When I was a kid, my neighborhood bakery sold the tiniest, most irresistible brownie bites—dense, fudgy, and stuffed with little nuggets of candy that made my knees weak. I tried to recreate that feeling in my tiny kitchen and landed on these Easy Snickers Brownie Bites. I still remember the sweet, nutty smell that filled the house, the way the brownies crackled as I bit into them, and how the gooey caramel stretched between my fingers and the pan. This recipe keeps things simple: a rich brownie base, chopped Snickers bars, and a drizzle of caramel and chocolate. They make the best quick treat for impromptu guests or an oh-so-deserved snack after a long day.
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 24
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Why This Recipe is Awesome
These brownie bites combine fudgy brownie texture with crunchy, gooey Snickers pieces—sweet chocolate, caramel, and toasted peanuts in every bite. They bake fast, make your kitchen smell heavenly, and look impressively homemade with minimal effort. Honestly, they’re so easy even your busy self can pull them together between errands. Who doesn’t love crispy edges hugging a soft, chewy center?
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 box (18.3 oz) brownie mix (or your favorite homemade brownie mix)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
- 1/4 cup water
- 8–10 oz Snickers bars (about 6 bars), chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolate)
- Nonstick cooking spray or 1 tbsp butter for greasing the mini muffin pan
For the Sauce / Garnish (if applicable):
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped, or 1/4 cup chocolate chips (melted for drizzle)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
How I Make It
Step 1:
I preheat the oven to 350°F. While the oven warms, I grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with nonstick spray or rub each cup with a little butter. I pour the brownie mix into a bowl, add the eggs, oil, and water, and stir until everything looks glossy and combined. Don’t worry about a few streaks—overmixing steals the tenderness.
Step 2:
I fold in most of the chopped Snickers (save a few for the tops) and the mini chocolate chips if I’m using them. The batter will smell rich and chocolaty right away—like instant comfort. If the batter feels too thick, I add a teaspoon of water at a time until it eases into a scoopable consistency.
Step 3:
I spoon the batter into each mini cup, filling them about 3/4 full. I press a small extra piece of Snickers on top of each cup for that caramel-and-peanut pop. The pan goes into the oven and I set a kitchen timer for 12 minutes. Around 10 minutes, I peek in: the edges should look set and the centers should still jiggle slightly—think fudgy, not wet.
Step 4:
I take the pan out when the centers show a slight spring back and the edges look glossy-dark. I let the brownie bites rest in the pan for 5–7 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. If you try to pop them out too soon, they can fall apart—patience pays off here.
Step 5:
For the finishing touch I warm the caramel sauce slightly and drizzle it over each bite, then melt the chopped chocolate and add a zigzag on top. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt adds contrast and makes the flavors sing. Serve warm for gooey centers, or at room temperature for easier snacking.
Pro Tips
- Use a standard mini muffin pan for uniform bites. If you use a regular muffin pan, increase bake time to 18–22 minutes.
- Swap butter for oil if you want a slightly crisper edge and quicker prep. Melted butter adds richer flavor.
- Chop the Snickers small so each bite gets even distribution—large chunks sink and make uneven baking.
- Warm the caramel slightly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) so it drizzles nicely without cooling into clumps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping preheating: Classic rookie move. It changes texture and bake time.
- Overmixing: Leads to dense or chewy results. Mix until just combined.
- Guessing cook time: Always use visual cues or a timer, not just vibes.
- Overcrowding pans: Give your food some breathing room to crisp properly.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Use chopped Snickers alternatives like Milky Way or chopped chocolate-covered caramel candies—flavor will shift slightly but stay delicious.
- For dairy-free, use a dairy-free brownie mix and vegan caramel sauce. Use a neutral oil instead of butter.
- For gluten-free, pick a certified gluten-free brownie mix or make a flourless brownie batter—texture becomes denser and fudgier.
- Swap eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) for an egg-free version; expect a slightly cakier texture.
Variations & Tips
- Salted Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop a 1/2 tsp dollop of peanut butter on top before baking and swirl it into the batter for a nutty twist.
- Espresso Brownie Bites: Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Use chopped mint candies or Andes mints instead of Snickers for a refreshing bite.
- Caramel-Stuffed: Press a caramel candy into the center of each batter-filled cup for a molten caramel core.
- Party Tray: Bake in full-size muffin tins and cut into squares for a sharable dessert.
- Brownie Cheesecake Bites: Add a teaspoon of cream cheese dolloped on top before baking for a tangy ribbon.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Bake the bites and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Rewarm briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) for that fresh-baked feel.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Sure thing. Use two mini pans or a couple of muffin tins and stagger bake times if your oven gets crowded. Keep the same temperature; watch the first batch for timing adjustments.
- Can I substitute butter with oil?
- Technically yes, but you’ll miss that buttery magic. Use ¾ the amount of oil.
- How do I know it’s done?
- Look for glossy, set edges and a slightly jiggly center. The tops should spring back a little when you press gently.
- What if I don’t have ingredient X?
- Swap chopped candy with mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts. No caramel? Use a simple powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tbsp milk).
How I Like to Serve It
I love these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra caramel for movie night or a cozy Sunday treat. They also work great on a party platter—people love the bite-size format. Pair them with coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up or serve at potlucks where they disappear fast.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days. Reheat briefly to restore gooeyness.
- If you make any meat-based swaps in other recipes, follow safe cooking temps (e.g., 165°F for chicken). These brownie bites don’t require that.
Final Thoughts
Closing: Go on—make these Easy Snickers Brownie Bites and let the caramel-studded magic happen. Now go impress someone—or just yourself—with your homemade masterpiece!