Classic Nut Goodie Bar Recipe (No Bake Treat)

Many home bakers want homemade candy bars but stop before starting, worried the process will feel too technical or messy. I used to think the same until I realized layered candy can be simple with the right method.

By using everyday pantry ingredients and a no-bake approach, these bars come together without stress. The result is a chocolate peanut treat that looks impressive yet feels completely doable, even on a busy day.

Nut Goodie Bar Recipe – Easy Homemade Candy Bars

A layered homemade Nut Goodie Bar Recipe packed with chocolate, peanuts, and maple-flavored nougat for a classic dessert candy experience.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling)
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Candy
• Yield: 24 squares
• Calories Per Serving: ~210 kcal

Why I Love These Nut Goodie Bars

Many home cooks want candy-bar flavor without complicated candy thermometers or tricky sugar stages. That frustration grows when recipes feel too technical or fail after all that effort.

I felt the same way. My early batches melted into messy layers or turned too firm. After a few kitchen experiments, I found the balance: simple ingredients, a gentle saucepan method, and chilling between layers. The result is a homemade Nut Goodie, inspired by classic Maple Nut Goodie Candy, with soft texture and clean chocolate layers that slice beautifully.

These Nut Goodie Bars taste like a chocolate peanut butter candy bar crossed with nostalgic holiday sweets — perfect for Christmas trays or everyday treats.

Ingredients

Chocolate Base Layer

• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsalted butter

Nougat Layer

• 1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
• ¼ cup evaporated milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon maple flavor
• 1 cup salted peanuts (roughly chopped)

Top Chocolate Layer

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup peanut butter

Ingredient Notes

• Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet keeps sweetness balanced.
• Peanut butter: Smooth texture works best for even layers.
• Maple flavor: Gives the classic nut goodie candy taste.
• Evaporated milk: Creates a soft nougat layer without cooking sugar syrup.

Optional Add-Ins

• Chocolate chips mixed into the nougat for extra texture
• Roasted peanuts for deeper flavor
• A pinch of sea salt on top

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Pan

Line a 9×13 inch cookie sheet or baking pan with parchment paper. Leave extra paper hanging over the sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Melt The Bottom Chocolate Layer

• Place chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and butter in a saucepan over low heat.
• Stir slowly until the mixture turns smooth and glossy.
• Pour half of the chocolate mixture into the pan. Spread evenly using a spatula.
• Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes until firm.

Step 3: Make The Nougat Layer

• In a mixing bowl, combine pudding mix, evaporated milk, softened butter, maple flavor, and powdered sugar.
• Stir until a thick dough forms. Fold in chopped peanuts.
• Press this nougat layer gently over the chilled chocolate layer. Use lightly greased hands if sticking happens.
• Return the pan to the freezer for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Add The Top Chocolate Layer

• Melt remaining chocolate chips and peanut butter in the saucepan over low heat.
• Spread the chocolate mixture evenly across the nougat layer.
• Chill again for 45–60 minutes until fully set.

Step 5: Slice Into Squares

Lift the bars using parchment paper. Cut into even squares or rectangles.

You now have homemade Nut Goodie Bar Candy ready to serve.

If you enjoy easy layered desserts like this one, you might love my Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars for a rich holiday-style treat, or try these No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars when you want another quick chocolate and peanut butter dessert that comes together just as easily.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

I love serving these bars slightly chilled so the chocolate layer snaps gently when you bite in.

Try serving with:

• Hot coffee or milk
• Holiday cookie trays
• Vanilla ice cream on the side
• Crushed peanuts sprinkled on top for presentation

Cut into smaller pieces for dessert platters or Christmas gift boxes.

Best Way To Cut & Serve Bars

Let the pan sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before slicing. This prevents cracking.

Use a sharp knife and cut straight down instead of dragging the blade. I like cutting into small squares so each bite has chocolate, peanuts, and nougat together.

Storage Tips (Fridge, Freezer)

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 7 days.

Freezer: Freeze layered bars for up to 2 months. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Let frozen bars sit a few minutes before serving.

Can I Make Nut Goodie Bars Without Baking?

Yes. This recipe is completely no-bake. The freezer does all the work, which makes it perfect for warm kitchens or busy days.

How Long Do Nut Goodie Bars Last?

At room temperature, they stay fresh for about 2 days in a cool space.
In the fridge, flavor and texture stay great for a full week.

Freezing keeps the dessert candy fresh much longer.

Why Are My Layers Blending Together?

This happens when layers are added before the previous one firms up.

Quick fixes:

• Chill longer between steps
• Spread gently without pressing too hard
• Let melted chocolate cool slightly before pouring

Clean layers create that classic nut goodie bar look.

FAQs

These homemade bars always disappear fast in my kitchen. Every bite brings chocolate, peanuts, and soft maple flavor together in a way that feels comforting and fun.

I love how approachable this recipe is — no complicated candy skills needed, just simple steps and a little patience while the layers chill.

If you enjoy seeing another classic take on this treat, you can check out this version of Nut Goody Bars for extra inspiration.