Chewy Snickers Brownies

If you’re looking for the ultimate brownie experience, these Chewy Snickers Brownies are exactly what you need. Packed with chopped Snickers bars, a touch of espresso, and rich chocolate, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty. Every bite melts in your mouth with gooey chocolate and caramel flavors, creating a decadent dessert experience that will impress friends and family.

The addition of espresso powder may seem subtle, but it enhances the chocolate flavor, giving it a depth that elevates these brownies far beyond the standard recipe. The texture is chewy and dense, yet soft in the center, with pockets of gooey chocolate and peanut caramel throughout. These brownies are perfect for dessert tables, weekend baking, or even a luxurious snack with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Dutch-processed cocoa (1/3 cup): Provides deep, rich chocolate flavor and dark color. Sifting it ensures smooth incorporation and avoids lumps.
Instant espresso (1 ½ tsp): Enhances the chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee note that doesn’t overpower but enriches the overall taste.
Boiling water (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp): Dissolves cocoa and espresso, creating a smooth, concentrated chocolate base for the brownies.
Unsweetened chocolate (2 oz, finely chopped): Adds a layer of intense chocolate flavor and richness, blending seamlessly with cocoa for a fudgy texture.
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, melted): Adds richness, moisture, and a tender crumb. Using unsalted butter allows control over the overall salt content.
Vegetable oil (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp): Keeps the brownies moist and soft even after cooling. Oil helps achieve that signature chewy texture.
Large eggs (2) & large egg yolks (2): Provide structure, richness, and moisture. Yolks enhance flavor and chewiness while the whites add stability.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth, balances the chocolate, and deepens the flavor complexity.
Sugar (2 ½ cups): Sweetens, balances bitterness from the chocolate and espresso, and aids in creating the chewy texture.
Unbleached all-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): Gives structure without making the brownies cakey. Proper measurement is key for perfect consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Part 1)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan after baking and ensure clean, even edges.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Base

In a medium bowl, combine dutch-processed cocoa, instant espresso, and boiling water. Whisk until smooth and all lumps are dissolved. Next, add the finely chopped unsweetened chocolate and continue whisking until melted and fully incorporated. This step creates a glossy, rich chocolate mixture that will form the foundation of your chewy brownies.

Step 3: Incorporate Fats

While the chocolate mixture is still warm, whisk in melted butter and vegetable oil. These fats contribute to a moist, chewy texture and ensure your brownies remain tender. The combination of butter and oil provides richness from the butter and softness from the oil, creating a perfect fudgy balance.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Once your chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, it’s time to incorporate the large eggs and egg yolks. Add them one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth and cohesive mixture. The eggs provide structure while keeping the brownies moist and rich. Next, stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle aromatic warmth that complements the richness of the brownies perfectly.

Step 5: Sweeten the Batter

Gradually whisk in the 2 ½ cups sugar. Sugar not only sweetens the brownies but also helps create the signature chewy texture. Take your time to blend thoroughly, ensuring the sugar dissolves into the chocolate mixture without leaving grainy spots. The sugar also contributes to a shiny, crackled top once baked, giving your brownies that bakery-worthy appearance.

Step 6: Incorporate the Flour

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt if desired. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet chocolate mixture using a spatula. Mix gently and carefully—overmixing can result in tough brownies. The goal is to just combine the flour, creating a thick, fudgy batter. This step is crucial for achieving a chewy, tender texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Step 7: Fold in Chopped Snickers

Chop Snickers bars into small, bite-sized pieces. Gently fold them into the brownie batter, ensuring even distribution. The Snickers pieces add pockets of caramel, nougat, and peanuts that create a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate base. These chunks will melt slightly during baking, creating gooey layers of sweet and salty indulgence throughout the brownies.

Tips for Perfect Batter

Use room temperature eggs to ensure they incorporate smoothly without cooking when added to warm chocolate.
Chop your Snickers into uniform pieces so every bite has a consistent taste and texture.
If your chocolate mixture feels too warm, let it cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
Use a spatula rather than a whisk when folding in the flour and candy pieces to maintain a light, airy batter.

Pro Tip

For an extra fudgy brownie, slightly underbake the bars by a few minutes. They will continue to set as they cool, giving you the perfect chewy center.

Step 8: Prepare the Baking Pan

Choose a 9×13 inch metal baking pan for even heat distribution. Grease it lightly with butter or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. The parchment ensures that your brownies come out in perfect slabs without sticking, while greasing adds a bit of extra richness around the edges. Proper preparation of the pan is crucial to maintaining the chewy texture of the brownies and avoiding a dry crust.

Step 9: Spread the Batter Evenly

Pour the prepared batter into the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges, taking care not to compress the batter too much. The goal is a uniform thickness so that all brownies bake consistently. Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles and settle the batter, ensuring even cooking and a smooth, shiny top once baked. Folding the batter carefully over the Snickers pieces also helps them stay suspended throughout the brownie, instead of sinking to the bottom.

Step 10: Bake the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the brownies for 35–40 minutes, checking at 30 minutes for doneness. The brownies should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Use a toothpick inserted into the middle to test; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Baking too long can dry out the gooey centers, so watch closely. The combination of melted chocolate, butter, and chopped Snickers requires careful timing to achieve the perfect chewy texture.

Step 11: Cooling the Brownies

Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes. Cooling is essential because the caramel and chocolate will firm up slightly, making slicing cleaner and easier. Leaving them in the pan ensures that the brownies retain moisture and the Snickers pieces remain gooey inside. If you used parchment paper, gently lift the brownies from the pan once cooled and place them on a cutting board. Slice into squares or rectangles depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce to amplify the indulgence.
For parties, arrange on a platter and garnish with chopped peanuts or additional candy pieces for a festive touch.
Wrap individual portions in parchment or foil for easy gifting or school lunches.

Pro Tips for Baking Perfection

Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning, especially if your oven has hot spots.
Do not overmix the batter; gentle folding preserves the light, fudgy texture.
For extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake by 2–3 minutes; they will continue to set as they cool.
Chill overnight for cleaner cuts—this helps the caramel and chocolate solidify slightly, making the slices neater.

Step 12: Storing Your Brownies

Proper storage ensures that your Chewy Snickers Brownies remain moist, flavorful, and indulgent for days. Once cooled completely, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is warm, consider placing the container in the fridge to prevent the caramel and chocolate from melting excessively. Layer parchment paper between brownie slices to prevent sticking, especially if they’re gooey and rich. For longer storage, freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a gooey, freshly-baked taste.

Step 13: Creative Variations

While the classic recipe is irresistible, experimenting with variations can elevate your brownies even further. Here are a few ideas:

Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the batter for crunch and extra depth.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Dollop peanut butter onto the batter and use a knife to swirl it throughout, complementing the Snickers flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips on top before baking for additional chocolate pockets.
Espresso Boost: Increase espresso powder to 2 teaspoons for a more pronounced mocha flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: Warm extra caramel and drizzle over the brownies after cooling for added sweetness and presentation flair.

Step 14: Presentation Tips

Presentation elevates the enjoyment of your Chewy Snickers Brownies. Consider these techniques:

Cut brownies into uniform squares or rectangles for a polished, professional look.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice cleanly without dragging chocolate or caramel.
Arrange brownies on a decorative platter or cake stand and garnish with extra chopped candy bars or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
For a festive touch, add sprinkles, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for parties and celebrations.
Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream to make the dessert feel gourmet.

Step 15: Expert Tips for Perfect Results

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and chocolate are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even baking.
Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser, cakier brownie rather than a chewy, fudgy texture.
Watch the Oven: Baking times vary depending on the pan and oven. Start checking at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Customize Texture: For extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake and allow residual heat to set the centers.
Layered Goodness: Distribute chopped Snickers evenly and lightly press them into the batter to prevent sinking and maintain gooey pockets in every bite.

Step 16: Serving Suggestions

These brownies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

Pair with a glass of cold milk to balance the rich chocolate and caramel.
Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent dessert plate.
Serve at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings—they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Cut into bite-sized pieces for dessert buffets or snack platters.
Package in decorative boxes or bags as homemade gifts—these chewy brownies are sure to impress.

Step 17: Final Baking Tips

To achieve the ultimate chewy, fudgy texture, it’s essential to focus on timing and ingredient temperature. Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smooth batter incorporation. Always use a sharp knife or offset spatula when removing from the pan to maintain clean edges. For extra gooey caramel pockets, consider lightly pressing additional chopped Snickers on top of the brownies before the final 5 minutes of baking.

Step 18: Flavor Enhancement

For those who love a subtle depth of flavor, the espresso powder is your secret weapon. Even a small amount intensifies the chocolate notes, making the brownies taste richer and more decadent. Vanilla extract enhances sweetness without overpowering, while the combination of melted chocolate and vegetable oil ensures a perfectly smooth batter. You can also experiment with a pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top for that perfect sweet-and-salty balance.

Step 19: Why These Brownies Are Irresistible

Every bite of these Chewy Snickers Brownies delivers a luxurious experience: fudgy chocolate, rich caramel, and sweet nougat bits of Snickers. The texture is chewy yet soft, never dry, and the flavor layers complement each other perfectly. The espresso undertone enhances the chocolate, while the chocolate and caramel pockets create a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. These brownies aren’t just dessert; they’re a comforting, indulgent treat that satisfies cravings and wows anyone lucky enough to try them.

Step 20: Gift and Party Ideas

These brownies are perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings. Wrap them in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift. Cut into small squares for dessert tables or party platters. For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top and sprinkle with finely chopped peanuts or candy for a festive presentation. Guests and family members will marvel at both the flavor and presentation.

Step 21: Encouraging Creativity

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative. Try layering the brownies with other candy bars, swirling peanut butter or Nutella into the batter, or topping with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate ganache. The recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your favorite flavors while keeping the chewy, fudgy essence intact. Each modification can transform the brownies into a signature dessert that’s all your own.

Step 22: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, these Chewy Snickers Brownies are simple to make yet incredibly indulgent. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The combination of chocolate, caramel, nougat, and subtle espresso creates a dessert that is complex in flavor but easy to love. Whether for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or a gift, these brownies impress every time. Don’t settle for ordinary brownies—make these, savor them, and watch them disappear in record time.

Step 23: Persuasive Reminder

If you’re looking to create a dessert that will wow your friends, family, and even yourself, these Chewy Snickers Brownies are the answer. Rich, gooey, and chocolate-packed with caramel and nougat, they’re the ultimate indulgence. Baking them is straightforward, the ingredients are simple, and the results are bakery-quality. Treat yourself, impress your guests, and elevate your dessert game with these unforgettable brownies.