Who remembers “fun-size” chocolate bars? Me, me, me! They were the perfect size chocolate candy bar that would be found in your party treat bag or lunchbox if you were lucky enough. “Fun-size” is roughly 2 inches in size or 5 centimeters.
Fun + Size = Bite size or in other words one perfect mouthful size!
Moveover memories… Now that I am a mum of teenage boys who seem to be constantly hungry, I have recreated one of my favourite childhood chocolate bars into a healthier, vegan version.
And it actually tastes way better than the original snickers bar (sorry, but not sorry). Who would have thought, that it would be this easy to recreate? Owing to the fact that my vegan version contains no nasty ingredients! Meaning no horrible sugar crashes. In fact, these are really good for you.
Are you ready?
Let’s start by creating the nougat. Simply add the 3 ingredients into a bowl and mix! And just like magic… you have created the most delicious base for these bars. I had always imagined that this would be the hardest part, getting the right flavours to actual taste well, better than the real thing! But, it’s really easier than I thought and so much better for you too.
Now lets get started on that goo-ey caramel center. Yum. Use either a high speed blender or if you prefer you can use a food processor. Take the pitted dates, vanilla extract and a good pinch or two of sea salt and blend until you have a creamy consistency. If you pre-soak the dates you wont need to add any liquid. You may find that you’ll need to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor a couple of times to ensure an even texture. Taste and adjust the flavours if needed. Spread it all over the base and top with peanuts. Place it into the freezer for a few hours to set.
Then cut into equal portions and submerge in to the melted chocolate ensuring that all sides are well covered. Place onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Because they portions are still cold from the freezer, the chocolate will set very fast.
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a photo on instagram with the hashtag #schiavone360.
Fun Size Vegan Snicker Bars
Ingredients
Nougat or Base Layer
- 150 grams oat flour oats blended into a fine flour works well.
- 150 grams golden syrup honey could also work
- 120 grams peanut butter smooth
Caramel Layer
- 16 medjool dates pitted and soaked in warm water
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
Toppings
- 150 grams peanuts raw
- 300 grams dark vegan chocolate dark chocolate
Instructions
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Place the medjool dates into a small bowl and cover with hot water. Set aside.
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Line a square 6"x 6" tin with baking paper.
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Combine the oat flour, peanut butter and golden syrup in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Viola, nougat!
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Using slightly damp fingers, press and ease the nougat mixture evenly into the base of the lined tin. Place into the freeze whilst you make the caramel layer.
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Drain the excess liquid from the medjool dates. (don't forget to remove the pitt). Place the dates, sea salt and vanilla extract into the food processor and blitz until smooth, scraping down the sides of the processor when necessary.
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Spread the "caramel" date mixture evenly on to the nougat base. Sprinkle the raw peanuts over the caramel mixture, making sure to press the peanuts into the caramel. Cover either with a lid or clingwrap and place into the freeze for 1 or 2 hours.
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Remove the container from the freezer. Gently remove the the contents and slice into 16 equal portions (fun-size bars). Whilst you melt the chocolate, place the bars back into the freezer.
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Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Remove the bars from the freezer. Place a bar into the melt chocolate, moving quickly using 2 forks to flip the bar making sure all sides are coated with chocolate. Remove the bar, allowing the excess chocolate to fall off. Place onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining bars, leaving them to set in the fridge.
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If you are lucky, these will keep in the refrigerator for 10 or so days.
