular mix of ingredients has remained consistent for nearly a century because, let’s be honest, it’s hard to improve on perfection!

When it came time to translate these iconic flavors into brownie form, I knew the goal was to keep the elements that make Snickers so special while creating a treat that feels homemade. This recipe does exactly that—it brings together the beloved ingredients of a Snickers bar in a brownie format that’s perfect for sharing.

Ingredients breakdown: why each one is essential

Brownie base

This recipe starts with a classic, easy-to-make brownie base. I used a boxed mix for simplicity, but feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe if you prefer! Just make sure it’s baked in a 9×9-inch pan and cooled before you start adding layers. The fudgy brownie layer creates a strong base that holds all the gooey layers to come.

Marshmallow fluff

Marshmallow fluff is key to creating the light and fluffy nougat layer that mimics a Snickers bar. It’s sweet, sticky, and super easy to work with. If you can’t find marshmallow fluff, melted mini marshmallows will work too. Just be prepared for a bit more mess!

Caramel bits or caramels

Using pre-made caramel bits makes this step a breeze! You just need to melt them with a splash of milk or cream to create a smooth caramel layer. Caramel adds that signature chewiness and sweetness that ties this dessert together. If you can’t find caramel bits, unwrapped caramels work fine too.

Peanuts

Adding a layer of salted peanuts brings in the perfect amount of crunch and a hint of salt that balances the sweetness of the other layers. You can use any type of peanut here—salted, dry-roasted, or unsalted if you want to keep the salt level down. Feel free to swap in other nuts like almonds or cashews if that’s what you have on hand!

Chocolate chips and peanut butter

The final layer is a mixture of melted chocolate chips and peanut butter, which solidifies into a smooth, rich chocolate topping. I like to mix milk and dark chocolate chips for depth of flavor, and the peanut butter helps make it spreadable and adds a subtle nuttiness. You could also use almond butter if that’s your preference!

Essential kitchen tools for this recipe

You don’t need anything fancy to make these Snickers brownies, but here are a few tools that will make the process easier:

• 9×9-inch baking pan: This size is perfect for creating nice, thick brownies that hold up to the layers.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for spreading the nougat and caramel layers smoothly across the brownies.
• Microwave-safe bowls: You’ll be melting caramel and chocolate, so microwave-safe bowls are a must.
• Hand mixer (optional): This makes mixing the marshmallow fluff and peanut butter easier, but a spoon and some muscle will also do the trick!
• Sharp knife: When it’s time to cut, a sharp knife (run under warm water and dried for clean cuts) will give you those picture-perfect brownie squares.

Step-by-step: how to make outrageous Snickers brownies

Step 1: Prepare your brownie base

Start by baking the brownies according to the package instructions in a 9×9-inch pan. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely. This step is key; if the brownies are warm, the layers won’t set as well, and everything could get a bit messy.

Step 2: Create the nougat layer

In a medium bowl, mix the marshmallow fluff with the peanut butter. If the fluff is being a bit stubborn to stir, microwave the mixture for 10-15 seconds to soften it. This makes spreading it over the brownies much easier. Once smooth, spread the nougat mixture in an even layer over the cooled brownies.

Step 3: Add the caramel layer

In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and a tablespoon of milk or cream. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then heat for another 30 seconds if needed until melted and smooth. Pour the caramel over the nougat layer and spread it evenly. Work quickly here, as caramel can set fast!

Step 4: Sprinkle the peanuts

Immediately sprinkle a layer of peanuts over the caramel, pressing them down just slightly so they stick. This adds a wonderful crunch and a hint of saltiness that balances out the sweetness.

Step 5: Finish with the chocolate layer

Finally, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Pour this mixture over the peanuts and spread it evenly to cover. Now, all that’s left is to let the layers set! You can refrigerate the brownies for faster setting, but room temperature works fine too.

Step 6: Cut and enjoy!

Once everything has set, use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares. For the cleanest cuts, run the knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice.

Variations and adaptations for every craving

1. Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free brownie mix as your base, and double-check that the other ingredients (like caramel bits and marshmallow fluff) are gluten-free.
2. Nut-free version: If you have a nut allergy, try using pretzels instead of peanuts for a salty crunch! Just make sure to use a nut-free chocolate spread instead of peanut butter in the topping.
3. Dairy-free: Replace the milk or cream in the caramel layer with a dairy-free milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallow fluff.
4. Extra chocolatey: For true chocoholics, add a layer of mini chocolate chips or chocolate chunks to the nougat layer for a double dose of chocolate.
5. Seasonal twists: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salted caramel version, or throw in some chopped holiday candies for a festive touch!

How to serve your outrageous Snickers brownies

Serve these brownies at room temperature for the perfect texture. For presentation, sprinkle a few extra peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. These brownies are already indulgent on their own, but if you want to go all out, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on the side.

Beverage pairings

To balance the richness of these brownies, I recommend pairing them with:

1. Iced coffee or cold brew: The slight bitterness of coffee works wonders against the sweetness of the dessert.
2. Milkshakes: A peanut butter or chocolate milkshake complements the flavors in the brownies beautifully.
3. Cold milk: Sometimes, the simplest choice is the best. Cold milk cuts through the sweetness and makes each bite even more satisfying.
4. Iced chai latte: The spices in chai add a nice contrast and keep things interesting without overwhelming the palate.

Storage and reheating tips

Store these Snickers brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For an extra gooey experience, pop a brownie square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before eating.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. You might need to extend the cooling and setting times slightly to accommodate the larger surface area.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use homemade brownies for the base?
Absolutely! Any brownie recipe will work; just make sure it’s baked in a 9×9 pan for the right thickness.

2. What’s a good substitute for marshmallow fluff?
Melted mini marshmallows can work in a pinch. Just microwave them in short bursts and stir until smooth.

3. How do I make sure my caramel doesn’t harden too quickly?
Adding a splash of milk or cream helps keep the caramel softer and easier to spread.

4. Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep for about 2 months.

5. What’s the best way to cut these brownies cleanly?
Run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and slice. Wipe the blade between each cut for neat edges.

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