Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars

These Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. Made with wholesome ingredients, these bars capture the classic flavors of the original Snickers while being completely dairy-free and plant-based. Perfect for warm days, parties, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up, these ice cream bars combine creamy peanut ice cream, luscious caramel, crunchy peanuts, and a rich chocolate coating. They are not just treats; they are indulgent delights that are easy to make and even easier to love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy all the flavors of Snickers without the dairy and processed sugars.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners.
• Customizable Ingredients: Swap out nut butters or sweeteners to suit your dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are great for summer gatherings, movie nights, or as an afternoon snack.
• Batch-Friendly: Make a large batch and store them in your freezer for when cravings hit!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Blender
• Food processor
• Silicone ice cream molds
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Ensures smooth blending of the coconut cream and almond butter for a creamy base.
• Food Processor: Perfect for making the date caramel quickly and easily.
• Silicone Ice Cream Molds: These molds allow for easy removal of the ice cream bars once frozen.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Ideal for melting chocolate evenly without burning.

Ingredients

These dairy-free Snickers ice cream bars are everything you love about the original—just made with better-for-you ingredients. With creamy peanut ice cream, soft caramel, crunchy peanuts, and a rich chocolate coating, they’re the perfect homemade treat to stash in your freezer.

For the Ice Cream Base

• 1 13.5 oz can of coconut cream (solid parts only)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (can sub any other milk)
• 1/2 cup almond butter (can sub any other nut or seed butter)
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar (can sub maple syrup or any other sugar)

For the Date Caramel

• 1 cup medjool dates (pitted)
• 1/4 cup creamy almond butter
• 2 tbsp coconut milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

For Assembly

• 1/2 cup peanuts (dry roasted and salted)
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (melted with 2 tsp coconut oil)

How to Make Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars

Step 1: Blend the Ice Cream Base

In a blender, combine coconut cream, coconut milk, almond butter, and coconut sugar. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Freeze the Ice Cream Mixture

Divide evenly into 8 silicone ice cream molds and freeze for 2 hours or until firm.

Step 3: Make the Date Caramel

In the meantime, prepare the date caramel. Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add in a couple tablespoons of warm water.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Evenly divide and spread date caramel over each ice cream bar in an even layer.

Step 5: Add Peanuts

Sprinkle peanuts over each one. Gently press them into the caramel then set in the freezer to firm up for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 6: Melt Chocolate Coating

When ready to coat your bars, add chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl with coconut oil. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring well between each round until smooth.

Step 7: Coat Each Bar

Pour melted chocolate into a cup. Dip each ice cream bar until fully coated then brush off excess chocolate before placing on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 8: Final Freeze

Freeze once more until firm, about 20 minutes. Enjoy your delicious Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars!

How to Serve Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars

These Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging on a quiet night, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Classic Presentation

• Serve each bar on a small plate for an elegant touch.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Slice strawberries or bananas and serve them alongside.
• The freshness of the fruit complements the rich flavors of the ice cream bars.

Create an Ice Cream Sundae

• Cut the bars into smaller pieces and stack them in a bowl.
• Top with your favorite dairy-free whipped cream and extra peanuts for crunch.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• Warm up some vegan caramel sauce and drizzle it over the top.
• This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Pairing these bars with a hot beverage enhances their creamy texture.
• A rich espresso or herbal tea balances the dessert’s sweetness.

How to Perfect Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars

To make your Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars even more delicious, follow these simple tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality coconut cream and dark chocolate will elevate your bars.
• Freeze Properly: Ensure each layer is completely frozen before adding the next to avoid mixing.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your caramel and adjust sweetness according to preference; you can add more dates if needed.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding shredded coconut or crushed nuts for added texture.
• Store Correctly: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars

These ice cream bars pair well with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness to your dessert table.
2. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: A classic treat that echoes the chocolatey goodness of the bars.
3. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola provides a nice contrast in texture, perfect for snacking alongside.
4. Vegan Cheese Platter: A variety of vegan cheeses can offer savory bites between sweet treats.
5. Chia Pudding: This creamy, nutrient-packed pudding makes for a healthful and delicious pairing.
6. Homemade Cookies: Soft, chewy cookies can create a delightful sandwich when paired with these ice cream bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong coconut products: Make sure to use full-fat coconut cream and not just any coconut milk. This ensures a creamy texture that mimics traditional ice cream.
• Skipping the freezing time: It’s essential to freeze the bars long enough for them to set properly. If they are not fully frozen, they will fall apart when you try to dip them in chocolate.
• Not blending thoroughly: When making the peanut ice cream and caramel, blend until completely smooth. Lumps can ruin the creamy texture you’re aiming for.
• Overheating the chocolate: When melting chocolate chips, do so in short increments. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize, making it difficult to coat your bars evenly.
• Inadequate portioning: Ensure that you divide the mixtures evenly in your molds. This helps each ice cream bar have a consistent taste and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Freezing Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars

• Duration: These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Containers: Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap individually in plastic wrap before placing in a bag.

Reheating Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars

• Oven: Preheat to low heat (about 200°F) and warm briefly until just softened.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds at a time until soft enough to enjoy.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler on low heat to gently warm without melting completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars sugar-free?

You can substitute coconut sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener while preparing your bars.

Can I use different nut butters?

Yes! You can easily substitute almond butter with any nut or seed butter of your choice, such as cashew butter or sunflower seed butter.

What if I don’t have silicon molds?

If you don’t have silicon molds, you can use a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Just cut into bars once frozen.

How do I make these Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars lower in calories?

To reduce calories, consider using less nut butter and opting for lighter alternatives wherever possible while maintaining flavor.

Can I customize my Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like shredded coconut or dried fruits into the peanut ice cream mixture for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Snickers Ice Cream Bars are not just delicious; they are versatile too! You can customize them with different nut butters or toppings based on your preferences. Whether you’re treating yourself on a hot day or impressing friends and family at gatherings, these bars are sure to delight everyone. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy your healthier twist on a classic favorite!