homemade almond snickers bars

Okay, okay, I'm aware I've been seriously slacking in the blogging department, but I've been so busy with school I really haven't had time! Priorities, people. Grades > baking, unfortunately. BUT, I have got the best, easiest, most delicious treat ever for you, and just in time for Valentine's Day... Almond Snickers! I know the vast majority of America loves peanuts and peanut butter and the like, but for me, almonds are where it's at. They are totally my go-to nuts for recipes and baking, and I looove them. Good thing my boyfriend does too, cause this is what I made him for a Valentine's Day treat. 🙂

They may not be the most photogenic thing I've ever made, but they sure are yummy! And they come together with such little effort, it's amazing. You basically just melt some stuff, pour it in a pan, let it cool. Then do it again. Add some nuts, do it again. One more time, done! They are not as intimidating as they may seem, I promise. I seldom crave candy, and this is all the more reason to just never buy any again! Next time I'm having a craving, I can just made a pan (because, let's face it, homemade anything tastes better than storebought), cut them up, and store them in the freezer. They're amazing!

You need to try these asap, they will change your life! Make them for your sweetie this Valentine's Day and watch them fall in love with you! 🙂

P.S. Almond Snickers not your thing? How about Regular Snickers, Mallo Cups, Take5 Bars (with brownie!), Almond Joy, and of course, we can't forget Reese's Cups!

Homemade Almond Snickers Bars
Adapted from How Sweet Eats
Yields: one 9x9 pan

bottom chocolate layer
1 cup milk chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)
2 tablespoon almond butter 

Thoroughly butter a 9x9 baking pan (I just bough a disposable one to make this extra easy). Melt chips and almond butter together until smooth, then pour into the pan, and spread evenly. I hit the pan on my counter a few times to get rid of bubbles and make sure it was even. Refrigerate until set and hardened.

nougat layer
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ cup white sugar
2 tablespoon evaporated milk
¾ cup marshmallow fluff (I just eyeballed it, I didn't want to cover my kitchen with this hahah)
2 tablespoon almond butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup almonds, roughly chopped

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add sugar and milk, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a boil, then let cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the marshmallow fluff, almond butter, and vanilla, and stir til smooth. Quickly spread the nougat on top of your prepared chocolate layer, then evenly scatter the almonds on top. Again, refrigerate til set. 

caramel layer
7 oz. caramels
2 tablespoon heavy cream

In a medium saucepan, over low heat, combine caramels and heavy cream. Melt, stirring occasionally, until smooth. This takes awhile! Once ready, quickly spread the caramel on top of the almonds. This stuff starts to harden really fast, so don't be like me and waste your time trying to take pictures of it.... just saying.

top chocolate  layer
1 cup milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoon almond butter

Same as the first layer, melt chocolate and almond butter together, then spread on top of the caramel. Let candy harden completely before cutting or serving!