If you have a sweet tooth that craves layers of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, and crunchy peanuts all in one bite, you’ve just found your new favorite dessert. This Snickers Cake Recipe is an indulgent masterpiece that brings the beloved candy bar to cake form, stacking luscious chocolate cake layers with decadent fillings and frostings, resulting in a show-stopping treat you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for any celebration or whenever you want to feel like a kitchen rockstar!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Snickers Cake Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the incredible flavors and textures that make this cake legendary. From the chocolate cake base to the luscious peanut butter and marshmallow layers, every component is essential to achieving that perfect balance between gooey, crunchy, and creamy.
- 2 boxes of triple chocolate cake mix: The foundation of the cake, providing deep chocolate flavor and moist texture.
- 6 large eggs: They add richness and structure to the cake batter.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the batter smoothly.
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter softened: Brings richness and tenderness to the cake layers.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Used later in the frosting and filling for creaminess.
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetens the caramel and other fillings.
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk: Adds a creamy, caramelized flavor for the filling.
- 3 cups marshmallow creme fluff: Delivers that classic marshmallow gooeyness reminiscent of Snickers bars.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: Smooth and creamy, essential for that beloved peanut element.
- 3 cups non-salted peanuts chopped: Provides the perfect crunch and nutty taste.
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened: Another key to the luscious frosting texture.
- 12 oz cream cheese frosting softened: Creamy tang balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce: Adds a touch of saltiness and rich caramel flavor.
- 6 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting and filling layers.
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: For drizzling melted chocolate, adding a glossy finish.
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream: Transforms the chocolate chips into a silky ganache.
- Mini Snickers cut in half: The ultimate decoration that hints at what the cake offers inside.
- 1/2 cup chopped peanut topping: Extra crunch and peanutty goodness for garnish.
How to Make Snickers Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously spraying your cake pans with a non-stick baking spray. This simple step ensures your moist chocolate layers will come out perfectly without sticking, making cake removal smooth and seamless.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a standing mixer bowl, combine the triple chocolate cake mix, eggs, whole milk, and softened butter. Beat everything together until the batter is perfectly smooth and well combined. This is where the magic begins—the rich chocolate aroma already sets the tone for what’s coming!
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly among three prepared cake pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When they’re done, the cakes will look moist and springy—just waiting to be layered.
Step 4: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and set them aside to cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is a virtue here—cool cakes are easier to frost and won’t cause your luscious layers to melt prematurely.
Step 5: Make the Peanut Butter Marshmallow Filling
While the cakes cool, create a heavenly filling by combining the marshmallow creme fluff, peanut butter, evaporated milk, sugar, unsalted butter, and chopped peanuts. Mix until smooth and creamy, giving you a luxurious filling that bursts with flavor and adds delightful texture between the layers.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In another bowl, whisk together the softened butter, cream cheese frosting, salted caramel sauce, and powdered sugar until fluffy and smooth. The salted caramel adds an irresistible twist to the classic cream cheese frosting, making it a perfect partner for the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Place your first cooled chocolate layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a generous amount of the peanut butter marshmallow filling on top, then add the second cake layer and repeat. Finish with the third cake layer and frost the entire cake with the cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out for a professional look.
Step 8: Decorate with Chocolate Ganache and Toppings
Gently heat the heavy whipping cream and pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips to create a glossy ganache. Drizzle this over the top and sides of the cake. Finally, crown your creation with halved Mini Snickers and a sprinkle of chopped peanut topping for that unmistakable Snickers finish.
How to Serve Snickers Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Snickers Cake Recipe truly pop, garnish with extra halved mini Snickers bars and chopped peanuts. These finishes not only provide a beautiful visual appeal but also add that crunchy, nutty bite that will have everyone eager to dig in.
Side Dishes
This cake is a rich dessert, so pairing it with light, fresh sides like sliced strawberries or a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the sweetness seamlessly. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes for an extra special indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve individual cake slices on rustic wooden boards or elegant dessert plates. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few extra peanuts around the plate for a professional touch. For parties, consider cutting into small bite-sized squares for easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After slicing, keep any leftover Snickers Cake Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and fresh for up to 4 days, making delicious leftovers that taste just as amazing as the day you baked it.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance or save some for later, this cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for perfect texture.
Reheating
Since this is a frosted cake, it’s best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it a little warmer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the frosting’s texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Snickers Cake Recipe from scratch without cake mix?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cake mix with your favorite triple chocolate cake recipe from scratch, but using a mix saves significant time while still delivering delicious results.
Is it possible to use crunchy peanut butter in the filling?
Yes, but keep in mind the filling will have added texture. If you prefer a smoother filling, stick with creamy peanut butter and reserve peanuts for crunch in the layers and topping.
Can I substitute marshmallow fluff with homemade marshmallow cream?
Definitely! Homemade marshmallow cream is a great alternative and can add a fresh, homemade touch to your filling without changing the classic flavor.
What’s the best way to cut the cake to keep the layers intact?
Use a sharp serrated knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion. Chill the cake briefly before slicing to help the layers hold together better.
Can I omit the mini Snickers on top if I have allergies?
Of course. You can substitute with chopped peanuts, caramel pieces, or even chocolate chunks to keep the candy bar spirit while accommodating allergies.
Final Thoughts
This Snickers Cake Recipe is a spectacular way to take that nostalgic candy bar and turn it into a grand dessert centerpiece. Every bite is bursting with layers of chocolate, caramel, peanut butter, and marshmallow goodness that’s impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will quickly become your go-to recipe to impress friends, family, or simply treat yourself.
Print
Snickers Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus cooling and assembly time
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Snickers Cake combines rich triple chocolate cake layers with a luscious peanut butter and marshmallow cream filling, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, salted caramel, chocolate ganache, and an abundance of peanuts and mini Snickers pieces for the ultimate sweet and nutty treat.
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 2 boxes of triple chocolate cake mix
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 3 cups marshmallow creme fluff
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 cups unsalted peanuts, chopped
Frosting and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 12 oz cream cheese frosting, softened
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- Mini Snickers bars, cut in half
- 1/2 cup chopped peanut topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray your cake pans with non-stick baking spray. Set them aside to be ready for baking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a standing mixer, combine the triple chocolate cake mix, eggs, whole milk, and softened butter. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among three prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Remove the baked cake layers from the oven and allow them to cool completely in their pans or on wire racks before assembling.
- Make Filling: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 2 cups sugar and 1/2 cup evaporated milk over medium heat. Stir frequently and bring to a gentle boil for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups marshmallow creme fluff, 1/2 cup peanut butter, and chopped peanuts until well combined. Let the filling cool and thicken slightly.
- Prepare Frosting: Using a mixer, beat together 1 1/2 cups softened unsalted butter and 12 oz softened cream cheese frosting until fluffy. Gradually add 6 cups powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in the salted caramel sauce to incorporate evenly.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream until warm but not boiling. Pour over 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips and let sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy, then allow to cool slightly before using.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the marshmallow-peanut filling on top. Repeat with the second layer and more filling. Place the final cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the cream cheese caramel frosting. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top and sides. Decorate with halved mini Snickers bars and sprinkle chopped peanut topping over the cake for a crunchy finish.
Notes
- Ensure cake layers are completely cooled before assembling to prevent frosting from melting.
- The filling should be cooled to a spreadable consistency for easier layering.
- For best results, chill the assembled cake for at least an hour before serving to set the frosting and ganache.
- Use good-quality chocolate chips for a richer ganache flavor.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
