Doc loves snickers bars. This recipe for homemade snickers bars puts the store bought kind to shame and is so easy to make that your kids can get in on the fun. There are 4 layers but don’t let that intimidate you. Each layer takes less than 10 minutes to make! Three of the layers are made in the microwave and one layer is prepared on the stove. With your assistance, your children can help measure ingredients, stir, and unwrap the caramels. Make sure they lick the bowl!

Snickers Bars- 32 bars

Layer 1: Bottom Chocolate Layer
1-1/4 cups milk chocolate chips

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Layer 2: Nougat Layer
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup evaporated milk

1-1/2 cups marshmallow fluff

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1-1/2 cups salted peanuts, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Layer 3: Caramel Layer
14 ounces caramels, unwrapped

1/4 cup whipping cream

Layer 4: Top Chocolate Layer
1-1/4 cups milk chocolate chips

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Line bottom of 9 X 13 pan with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper lightly with non-stick spray. Reserve.

Bottom Chocolate Layer: Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in the microwave on 50% power. Cook, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth and melted. Pour into 9 X 13 pan and, using a spatula, smooth into an even layer. Refrigerate until completely hard, about 30 minutes.

Nougat Layer: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar and evaporated milk. Stir until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and add marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until completely smooth. Add peanuts and stir to distribute evenly. Pour over bottom chocolate layer and, using a spatula, smooth into an even layer. Refrigerate until completely cold, about 30 minutes.

Caramel Layer: Unwrap caramels and place in a microwave safe bowl. Add whipping cream. Microwave on high power for 3 to 3 ½ minutes or until caramels are completely melted, stirring after every minute. Pour caramel over the nougat layer and, using a spatula, smooth into an even layer. Refrigerate until completely cool, about 30 minutes.

Chocolate Layer: Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in the microwave on 50% power. Cook, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth and melted. Pour over caramel layer and smooth into an even layer. Refrigerate until completely cold and hard, 30 to 60 minutes.

Cut bars into 32 pieces. Store in the refrigerator.

Published in The News And Neighbor on February 9, 2013