Snickers Layer Cake
Indulge your sweet tooth with this delicious Snickers Layer Cake! Inspired by the beloved candy bar, this cake combines layers of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter frosting, and gooey caramel, all topped with crunchy peanuts and chocolate ganache. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a treat, this cake is sure to impress!
Why make this recipe?
This Snickers Layer Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every bite! With its combination of flavors and textures, it delights both kids and adults alike. Every layer brings something special, making it perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any occasion where sweetness is welcomed. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings!
How to prepare Snickers Layer Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 2 cups sugar 🍬
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder 🍫
- 2 tsp baking soda 🥄
- 1 tsp baking powder 🥄
- 1 tsp salt 🧂
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice) 🥛
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil 🛢️
- 2 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 cup hot coffee or water ☕
- 1 cup sugar (for caramel) 🍬
- 6 tbsp butter (room temperature) 🧈
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel filling) 🍶
- 1 cup roasted salted peanuts 🥜
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting) 🧈
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 🥜
- 3 cups powdered sugar 🍬
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream (for frosting) 🍶
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting) 🍦
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate (for ganache) 🍫
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache) 🍶
- Snickers bars (for decoration) 🍫
- Extra peanuts (for decoration) 🥜
- Caramel drizzle (for decoration) 🍯
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 🏠
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. 📊
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. 🥄
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix well until combined, then stir in the hot coffee or water. ☕
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. 🎂
- Make the caramel filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of sugar and 6 tbsp of butter. Stir until melted, then add 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth. Let it cool slightly before adding the roasted peanuts. 🍯
- Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, beat the unsalted butter and peanut butter together. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream until you reach a smooth consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. 🥄
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the caramel filling on top. Then add the second layer of cake on top. 🌆
- Frost the cake: Cover the entire cake with the peanut butter frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula. 🍰
- Make the ganache: Heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream until hot, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes and stir until smooth. Pour the ganache over the frosted cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. 🍫
- Decorate: Top the cake with chopped Snickers bars, extra peanuts, and a drizzle of caramel. 🎉
How to serve Snickers Layer Cake
Slice the cake into pieces and serve on individual plates. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel on the side. Enjoy every decadent bite! 🍨
How to store Snickers Layer Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. ❄️
Tips for preparing Snickers Layer Cake
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
- You can substitute a different type of nut or use toffee bits for added crunch in the filling.
- For a richer flavor, add espresso powder to the cake batter.
Variations
Feel free to customize this cake with different types of frosting (like chocolate or vanilla), or swap out peanuts for almonds or other nuts if desired. You can also add layers of different candies!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers in advance and refrigerate them. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.
Q: Can I replace buttermilk?
A: Absolutely! You can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice added to it, allowing it to sit for a few minutes to curdle before using.
Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: If heavy cream is unavailable, you can substitute it with half-and-half or milk, but the consistency may vary. Consider reducing the amount slightly for frosting and ganache.