No-Bake Snickers Pie Recipe

Name: No-Bake Snickers Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 280 min
Ingredients: 7 ounces graham crackers (about 13 crackers) or 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup roasted salted peanuts; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter; 1/2 cup jarred caramel sauce or dulce de leche, divided; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 (8 ounce) pkg. frozen whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip®); 1 1/2 cups finely chopped chocolate-covered caramel-peanut nougat bar (such as Snickers®); 2 tablespoon chocolate syrup (such as Hershey’s®); 2 tablespoon jarred caramel sauce or dulce de leche; 1/3 cup chopped chocolate-covered caramel-peanut nougat bar (such as Snickers®) (about 1 [1.86-oz.] bar); 1/4 cup roasted salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

This indulgent no-bake pie is a delicious combination of creamy peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel, set in a crispy graham cracker crust. Its perfect for any occasion and sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!

Ingredients

Crust:

1 cups graham cracker crumbs
cup roasted salted peanuts
cup light brown sugar
cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
cup jarred caramel sauce or dulce de leche
cup powdered sugar
1 (8-ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
1 cups finely chopped chocolate-covered caramel-peanut nougat bars (such as Snickers)

Toppings:

2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (such as Hersheys)
2 tablespoons jarred caramel sauce or dulce de leche
cup chopped chocolate-covered caramel-peanut nougat bars (such as Snickers)
cup roasted salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature where needed.

Step 2: To make the crust: In a food processor, combine graham cracker crumbs, cup peanuts, and brown sugar. Process until the mixture becomes fine crumbs, about 45 seconds. While the processor is running, add melted butter through the chute and continue processing until fully combined, about 10 seconds.

Step 3: Transfer the crust mixture into a 9-inch pie plate (no need to grease). Press the crumbs evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Freeze uncovered for about 15 minutes until the crust is firm.

Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Using an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese, peanut butter, and 6 tablespoons of caramel sauce on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as necessary to ensure even mixing.

Step 5: Add the powdered sugar and beat on low speed for another 10 seconds until smooth and fluffy.

Step 6: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping in three additions, mixing each time until fully combined and smooth.

Step 7: Fold in 1 cups of finely chopped nougat bars, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 8: Once the crust has set, spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce evenly over the bottom of the crust.

Step 9: Pour the peanut butter filling into the crust, smoothing it into an even layer with a small offset spatula.

Step 10: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours to allow the filling to set completely.

Step 11: Just before serving, drizzle chocolate syrup and additional caramel sauce over the top of the pie.

Step 12: Sprinkle the top evenly with the chopped nougat bars and coarsely chopped peanuts.

Step 13: Return the pie to the freezer for about 5 minutes until the topping is set. Serve immediately and enjoy!

No-Bake Snickers Pie Recipe

The History and Origins of No-Bake Snickers Pie

The No-Bake Snickers Pie is a modern dessert inspired by the iconic Snickers candy bar, which was first introduced in 1930 by Mars, Incorporated. Combining caramel, nougat, peanuts, and chocolate, the candy quickly became a favorite across the United States. The pie adaptation emerged much later, as home bakers sought creative ways to transform popular candies into easy-to-make, indulgent desserts. Its no-bake method appeals to those looking for minimal preparation while maintaining the rich flavors of the original candy.

Regional Variations and Preferences

While the pie is most commonly found in American kitchens, regional adaptations do exist. In the Southern United States, recipes often incorporate a graham cracker crust combined with butter and a layer of salted peanuts, highlighting the regions love for buttery and nutty flavors. In contrast, Northern versions may emphasize the whipped cream filling for a lighter texture. Some bakers even experiment with variations using peanut butter or chocolate cookie crusts to match local tastes.

Differences from Similar Desserts

No-Bake Snickers Pie stands out from other candy-inspired pies due to its unique combination of creamy filling, chopped Snickers bars, and layered caramel and chocolate toppings. Unlike traditional peanut butter pies, it balances sweetness with the chewy texture of caramel and the crunch of peanuts. Compared to a typical chocolate pie, the addition of nougat and caramel makes this dessert richer and more texturally complex.

Where and How Its Usually Served

This pie is a popular choice for family gatherings, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations. Its visually appealing layers and decadent taste make it a standout dessert at potlucks or casual get-togethers. Typically served chilled, slices are often garnished with extra chocolate syrup, caramel drizzle, and chopped peanuts to create an impressive presentation. Due to its richness, smaller portions are common, allowing guests to enjoy its sweetness without being overwhelmed.

Interesting Facts

The Snickers bar itself is named after the Mars familys favorite horse, Snickers.
No-bake pies gained popularity in the mid-20th century when home refrigeration became more widespread, allowing desserts to set without traditional baking.
Many bakers like to experiment with mixing different candy bars, but Snickers remains a favorite due to its balanced flavor of sweet, salty, and chocolate.
This dessert is surprisingly versatile: it can be made in individual cups, tart pans, or traditional pie dishes depending on presentation needs.
The combination of cold pie filling with a slightly crunchy crust creates a delightful contrast in textures that has contributed to its enduring popularity.

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FAQ about No-Bake Snickers Pie Recipe

After preparing the pie, it should be stored in the refrigerator. Make sure it is loosely covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors. The pie can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it’s best when served within the first few hours for optimal texture and taste.

Yes, you can freeze the No-Bake Snickers Pie. To freeze, ensure it is covered tightly with plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before drizzling the chocolate syrup and caramel sauce on top.

Yes, this pie can be made ahead of time. It's actually recommended to prepare it a day in advance to allow the filling to fully set in the refrigerator. Just make sure to add the chocolate syrup and caramel topping right before serving.

While the recipe uses peanuts and peanut butter, you can substitute them with other nuts or nut butters. For example, almond butter or cashew butter could work well. If you're allergic to peanuts, be sure to choose a peanut-free nut butter.

If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the graham crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Afterward, you can mix the crumbs with the peanuts, brown sugar, and melted butter by hand or with a regular mixing spoon.

If you prefer not to use Cool Whip, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream. Simply whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.

Yes, you can omit the peanuts in the crust if you prefer. You could substitute with extra graham crackers or even add some crushed pretzels for a different texture and flavor.

To ensure the filling sets properly, it’s important to refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. This will allow the filling to firm up enough for easy slicing and serving.

If you're not a fan of Snickers bars or need an alternative, you could use other chocolate-covered nougat bars, such as Milky Way or Mars bars. You can also try using caramel-filled chocolates for a slightly different flavor.

If your crust is too crumbly, try adding a bit more melted butter and mix it well. The butter helps bind the crumbs together, so it may need an extra tablespoon or two depending on the type of graham crackers used.

Comments

Sandra Lee

03/25/2023 10:56:38 PM

Review: This pie is both simple to make and delicious. I recommend using 8-9 whole graham crackers and 10-12oz of whipped topping for the perfect consistency. For those looking for an extra indulgent experience, I suggest adding 6-7 regular-sized Snickers bars. I opted for natural chunky peanut butter for a richer flavor, but using a more processed peanut butter like Jif could help firm up the creamy center. Overall, this pie is a winner - and the best part is, no need to turn on the oven! 😋🥧👌

David Hill

09/18/2023 11:16:45 PM

Make sure to follow the recipe closely! I accidentally used 12 oz instead of 8 oz of Cool Whip, but the pie still turned out delicious.

Catherine Lee

12/04/2023 03:19:47 AM

This dessert is absolutely indulgent! I didn't include the chocolate sauce this time (forgot to pick it up), but I definitely plan to next time. I'm even thinking of adding a chocolate layer on top of the caramel layer at the base of the crust. I don't own a food processor, but my Osterizer managed to get the job done in just a few rounds.

Cook Time: 65 minutes

No-Bake Snickers Pie Recipe