You know that moment when you can’t decide between a candy bar and a slice of cake? I used to think I had to choose, until I realized my kitchen could handle both. This recipe starts with a simple flavor discovery: mixing salty, crunchy peanuts directly into homemade caramel creates a texture that absolutely transforms a standard chocolate cake.
This isn’t just a chocolate cake; it’s a texture lover’s dream. We are talking about moist chocolate layers, a gooey salted peanut caramel filling that brings the “pop,” and a creamy peanut butter frosting to tie it all together. It looks like a bakery masterpiece, but I promise the steps are surprisingly simple.
Why This Recipe is a Total Flavor Win
First off, the nostalgia factor here is huge. It tastes exactly like the candy bar you grew up loving, but with the comforting warmth of a home-baked dessert. The real magic, though, is the texture. The soft crumb of the cake against the crunch of the peanuts and the smooth buttercream creates a bite that is never boring.
What makes this recipe a true “keeper” is the salted peanut caramel. It’s the one smart addition that takes this from “good chocolate cake” to “wow.” It cuts through the sweetness of the buttercream and adds a savory note that keeps you coming back for another forkful. Plus, you can make the caramel ahead of time, breaking the process down into easy, stress-free steps.
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Snickers Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Snickers Cake layers moist chocolate sponge with a crunchy salted peanut caramel filling and creamy peanut butter frosting. Topped with a silky chocolate drip and chopped candy bars, it’s the ultimate dessert for any candy bar enthusiast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar for caramel
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter for caramel
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 3–4 Snickers bars, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, then pour into the dry ingredients and whisk until combined.
- Divide the batter into the pans and bake for 22–25 minutes, then allow them to cool completely.
- Melt the 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns amber, then stir in the 6 tbsp butter, cream, and salt.
- Once the caramel reaches room temperature, whip it with a mixer until light and fold in the chopped salted peanuts.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and a splash of cream until fluffy.
- Place the first cake layer on a board, spread a layer of frosting, pipe a dam around the edge, and fill the center with the peanut caramel.
- Repeat for remaining layers, frost the outside, and finish with a milk chocolate ganache drip and chopped Snickers bars.
Notes
For the best results, use a high-quality cocoa powder for the cake layers and ensure your caramel has cooled completely before whipping, or it may not hold its shape. If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can substitute the milk chocolate ganache for dark chocolate to provide a deeper flavor contrast.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
The Flavor Stars
Buttermilk: This is the secret to a tender, moist crumb. It brings a slight tang that balances the rich cocoa powder perfectly.
Salted Peanuts: Don’t swap these for unsalted! The salt is crucial here—it provides the “flavor pop” that contrasts with the sweet caramel and chocolate. It turns a simple filling into a savory-sweet masterpiece.
Heavy Whipping Cream: You’ll need this for both the caramel and the ganache. It adds that luxurious mouthfeel that makes the cake taste professionally made.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Stick to a standard commercial brand (like Jif or Skippy) rather than natural varieties. The stabilizers help the buttercream hold its shape and stay fluffy without separating.
How to Make It
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk until just combined. Divide the batter into your pans and bake for 22–25 minutes. Let them cool completely before handling.
Step 2: Craft the Peanut Caramel
While the cake bakes, melt your sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns amber. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the butter, followed by the cream and salt. Once it cools to room temperature, whip it with a mixer until it lightens in color, then fold in those chopped salted peanuts. This is where the flavor magic happens!
Step 3: Whip the Peanut Butter Frosting
Beat your butter and peanut butter together until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar and heavy cream. You want a fluffy consistency that spreads easily but holds its shape. If it’s too stiff, add a splash more cream; too soft, add more sugar.
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate
Place your first cake layer on a board and spread a layer of buttercream. Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge to create a dam, then fill the center with your peanut caramel. Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the outside of the cake, chill it briefly, and then finish with a milk chocolate ganache drip and a crown of chopped Snickers bars.
Jasmine’s Tips for Success
Temperature Matters: Make sure your buttermilk, eggs, and butter are all at room temperature before you start. This helps the batter emulsify properly, giving you that perfect, moist crumb we’re aiming for.
Watch the Caramel: When making the caramel, patience is key. If you add the butter while the sugar is too hot or blazing, it might separate. If it does, don’t panic! Just let it cool down and whisk it vigorously; it usually comes back together.
Chill for Stability: Because the caramel filling is soft, chilling the cake for 20 minutes after assembly (but before the final coat of frosting) helps lock everything in place so your layers don’t slide. For more deep cocoa inspiration, check out our Rich Chocolate Treats section.
Make It Yours
Nut Swap: If you aren’t a fan of peanuts or have an allergy, this cake works beautifully with almonds. It gives it more of a “Mars Bar” vibe while keeping that satisfying crunch.
Cupcake Version: This batter makes excellent cupcakes! Just bake for 18-20 minutes, core the centers, and fill them with the peanut caramel for a bite-sized surprise.
Dark Chocolate Twist: If you find milk chocolate too sweet, swap the ganache for a dark chocolate version. It adds a sophisticated bitterness that pairs lovely with the sweet caramel. This kind of tweak is perfect for celebrations, much like the ideas in our Party Cakes & Events category.
Serving Up the Sweetness
Since this cake is rich with caramel and peanut butter, I love serving it with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of black coffee. The bitterness of the coffee cuts right through the sweetness, balancing every bite.
For a fun presentation, sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt on top right before serving. It highlights the savory notes in the peanuts. If you love comforting, nostalgic flavors like this, you’ll find plenty more in our Classic Favorites collection.
The Sweet Spot
This Snickers Cake is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to make something spectacular—just one smart addition like that salted peanut caramel can change everything. It’s a fun, impressive bake that delivers on every flavor promise. I love seeing how other bakers interpret this classic combo, like the beautiful version over at Chelsweets, which inspired some of my decorating ideas today.
Ready for your next baking adventure? If you need something a little faster for a busy weeknight, try browsing our Cute & Quick Bakes. And don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation! Tag us on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook—I can’t wait to see your flavor pops!
