Chocolate Snickers Cake

If you’re a fan of decadent desserts, Chocolate Snickers Cake is the ultimate indulgence you’ve been waiting for. Inspired by the beloved candy bar, this cake layers rich chocolate cake with gooey caramel, roasted peanuts, creamy nougat, and silky chocolate ganache. Each bite delivers a sweet-salty crunch with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s nothing short of sensational.

Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert, this cake is as impressive in flavor as it is in presentation. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or just love Snickers, this cake brings all the iconic candy bar flavors into a homemade masterpiece. Despite its gourmet appeal, it’s surprisingly doable at home with the right step-by-step guidance.

From its moist chocolate layers to the caramel-drizzled finish, this cake will steal the spotlight on any dessert table. Serve it chilled for neat slices or slightly warm for extra gooey goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have guests asking for the recipe—and seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Candy Bar in Cake Form: All the delicious components of a Snickers bar—chocolate, nougat, caramel, and peanuts—in a layered cake.
  2. Rich and Moist: The chocolate cake base is soft, tender, and deeply chocolatey.
  3. Perfect for Celebrations: A stunning and satisfying dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
  4. Texture Heaven: The perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and gooey.
  5. Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to make it more chocolatey, nutty, or salty-sweet.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Hot coffee or boiling water
  • Caramel sauce
  • Roasted salted peanuts
  • Nougat layer (marshmallow fluff or nougat-style filling)
  • Heavy cream
  • Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (for ganache)
  • Snickers bars (chopped, for topping)

Variations

  • Peanut Butter Twist: Add a layer of peanut butter frosting or swirl it into the nougat.
  • No-Nuts Version: Skip the peanuts for a nut-free but still decadent cake.
  • Cupcake Style: Turn the cake into cupcakes for easier serving at parties.
  • Extra Chocolatey: Use dark chocolate ganache for a more intense chocolate flavor.
  • Layer Simplified: Make it as a sheet cake instead of layered for easier assembly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Prepare the batter by combining dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt) and wet ingredients (eggs, sugar, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and hot coffee). Mix until smooth. Pour into cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Nougat Layer

Mix marshmallow fluff with a bit of melted butter and powdered sugar to make a nougat-style layer. You can also use a prepared nougat filling if available.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a layer of nougat, followed by caramel sauce and a generous handful of chopped peanuts.

Step 4: Add the Second Layer

Place the second cake layer on top. Repeat the nougat, caramel, and peanut layers, or save some for topping.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream and pour it over chopped chocolate. Let sit, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Pour over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.

Step 6: Decorate

Top with chopped Snickers bars, extra peanuts, and a final drizzle of caramel. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better blending and texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and moist.
  • Chill the nougat slightly for easier spreading between layers.
  • Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers for neat stacking.
  • Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring to control drips.

How to Serve

  • Chilled for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate the cake for an hour before slicing for neater layers.
  • With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream.
  • As a Celebration Centerpiece: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or special events.
  • With Coffee or Milk: The richness of the cake pairs perfectly with a warm drink.
  • As Mini Cakes: Create mini layered cakes in ramekins for individual servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Freezing

Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

If desired, warm slices slightly in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to soften the nougat and caramel layers.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble the cake the next day.

2. What can I use for the nougat layer?

Marshmallow fluff mixed with powdered sugar and butter is a great homemade substitute.

3. Can I use store-bought caramel?

Absolutely. High-quality jarred caramel or dulce de leche works great.

4. How do I keep the cake from sliding?

Chill the cake between layers and after frosting to help it set.

5. Can I make this cake nut-free?

Yes, omit the peanuts and Snickers bars or use a nut-free chocolate candy.

6. Is there a gluten-free version?

Use a gluten-free flour blend that substitutes 1:1 for all-purpose flour.

7. How long does the ganache take to set?

About 15–30 minutes at room temperature or faster in the fridge.

8. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, though it will make the cake slightly sweeter.

9. Can I use a cake mix as a shortcut?

Yes, a chocolate cake mix works in a pinch, though homemade tastes richer.

10. Do I have to refrigerate the cake?

Because of the cream-based ganache and nougat, refrigeration is recommended.

Conclusion

Chocolate Snickers Cake is a dream dessert for candy lovers and chocoholics alike. It’s rich, layered, and filled with irresistible flavors and textures—from the moist chocolate base to the gooey caramel and crunchy peanuts. Perfect for special occasions or just treating yourself, this cake is a true celebration in every slice. Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to for birthdays and beyond.

Print
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Chocolate Snickers Cake


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Chocolate Snickers Cake is a decadent dessert layered with moist chocolate cake, creamy nougat, salty peanuts, rich caramel, and a silky chocolate ganache. Inspired by the iconic Snickers candy bar, this cake delivers the ultimate sweet-and-salty satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something truly indulgent.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder

  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1 cup boiling water

Nougat Layer

  • 1½ cups marshmallow fluff or melted mini marshmallows

  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 23 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Caramel Peanut Layer

  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 cup roasted salted peanuts, roughly chopped

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

  • ½ cup heavy cream


Instructions

  1. Make the Cake:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

    • In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

    • Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

    • Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).

    • Divide between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

    • Cool completely before assembling.

  2. Prepare Nougat Layer:

    • Mix marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.

    • Add milk as needed for spreadable consistency.

  3. Make Ganache:

    • Heat cream until just simmering, then pour over chocolate.

    • Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

  4. Assemble the Cake:

    • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread nougat evenly over the top.

    • Drizzle with half of the caramel and sprinkle with half of the chopped peanuts.

    • Add second cake layer.

    • Pour chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip slightly over the edges.

    • Drizzle with remaining caramel and sprinkle with remaining peanuts.

  5. Chill and Serve:

    • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the layers.

    • Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Use a serrated knife to level cakes if needed for stacking.

For an extra indulgent twist, add chopped Snickers bars between the layers.

You can use homemade caramel or thick dulce de leche for the caramel layer.

Let ganache cool slightly before pouring to control thickness and drip.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: snickers cake, chocolate caramel cake, nougat dessert, peanut caramel cake, candy bar cake, chocolate layer cake

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