Name: Decadent Chocolate Snickers Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Ingredients: Chocolate Cake Layers 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; 2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 ¼ cups warm water; 1 ¼ cups buttermilk, room temperature; ⅔ cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Peanut Caramel 2 cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup salted peanuts, chopped; Peanut Butter Frosting 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt; 7 cups powdered sugar; ⅔ cup heavy cream; Chocolate Ganache ⅓ cup heavy cream; ½ cup milk chocolate chips; Decoration 8 fun-size Snickers bars, chopped; ½ cup salted peanuts, chopped; Sea salt (optional)

If you love Snickers bars, this Chocolate Snickers Cake will undoubtedly blow you away! Imagine rich, moist layers of chocolate cake stacked high with fluffy peanut butter frosting and decadent homemade peanut caramel. Each bite brings the irresistible flavors of chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and peanut butter, just like your favorite candy bar—only better. This cake is an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday celebration, or just when your sweet tooth beckons for something extraordinary.

The beauty of this Chocolate Snickers Cake lies not just in its mouthwatering taste but also in its simplicity to prepare. With its tender chocolate cake layers harmoniously blending with the creamy peanut butter frosting and gooey caramel, it’s a delightful treat that everyone will adore. The final touch of silky chocolate ganache and crunchy Snickers bits makes this cake a showstopper. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Snickers Cake

This cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a treat that combines various textures and flavors. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Tastes just like a Snickers bar, packed into a cake!
Moist and tender chocolate cake layers that melt in your mouth.
Creamy peanut butter buttercream adds a rich, luscious touch.
Gooey homemade peanut caramel filling takes the flavor to another level.
Covered in smooth chocolate ganache and topped with freshly chopped Snickers pieces.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the chocolaty goodness of the Chocolate Snickers Cake, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lining four 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper will ensure your layers come out perfectly smooth and without sticking. A quality stand mixer will make whipping the butter and cream an effortless task, while a whisk is great for blending the dry ingredients. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accuracy; baking is a science where precision is key!

Having a spatula handy will help in smoothing out the frostings and spreading the ganache evenly. You’ll also need a medium saucepan for making the peanut caramel and a heatproof bowl for the chocolate ganache. Keep in mind that patience is crucial, especially when letting your cake cool completely before frosting, or you may end up with a mess!

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake Layers

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
2 ½ tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 ¼ cups warm water
1 ¼ cups buttermilk, room temperature
⅔ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract

Peanut Caramel

2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup heavy cream
½ tsp salt
¾ cup salted peanuts, chopped

Peanut Butter Frosting

1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
7 cups powdered sugar
⅔ cup heavy cream

Chocolate Ganache

⅓ cup heavy cream
½ cup milk chocolate chips

Decoration

8 fun-size Snickers bars, chopped
½ cup salted peanuts, chopped
Sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping your pans. Line four 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, mix the warm water, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Carefully combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until they are incorporated — avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Divide the batter evenly among all four pans and bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Ensure they are entirely cool before doing any frosting; if not, the frosting will melt into the cake!

Step 2: Make the Peanut Caramel

For the peanut caramel, take a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Gradually add in the sugar, about ¼ cup at a time, allowing it to melt and turn an amber color. Once all the sugar is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and salt until well blended. You’re creating a luscious caramel layer that pairs beautifully with the cake. Once mixed, allow it to cool slightly, then use a whisk to whip the caramel until it’s lightened in color. This airiness will give your caramel a wonderful texture. Finally, fold in the chopped salted peanuts.

Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and peanut butter on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will incorporate air, making your frosting creamy and delightful. Add in the vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar, and heavy cream, mixing until you achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too stiff, don’t hesitate to add a little more cream until it reaches your desired texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Now that your cake layers and fillings are ready, it’s time for assembly! Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and generously spread an even layer of peanut butter frosting. Spoon some of the peanut caramel on top of the frosting, creating a delicious contrast. Add the second layer of chocolate cake and repeat the process, ensuring to flip the top layer upside down for an even surface when stacking. This trick helps to avoid any uneven edges. After stacking all layers, chill the entire cake in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to let everything set and firm up.

Step 5: Add the Ganache and Decorations

To make the ganache, warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s nearly simmering, then pour it directly over the milk chocolate chips in a bowl. Allow it to sit for a minute so the chocolate can melt, then stir gently until the mixture is smooth. Pour the ganache over the chilled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful, luscious finish. Finally, top your creation with the chopped Snickers bars and salted peanuts. A sprinkle of sea salt will elevate the flavors even more!

Variations

Protein: You can incorporate additional protein by using a chocolate protein powder in the cake mix or adding a layer of chocolate mousse.
Vegetables: Surprise your guests by adding grated zucchini or finely chopped carrots into the cake batter for added moisture and nutrition without altering the flavor.
Spices: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to the cake batter—these spices complement chocolate beautifully.

Cooking Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing and baking.
Do not rush the cooling process; a hot cake can cause frosting to melt and slide.
If you have leftover peanut caramel or frosting, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week!
This cake can be made a day in advance; simply store it in the fridge and allow it to reach room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures.
A drizzle of chocolate syrup on the plate adds an elegant touch and enhances the cocoa experience.

Tips

Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the best flavor.
If you find the ganache too thick, you can warm it again slightly to achieve a pourable consistency.
For a decorative touch, use a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle to pipe additional peanut butter frosting on top.
Always refrigerate the cake if not serving immediately to keep it fresh and maintain its structure.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 650 per slice
Protein: 10g
Sodium: 300mg

FAQs

Can I use different types of nuts?

Absolutely! You can replace the salted peanuts with other nuts such as almonds or pecans for a different twist.

How should I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer preservation.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs.

How can I make the cake more chocolatey?

For a double chocolate experience, add chocolate chips to the cake batter or use dark chocolate ganache for the topping.

Conclusion

Indulging in a slice of this Chocolate Snickers Cake is a heavenly experience for any dessert lover. The rich flavors, moist texture, and layers of delightful fillings make it a true celebration in every bite. Whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the variations, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen. If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Comment below with your thoughts or share your variations!