Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a deliciously indulgent treat without any guilt, you are going to absolutely adore this Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars Recipe. Combining the creaminess of cashew and coconut-based ice cream with a rich peanut butter caramel, crunchy roasted peanuts, and a smooth, glossy chocolate coating, this recipe captures all the flavors you crave in a classic Snickers—just entirely plant-based and irresistibly creamy. Whether you’re entertaining friends or need a fun weekend project, these homemade bars are surprisingly simple to make and will quickly become your new favorite vegan dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each one bringing its unique texture, richness, or depth of flavor. From creamy cashews to natural sweeteners, these elements work together to create a perfectly balanced and satisfyingly indulgent treat.

• Cashews (1 cup): Soaked cashews give the ice cream its ultra creamy texture and mildly nutty flavor.
• Chilled coconut milk (400ml can): Adds rich, tropical creaminess essential for the ice cream base.
• Pure maple syrup (½ cup + ½ cup): Natural sweetness that blends perfectly with nut butters and balances flavors.
• Peanut butter (2 tablespoons + 1 cup): Provides that iconic Snickers peanut flavor, from smooth ice cream swirls to luscious caramel and crunchy layers.
• Vanilla bean paste (½ teaspoon): Infuses a fragrant vanilla note that gives depth and rounds out the ice cream.
• Vanilla soy yogurt (¼ cup): Adds a subtle tang and creaminess; can be replaced with plain soy or coconut yogurt.
• Maca powder (1 tablespoon, optional): Gives a subtle caramel-like earthiness and extra nutrition to the caramel layer.
• Plant-based milk (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve the perfect caramel texture.
• Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the rich flavors.
• Roasted peanuts (1 cup): Crunchy saltiness mimics the classic Snickers texture and offers wonderful contrast.
• Vegan-friendly chocolate (300g): To coat the bars, providing a glossy, irresistible finish.

How to Make Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Cashews

Begin by soaking 1 cup of cashews to get them soft and creamy enough to blend into a luxurious ice cream base. Depending on your schedule, soaking can be done overnight or in hot water for at least 2 hours for the best texture.

Step 2: Blend the Ice Cream Base

Add your soaked cashews, chilled coconut milk, ½ cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, vanilla bean paste, and the soy yogurt into a high-speed blender. Blend everything until you get a perfectly smooth and creamy mixture that will soon freeze into the luscious ice cream layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Tin

Line an 11″x7″ or 8″x8″ baking tin (make sure it has at least 2-inch high sides) with parchment paper. This will make it easy to lift the ice cream bars out later without any fuss.

Step 4: Pour and Freeze the Ice Cream

Pour the creamy ice cream mixture into the prepared tin. Tap it gently on your countertop to remove any air pockets for that extra silky texture. Place the tin in the freezer and let it set for about 2 hours until firm.

Step 5: Make the Peanut Caramel

While the ice cream sets, whisk together the peanut butter, remaining ½ cup maple syrup, maca powder if using, plant-based milk, and sea salt in a bowl. Ensure you achieve a smooth, lump-free caramel to spread later.

Step 6: Layer the Caramel

Once the ice cream is firm, take it out of the freezer and spread the freshly made peanut caramel evenly over the surface using a spatula. This layer adds that signature Snickers gooeyness.

Step 7: Add the Roasted Peanuts

Scatter the roasted peanuts evenly over the caramel, then gently press them into the caramel so they stick well and create a crunchy, salty topping.

Step 8: Freeze Again

Put the tin back into the freezer for at least another 2 hours, or overnight if you want perfectly set bars ready to coat in chocolate.

Step 9: Cut the Bars

After the final freeze, lift the ice cream slab out using the parchment paper and place it on a chopping board. Cut carefully into 12 equal bars, preparing them for their decadent chocolate coating.

Step 10: Prepare for Chocolate Dipping

Return the cut bars to the freezer. The colder they are, the better the chocolate will set quickly during dipping.

Step 11: Melt the Chocolate

Gently melt the vegan-friendly chocolate using a double boiler method. Make sure not to overheat it; smooth melted chocolate is key to perfect coverage.

Step 12: Dip and Coat

Place the frozen bars on parchment paper. Using a fork, lift each bar and dip it into the melted chocolate. Spoon extra chocolate on top and sides to coat thoroughly.

Step 13: Sprinkle and Set

Finish each bar with a light sprinkle of sea salt to highlight all the sweet and salty layers, then let them set for about 10 minutes until the chocolate hardens just right.

How to Serve Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra chopped roasted peanuts or a dusting of cocoa powder right before serving for an added touch of texture and visual appeal. A drizzle of vegan caramel sauce or a pinch of flaky sea salt can elevate the flavor even more beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vegan vanilla bean ice cream for extra creaminess. A hot cup of espresso or a chilled almond milk latte turns these ice cream bars into an unforgettable dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these bars on a wooden board scattered with extra peanuts and drizzled vegan chocolate. Wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for an adorable party favor or thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars stored tightly in an airtight container in the freezer. They maintain their awesome texture and flavor for up to two weeks, making them perfect for prepping in advance.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars indefinitely, but for the best taste and texture, enjoy them within two weeks. Always freeze them firmly before dipping in chocolate to ensure the coating sets perfectly without melting.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed frozen, there’s no need to reheat. If they soften too much, just pop them back into the freezer for 30 minutes before serving again for that ideal icy texture.

FAQs

Can I use another nut instead of cashews?

Cashews are ideal for the creamy base, but if you have allergies, soaked almonds or macadamia nuts can work well, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this nut-free?

This recipe relies heavily on nuts for texture and flavor. You might try substituting the cashews with shelled sunflower seeds, but the results won’t be quite the same, especially for the caramel layer.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Absolutely! If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup slightly. Keep in mind that the sweetness balances the salt and richness in this recipe, so adjust carefully.

How long do these ice cream bars last once dipped in chocolate?

Once coated, the bars stay fresh in the freezer for up to two weeks without losing their fantastic taste or texture.

Can I make the caramel without maca powder?

Yes, maca is optional. It adds a little extra depth and nutrition, but skipping it won’t affect the overall flavor dramatically.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves classic candy bars but wants a wholesome, plant-based version. It’s fun to make, with layers of creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet delivering a perfectly balanced indulgence. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and share it with your favorite people—it’s sure to become a beloved treat in your dessert rotation.

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