Snickers Cake – Chocolate, Caramel & Peanut Butter
The Ultimate Snickers Cake: A Decadent Dream Come True!
Oh my goodness, friends, prepare yourselves for a dessert experience that will absolutely rock your world! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the glorious, ooey-gooey, utterly irresistible world of the Snickers Cake. If you’re a fan of that classic candy bar with its layers of chocolate, nougat, caramel, and peanuts, then hold onto your hats – because this cake takes all those beloved flavors and elevates them into a show-stopping masterpiece. Imagine moist, rich chocolate cake layers, slathered with creamy peanut butter buttercream, dripping with homemade salted caramel, and crowned with crunchy peanuts and generous chunks of actual Snickers bars. It’s truly a Caramel Peanut Cake dream come true, guaranteed to make any occasion extra special. Get ready for sighs of pure bliss!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)
📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025
Why You Need This Snickers Cake in Your Life
Beyond being an absolute flavor explosion, this Snickers Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an event! It’s the centerpiece of birthday parties, the star of holiday gatherings, and the ultimate comfort food on a gloomy Tuesday. The blend of textures – the tender cake, the smooth frosting, the chewy caramel, the crunchy peanuts – creates a symphony in every bite. It looks incredibly impressive but, trust me, it’s totally achievable even for enthusiastic home bakers. Plus, the joy of watching everyone’s faces light up when they see (and taste!) this creation is simply priceless. Get ready to bake some serious happiness!
What You’ll Need
For the Moist Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (any kind)
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Creamy Peanut Butter Buttercream
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4-5 cups (480-600g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ¾ cup (180g) creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Irresistible Salted Caramel Drizzle
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) water
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
For the Topping & Assembly
- 1 cup (150g) chopped roasted peanuts
- 4-5 regular-sized Snickers candy bars, chopped
How to Make Snickers Cake
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the hot coffee until just combined (batter will be thin). Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Salted Caramel Drizzle: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, stop stirring and boil until the mixture turns a deep amber color (about 8-10 minutes). Immediately remove from heat and carefully whisk in the warm heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously). Stir in the butter and sea salt until smooth. Pour into a heatproof jar or bowl and let cool completely. It will thicken as it cools.
- Whip Up the Peanut Butter Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter, heavy cream, vanilla, and pinch of salt, and beat until combined. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency – smooth, thick, and spreadable.
- Assemble Your Snickers Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread about 1 cup of peanut butter buttercream evenly over the top. Drizzle generously with a portion of the cooled salted caramel. Sprinkle with some chopped peanuts and chopped Snickers bars.
- Stack and Decorate: Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining peanut butter buttercream. You can smooth it out or create decorative swirls.
- Finish with Flair: Drizzle the remaining caramel over the top of the cake, letting some drip down the sides for that iconic Caramel Peanut Cake look. Generously sprinkle the remaining chopped peanuts and chopped Snickers bars over the top. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow everything to set.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Snickers Cake
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: For a tender cake, mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough cake.
- Cool Completely: Ensure your cake layers and caramel are fully cooled before assembly. Warm components will melt the buttercream and make a mess.
- Warm Cream for Caramel: Warming the heavy cream slightly before adding it to the hot sugar mixture helps prevent the caramel from seizing up.
- Room Temperature Butter: For the buttercream, use butter that’s softened but still cool to the touch. This helps achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- Chill Between Steps: If your kitchen is warm, or you’re having trouble with the frosting, pop the cake in the fridge for 15-20 minutes between frosting layers.
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
- Nutty Variations: Instead of traditional peanuts, try chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor profile. You could even swirl almond butter into the buttercream!
- Nougat Layer: For an extra authentic Snickers experience, consider adding a thin layer of marshmallow nougat cream (like a fluffernutter spread) between the cake and the peanut butter frosting on one of the layers.
- Mini Snickers Fun: Use mini Snickers bars, chopped, for a cuter, more evenly distributed candy topping.
- Espresso Kick: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the chocolate cake batter to deepen its chocolate flavor even further.
- Serving Suggestion: This cake is incredibly rich, so a small slice goes a long way! Serve it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to cut through the richness slightly.
User Reviews
Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This cake is absolutely divine! I made it for my husband’s birthday, and it was gone in a flash. The peanut butter buttercream is heavenly, and the salted caramel takes it over the top. Everyone asked for the recipe!”
Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“As a huge Snickers fan, I had high expectations, and this cake surpassed them all. It’s truly an indulgence. The instructions were clear, and the end result was restaurant-quality. Prepare for a sugar rush!”
Jessica R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A bit of work, but SO worth it! My cake layers turned out perfectly moist, and the balance of sweet and salty is spot on. My only minor note is to make sure your caramel isn’t too hot before drizzling, or it can melt the frosting a bit. Still, an amazing recipe!”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance, wrap them tightly, and store them at room temperature. The caramel can be made a week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge (reheat gently to drizzle). The assembled cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze Snickers Cake?
A: Absolutely! Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. The fully assembled and frosted cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have coffee for the cake batter?
A: Hot water works perfectly fine! The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee, but hot water will still give you a moist crumb.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: You can, but homemade salted caramel truly elevates this cake. If using store-bought, look for a high-quality caramel sauce and add a pinch of sea salt to it for that essential sweet-and-salty balance.
The Final Slice: A Sweet Conclusion
There you have it, my sweet-toothed companions – the glorious, show-stopping Snickers Cake! This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a celebration of all things delicious, and a testament to the magic that happens when you combine classic candy bar flavors with homemade love. Every bite is a journey through moist chocolate, creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, and satisfying crunch – a truly irresistible Caramel Peanut Cake. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy with your loved ones. Happy baking!
Recipe Note: Always remember that the best ingredient is love. Enjoy every moment of baking and devouring this magnificent cake!
