If there’s one thing I love about living in New Mexico, it’s how our rich cultural flavors find their way into even the healthiest dishes. From roasted piñon to rich adobe-red chile and golden local honey, our land offers more than just breathtaking sunsets—it’s a culinary playground.
One quiet Sunday morning at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, I found inspiration for this recipe after sampling a local artisan peanut butter laced with hints of Chimayó chile.
That flavor spark led me to create a keto-friendly version of one of my favorite childhood candies: the Snickers bar. But instead of sugar crashes, this bowl delivers sustained energy, clean ingredients, and that decadent, chocolatey-nutty satisfaction.
Let me walk you through how these Keto Snickers Overnight Oats came to be your next breakfast obsession.
What Are Snickers Overnight Oats?
Snickers overnight oats are a wholesome, no-cook breakfast or snack inspired by the classic candy bar. Instead of sugar-laden caramel and nougat, we recreate that layered experience with real-food ingredients: creamy peanut butter, cocoa, crunchy nuts, and naturally sweet elements like dates or keto-approved alternatives.
This version stays loyal to keto principles, meaning low-carb, high-fat, and free from processed sugars. The texture mimics the indulgent bite of a Snickers bar, but it’s made with ingredients that support your health goals. And by using almond milk and chia seeds, we skip the dairy and add powerful omega-3s and fiber.
Healthier Ingredients Inspired by Snickers (Dates, Cocoa, Peanuts)
The magic of this recipe lies in capturing that Snickers taste using smarter ingredients:
- Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened cocoa brings the chocolate element without the sugar crash. I like using locally sourced organic cocoa from New Mexico-based makers.
- Peanuts and Peanut Butter – Full of healthy fats and plant protein. Choose natural peanut butter with no added sugar or hydrogenated oils.
- Dates or Monk Fruit – While dates are more paleo than keto, you can use chopped dates in moderation or opt for monk fruit or stevia for a strictly keto-friendly option.
- Chia Seeds – Help thicken the oats while providing fiber, protein, and omega-3s.
- Almond Milk – Keeps things dairy-free, light, and smooth.
- Vanilla Extract & Sea Salt – Adds warmth and balances the flavors.
Want to bring in a local flair? Add a sprinkle of Chimayó chile or New Mexican piñon nuts to elevate it with earthy heat or buttery crunch.
Nutritional Benefits Compared to Real Candy
Let’s be real: one regular Snickers bar has about 250 calories, 30 grams of carbs, 28 grams of sugar, and very little fiber.
In contrast, this recipe:
- Offers 10 g+ of protein (depending on protein powder and nut choices)
- Packs 12g of healthy fats from nuts and seeds
- Contains under 7g of net carbs with keto-friendly sweeteners
- It is high in fiber for satiety and gut health
- Contains zero refined sugar
Plus, it fuels your day with clean-burning energy and keeps blood sugar stable. Whether you’re intermittent fasting, eating low-carb, or simply avoiding added sugars, this bowl fits your routine.
Ingredient List and Suggested Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll need:
Base Layer
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or macadamia nut milk)
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Sweetener
- 1 tbsp monk fruit syrup or 1 tsp stevia
Protein Boost (optional)
- 1 scoop unflavored or chocolate keto protein powder
Candy Crunch Layer
- 1 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts
- 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tsp chopped dates (optional, or swap with crushed cacao nibs)
Topping Ideas
- Drizzle of melted dark chocolate (90 %+ cacao)
- Sprinkle of crushed piñon nuts
- Dash of Chimayó chile for spice lovers
How to Build Layers for That Candy Bar Effect
Presentation adds to the indulgent feel. Here’s how I layer for that Snickers bar vibe:
- Start with the base: Mix the almond milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, peanut butter, vanilla, and sweetener in a mason jar or bowl.
- Let it sit: Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to thicken.
- Layer with crunch: Add chopped peanuts, coconut, and a light sprinkle of dates or cacao nibs.
- Top it off: Drizzle a little melted chocolate or peanut butter over the top. Sprinkle with flaky salt or chile if desired.
It truly feels like a dessert, especially when you scoop through the soft, creamy base into the crunchy topping.
Sweetener Tips to Keep It Healthy
To keep your oats keto-approved and blood sugar stable, skip the maple syrup and honey.
My favorite options:
- Monk Fruit Sweetener (granulated or syrup)
- Stevia (drops or powder)
- Allulose
- Erythritol or Swerve (use sparingly to avoid cooling effect)
Tip: Add the sweetener gradually and taste-test. Some keto sweeteners can be intense!
Step-by-Step Recipe
Keto Snickers Overnight Oats (Makes 1 serving)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 tbsp monk fruit syrup
- Optional: 1 scoop keto protein powder
Toppings:
- 1 tbsp chopped peanuts
- 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tsp cacao nibs or finely chopped dates
- Drizzle of melted dark chocolate
Instructions:
- Combine almond milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, peanut butter, vanilla, salt, and monk fruit in a mason jar.
- Shake or stir thoroughly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, stir again and layer on your toppings.
- Enjoy straight from the jar or transfer to a bowl for added toppings.
When to Eat – Breakfast, Snack, or Dessert
These oats are versatile:
- Breakfast: Grab-and-go fuel with protein and fats to keep you full until lunch.
- Snack: Perfect between meetings or post-workout recovery.
- Dessert: Satisfies chocolate cravings without guilt.
I love having mine on my patio during sunrise, watching hot air balloons drift across the sky. It’s my quiet moment of indulgence that doesn’t derail my nutrition goals.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
These oats keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days. For meal prep:
- Make 3-4 jars at once and store with airtight lids.
- Keep toppings separate until serving to preserve crunch.
- Use wide-mouth mason jars for easy scooping.
Tip: If you use protein powder, you may need to add an extra splash of almond milk before serving to loosen the texture.
Chocolate or Spice Variations
Want to mix it up?
Chocolate Lovers:
- Add a tablespoon of keto chocolate chips or swirl in a sugar-free chocolate hazelnut spread.
Spicy New Mexico Twist:
- Add a dash of Chimayó red chile or a pinch of cayenne to the base for a bold kick.
- Garnish with toasted piñon nuts for extra flavor.
Nut-Free Option:
- Use sunflower seed butter and pumpkin seeds.
Creamy Dreamy:
- Add 1-2 tbsp coconut cream to the mix for extra richness.
FAQ
Can I use regular oats instead of chia seeds?
Sure! Just note that oats aren’t keto, but you can substitute for a more moderate-carb version.
Are dates keto-approved?
Dates are high in sugar, so use only a few pieces for flavor or substitute with cacao nibs.
What if I don’t like peanut butter?
Try almond butter, sunflower butter, or hazelnut butter for a twist.
Can I make this dairy-free and vegan?
It already is! Just make sure your protein powder is plant-based if needed.
How do I make it thicker or thinner?
Add more chia seeds for thicker oats, or more almond milk to thin it out.
Wrap-Up
Whether you’re fueling up for a hike in the Sandias or winding down after a day at the Plaza, these Keto Snickers Overnight Oats hit the sweet spot between health and indulgence. I love how they connect my clean-eating goals with nostalgic flavors and even a hint of local spice.
Try the recipe, make it your own, and let the flavors of New Mexico inspire your bowl.
Tag @Losfoodiesmagazine on Instagram and Facebook when you whip up your Snickers Overnight Oats! We’d love to see your delicious creations and share them with our foodie community.
Buen provecho, friends!
