Healthier Pecan Snickers

These healthier pecan snickers bars are no-bake, high protein, and absolutely delicious! Think snickers but pecans. They are refined sugar-free, vegan, gluten-free, and pretty dang easy to make. They’re great to make and stash in the freezer for when you need something sweet!

I am a sucker for pecans, especially when paired with caramel. I once saw a limited edition snickers bar that had pecans instead of peanuts and knew I had to recreate it. I am all about balance and having the real thing, but when I can make something homemade with better ingredients, I’m all for it! These are made with more whole-food based ingredients but taste JUST as good. They’re seriously addicting, you’ve been warned 😉

Are these Pecan snickers bars sugar-free?

There are a few different sweetener options you can choose from! The original recipe calls for coconut oil, but you can definitely substitute monk fruit or stevia instead (although I can’t give measurements as I haven’t tested it. Taste and adjust!).

What do you need to make these healthier pecan snickers?

Pecans: The star of the show! You can obviously sub in any other nut if you’re not a fan of pecans, or try my original snickers recipe!

Coconut Sugar: You can substitute monk fruit!

Canned coconut milk: Canned coconut milk is the base of the caramel. It helps make it gooey like normal caramel! Opt for full-fat coconut milk for the best results.

Chocolate: I used Hu Kitchen chocolate to keep these refined sugar free! You can use the code “danishealthyeats” for a discount on their site.

Coconut Flour: This will help create the nougat texture for the bottom layer. There aren’t any substitutes that I’ve found to create the same texture.

Maple Syrup: This combined with the coconut sugar create the caramel. I wouldn’t sub this, as it’ll alter the final results.

How to make the bars:

1. Create the caramel by combining all of the ingredients in a small sauce pan over medium-high heat.
2. Bring to a boil & let boil for 4-5 mins stirring constantly. Reduce the heat & let it simmer until it reaches caramel consistency (it came take 15mins). Let cool for a bit, then stir in the pecans.
3. Mix together the nougat ingredients until the dough forms. Press into a lined loaf pan.
4. Pour the caramel over top. Freeze until the caramel has firmed up a bit, 2 hrs.
5. Cut into bars & dip in melted chocolate & return to freezer or pour chocolate over the caramel layer, freeze, then cut into bars

How to store the bars:

Keep the bars in an air-tight container in the freezer. Let them thaw 5 minutes before enjoying for best texture!

Healthier Pecan Snickers

snickers but pecans. They are refined sugar-free, vegan, gluten-free, and pretty dang easy to make. They're great to make and stash in the freezer for when you need something sweet!

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Freezer time 2 hours hrs

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Bars

Calories 1 kcal

Ingredients

  

Nougat

• 1/2 cup pecan butter
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup protein powder *
• 2 tbsp coconut cream, from canned coconut milk **

Caramel

• remaining can of full-fat coconut milk
• 3 tbsp coconut sugar
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla
• pinch of sea salt
• 1/3-1/2 cup chopped pecans

Coating

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

 

• Make the caramel by adding the milk & sugars to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil & let boil for 4-5 mins stirring constantly. Reduce the heat & let it simmer until it reaches caramel consistency (it came take 15mins).
• Let cool for a bit, then stir in the pecans.
• Process the base ingredients together until a nougat texture forms. You may need to add more coconut flour or protein powder depending on the brand you use. Taste & adjust. Press into a lined loaf pan.
• Pour the caramel over top. Then fold in the chopped pecans. Freeze until the caramel has firmed up a bit, 2 hrs. Cut into bars & dip in melted chocolate & return to freezer or pour chocolate over the caramel layer.
• Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours to firm up, before cutting into bars.

Notes

Store in the freezer and Let thaw for 5 minutes before enjoying!

*You can sub more coconut flour, but you may want to add more maple syrup as the protein adds some sweetness/flavor to the recipe.

**Use the coconut cream from the top of the canned coconut milk. You’ll use the rest of the can in the caramel.

Keyword Chocolate, coconut flour, Dessert, easy recipe, healthy snack, No-Bake, pecans, snickers