Ever wondered how to bring the taste of the county fair to your own kitchen? Deep Fried Snickers is the answer, combining gooey chocolate, caramel, and peanuts with a crispy batter shell. This easy recipe only requires pancake batter, a Snickers bar, and a few minutes in hot oil to achieve the perfect treat.
Deep-fried candy bars, especially Snickers, have become a staple in American fair food, delighting fans with their unique texture and indulgent taste. Whether you’re preparing for a party or just craving a special dessert, deep frying Snickers at home can be a fun and delicious activity.
Besides being a crowd-pleaser, making Deep Fried Snickers is surprisingly simple. You only need pancake mix, powdered sugar, and some basic kitchen supplies. Follow this guide to recreate the magic of fair food and enjoy an unforgettable snack.
Key Takeaways
- Deep Fried Snickers combines a gooey candy bar with a crispy batter.
- It’s a popular American fair food that is easy to make at home.
- Only a few ingredients and basic supplies are needed to prepare this treat.
History and Popularity
Deep-fried Snickers bars have become a well-known treat, often associated with state fairs and carnival food. This section explores the origin of this unique dessert and its rise to fame at fairs.
Origin of Deep Fried Snickers
The deep-fried Snickers bar originated in the United States, emerging in the late 20th century. Inspired by other deep-fried treats, vendors began experimenting with candy bars, including Snickers. The process involves dipping the Snickers bar in batter and frying it until golden brown.
This creation quickly caught the attention of fair-goers. Its appeal lies in the combination of the melted chocolate, caramel, and nougat inside a crispy exterior. The deep-fried Snickers became a novelty item, drawing curious crowds eager to try something new and indulgent.
Rise as a Fair Food Classic
Deep-fried Snickers bars gained significant popularity at state fairs and carnivals. These events are known for offering unique and often extravagant food items, making them the perfect venue for such a treat. State fair vendors capitalized on the trend, offering deep-fried variations of many sweets, but the Snickers bar stood out.
The portability of the deep-fried Snickers made it an ideal fair food. People could easily walk around while enjoying this rich dessert. It wasn’t long before the deep-fried Snickers became a staple at fairs across the country, celebrated for its indulgent taste and unique preparation.
Today, it remains a beloved choice among fair attendees, symbolizing the creativity and excess often associated with fair food culture. The deep-fried Snickers continues to bring joy to those seeking a sweet and crispy delight.
Ingredients and Supplies
When making deep-fried Snickers, it’s crucial to use the right ingredients and have the proper kitchen tools. This ensures the bars turn out delicious and are safely prepared.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
For deep-fried Snickers, start with fun-size Snickers bars. They are easier to manage and fry evenly. Ingredients for the batter include flour, eggs, and milk. These combine to form a thick but smooth batter that clings well to the candy bars.
Choose from different oils like vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil for frying. Each oil has a high smoke point, ensuring safe and effective frying.
If you want to experiment, other candy bars like Twix or Milky Way can also be used. To add variety, consider blending a bit of peanut butter or caramel into the batter for added flavor.
Essential Cooking Tools
Start with a large bowl for mixing the batter ingredients. A whisk is necessary to combine flour, milk, and eggs smoothly. For checking oil temperature, a candy thermometer is essential, especially if using a pot or Dutch oven. This ensures the oil heats to the ideal 350°F.
A deep fryer can also be used, which typically has built-in temperature controls. A skewer or tongs are important for dipping and removing the bars from the hot oil.
Prepare a baking sheet lined with paper towels or a wire rack for draining the finished bars. This helps remove excess oil and keeps the bars crispy.
Having these tools and ingredients on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Preparing for Deep Frying
The key steps for preparing to deep fry Snickers involve making a good batter and prepping the Snickers bars correctly. These steps ensure the bars hold up during frying and come out deliciously crispy.
Making the Perfect Batter
A great batter is crucial for deep frying Snickers. Start with pancake mix or Bisquick as your base. In a bowl, mix the batter according to the instructions on the box.
Add an egg and some milk to achieve the right batter consistency. The batter should be smooth and thick enough to coat the Snickers well but not too thick that it becomes clumpy. You may experiment with adding a bit of sugar or vanilla extract for extra flavor. Be sure to mix thoroughly to avoid lumps. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if it’s too thick or more mix if too thin.
Prepping the Snickers
Before you begin frying, freeze the Snickers bars for at least four hours. This helps them hold their shape during frying and prevents them from melting too quickly in the hot oil.
You can use either full-size Snickers or fun-sized Snickers bars. Frozen Snickers are easier to handle and coat with batter. Unwrap and place them on a baking sheet and put in the freezer. Make sure the bars are well-spaced to freeze evenly. When ready, dip each bar into the batter, ensuring it’s fully covered, and then carefully lower it into hot oil ready for frying.
By following these steps, you ensure that the Snickers bars and the batter are well-prepared, leading to a tasty final product.
Deep Frying Technique
Perfecting deep fried Snickers requires careful attention to oil temperature and safety practices. Ensuring the correct heat and taking necessary precautions will yield the best results.
Mastering Oil Temperature
Proper oil temperature is crucial when deep frying Snickers bars. Preheat the cooking oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a candy thermometer helps maintain precise temperature control.
If the oil is too hot, the batter will burn before the Snickers melts inside. Too cool, and the batter will absorb excess fat, resulting in greasy bars.
When the oil reaches 375 degrees, dip the frozen Snickers (frozen for at least 4 hours) into the batter before carefully placing it in the hot oil.
Monitor the temperature throughout cooking. Fry only 2-3 bars at a time to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil’s temperature. Fry them until they turn golden brown, typically around 2-3 minutes.
After frying, remove the bars using tongs and place them on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Safe Frying Practices
Deep frying requires attention to safety to prevent accidents. Use a deep skillet, Dutch oven, or a deep fryer. Ensure the fryer is on a stable surface away from flammable items.
Always use tongs to handle the bars to keep fingers away from the hot oil. If the oil starts to splatter, reduce the heat immediately.
Keep a proper lid nearby to cover the pot in case of oil spillage. Wearing long sleeves and a kitchen apron can provide an added layer of protection.
Never leave the hot oil unattended, as it can overheat quickly. Keep a kitchen fire extinguisher within reach to handle any unexpected fires safely.
Once finished, allow the oil to cool completely before disposing of it or storing it for future use. Remember, safety is as vital as flavor when deep frying Snickers.
Related Treats and Alternatives
For those who enjoy the indulgence of deep-fried Snickers, there are several popular variations and similar fair foods that offer equally delightful experiences. These treats include a range of fried candy bars and classic fair foods.
Popular Variations
Fried Candy Bars: Beyond Snickers, other candy bars such as Milky Way, Twix, and Mars Bars are also delicious when deep-fried. These bars have a rich, gooey interior encased in a crispy outer layer, providing a contrasting texture that many find irresistible.
Deep Fried Cookie Dough: This treat stands out for its creamy inside and crispy outside. It’s made by dipping balls of cookie dough in batter before frying them. The result is a gooey center that contrasts nicely with the fried shell.
Air Fryer Adaptations: For those looking for a healthier spin, these treats can also be made in an air fryer. Though they might lack the traditional crispiness, air-fried versions are still quite tasty and lower in oil content.
Similar Fair Foods
Funnel Cakes: A staple at fairs, funnel cakes are made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil, creating a lacy pattern that’s fried to a golden brown. They are typically topped with powdered sugar, fruit, or chocolate.
Elephant Ears: These are large, thin pieces of dough that are fried and then sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Their size and shape resemble an elephant’s ear, hence the name.
Oreo Funnel Cake: This variation on the traditional funnel cake includes pieces of Oreo cookies mixed into the batter, giving it a rich, chocolatey taste. It’s a favorite for those who want a new twist on a classic fair treat.
For those with a sweet tooth, these treats and alternatives provide a range of deep-fried delights, each offering something unique and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries about making, tasting, and understanding the nutritional aspects of deep fried Snickers.
How can I make deep fried Snickers at home?
To make deep fried Snickers at home, prepare a pancake batter by mixing pancake mix, milk, vegetable oil, and an egg until smooth. Freeze the Snickers bars overnight, then coat them in the batter. Heat vegetable oil to 375°F and fry the coated bars until golden brown.
What does a deep fried Snickers taste like?
A deep fried Snickers has a crispy outer layer with a warm, gooey, and sweet inside. The chocolate melts slightly, mixing with the caramel and nougat, creating a rich and delicious treat.
Where did the concept of deep frying Snickers originate?
Deep frying candy bars likely originated at fairs and carnivals in the United States. It became popular as an indulgent and unique dessert option that gained widespread attention for its novelty and taste.
How many calories are in a deep fried Snickers bar?
A deep fried Snickers bar contains approximately 450 to 500 calories, depending on the size of the candy bar and the batter used. This calorie count is higher than a regular Snickers bar due to the added batter and frying process.
Can you cook deep fried Snickers using an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook deep fried Snickers using an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Coat the frozen Snickers in batter and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
What is the nutritional content of a deep fried Snickers compared to a regular Snickers bar?
A regular Snickers bar contains around 280 calories, along with fat, carbohydrates, and protein. A deep fried Snickers has additional fats and calories due to the batter and frying oil, which increases its overall calorie and fat content significantly.