These Snickers Brownies are layered with fudgy chocolate brownies, gooey caramel peanuts, creamy peanut butter cheesecake, and dark chocolate ganache. They chill overnight for clean bakery-style slices and rich candy bar flavor in every bite.
Why You'll Love These Snickers Brownies
- Thick bakery-style brownie bars with clean layers
- Rich chocolate and caramel peanut flavor in every bite
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for parties and holidays
- Creamy peanut butter cheesecake layer without baking separately
- Even better, chilled the next day
I like recipes like this for celebrations because they feel impressive once sliced, but the process itself is very simple. The brownie layers stay soft, the caramel adds chewiness, and the chilled peanut butter cheesecake makes every bite taste balanced instead of overly sweet.
The first time I made these brownies, I left them in the fridge overnight, almost by accident, because the ganache had not fully set yet. The next day, the layers were cleaner, the caramel tasted richer, and the brownies sliced like something from a bakery display. Since then, I always make them a day ahead because the texture becomes much better after chilling.
If you enjoy rich, layered desserts like my chocolate banana cake or brown butter chocolate chip cookies, these homemade Snickers brownies have the same bakery-style feel but with caramel peanuts and peanut butter cheesecake in every layer.
Key Ingredients in Snickers Brownies
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at key ingredients and why I use them.
- Brownie Base: I use eggs, granulated sugar, a little salt, sunflower oil, all-purpose flour, and unsweetened cocoa powder to make a soft chocolate brownie layer that can hold the caramel and cheesecake filling without falling apart.
- Caramel Peanut Layer: Granulated sugar, heavy cream, and roasted peanuts create that sticky, chewy Snickers-style center. I like using roasted peanuts because they add more flavor and crunch.
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer: I use full-fat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and creamy peanut butter for a smooth, thick filling that spreads nicely over the caramel peanuts.
- Chocolate Ganache: Heavy cream and dark chocolate make the glossy top layer. The dark chocolate helps balance the sweetness from the caramel and peanut butter.
How to Make Snickers Brownies
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Make the Brownie Base: Whisk eggs, sugar, salt, and oil until fluffy. Mix in flour and cocoa, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F / 180°C (320°F convection / 160°C fan) for 40 minutes. Let cool, trim the top, and cut in half.
2. Prepare Caramel Layer: Melt sugar until golden, stir in cream, then coat roasted peanuts. Spread this caramel-peanut mixture over one brownie layer.
3. Add Cheesecake Filling: Blend cream cheese, icing sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Spread evenly over the caramel-peanut layer, then place the second brownie layer on top.
4. Top with Ganache: Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate, stir until glossy, and spread on top. Chill overnight, then slice into Snickers brownies.
Tips for Better Snickers Brownies
Trim the Brownie Top for Cleaner Layers: I like trimming the very top of the brownie before slicing it in half because it makes the caramel and cheesecake layers sit more evenly.
Let the Caramel Cool Slightly Before Layering: If the caramel is too hot, it can soften the brownie too much and make the cheesecake layer harder to spread neatly.
Use an Offset Spatula for the Cheesecake Layer: I find it much easier to spread the peanut butter cheesecake smoothly with a small offset spatula instead of a spoon.
Keep the Brownies Cold While Slicing: If the layers start softening while cutting, I place the tray back into the fridge for 15-20 minutes before continuing.
Storage
Store the Snickers Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I prefer serving them chilled because the caramel, cheesecake, and ganache layers stay firm and creamy.
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Recipe
Snickers Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownie
- 7 large eggs - room temperature
- 280 g granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 60 ml sunflower oil
- 210 g all-purpose flour
- 60 g unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Caramel Peanut Layer
- 250 g granulated sugar
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 300 g roasted peanuts
For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer
- 500 g full-fat cream cheese - softened
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 350 g creamy peanut butter
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 100 g heavy cream
- 200 g dark chocolate - chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C (320°F convection / 160°C fan). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Beat 7 large eggs, 1¼ cups (280 g) granulated sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon salt until light and fluffy.
- Mix in ¼ cup (60 ml) sunflower oil until combined.
- Sift in 1¾ cups (210 g) all-purpose flour and ½ cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, then gently fold until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40 minutes in a preheated oven until set. Let the brownie cool completely, then trim the top if needed and cut horizontally into 2 layers.
- Add 1¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until melted and amber in color.
- Slowly pour in ¾ cup (200 ml) heavy cream while stirring carefully until smooth. Stir in 2 cups (300 g) roasted peanuts and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Place one brownie layer into the baking dish and spread the caramel peanut mixture evenly over the top.
- In a large bowl, beat 17½ oz (500 g) full-fat cream cheese with ¾ cup (100 g) powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add 1½ cups (350 g) creamy peanut butter and continue mixing until fully combined and creamy.
- Spread the peanut butter cheesecake mixture over the caramel peanut layer, then place the second brownie layer on top.
- Heat ⅓ cup (100 ml) heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over 7 oz (200 g) chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 4-5 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Spread the ganache evenly over the top brownie layer and refrigerate overnight before slicing into bars.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John says
Best brownies ever! The Snickers combo is unbeatable.