Name: Snickers Cake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk; 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups granulated sugar (for caramel); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel); 1 cup heavy cream (for caramel); 1 tsp salt (for caramel); 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts, chopped; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting); 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting); 1/2 tsp salt (for frosting); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream (for frosting); 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache); 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 2 Snickers bars, chopped; Sea salt for garnish

I remember the first time I tasted the combination of salted peanuts and chocolate at a harvest fair—it was simple, messy, and completely unforgettable. This Snickers cake takes that nostalgic memory and brings it home to the farmhouse kitchen. It is not about being fancy or precious; it is about the honest crunch of peanuts meeting the deep warmth of cocoa in a way that feels grounding and real.

Whole rustic snickers cake with chocolate ganache drip and peanuts on a wooden table — Snickers Cake 15

Layers of moist chocolate cake are filled with homemade salted caramel and wrapped in a creamy peanut butter buttercream. It is a hearty, satisfying dessert that celebrates the beauty of contrasting textures. This is the kind of cake you slice thick and share with good friends on a slow afternoon.

A Rustic Celebration of Texture

There is something wonderfully grounding about the mix of salty and sweet. The homemade caramel anchors the fluffy cake layers, while the peanuts add a rustic crunch that you just cannot get from a box mix. It is a substantial cake, perfect for when you need a comforting treat that feels authentically homemade.

Everything here works in harmony. The chocolate cake is tender but sturdy enough to hold the rich fillings, and the peanut butter frosting adds a creamy softness that ties it all together. It is a recipe that lets natural flavors shine through without needing any artificial fuss.

Farmhouse Pantry Essentials

Bowl of cocoa powder fresh eggs and butter on a baking surface — Snickers Cake 16

We rely on simple, high-quality ingredients to make these flavors sing. When you start with good basics, the results are always honest and delicious.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The backbone of the cake layers. Choose a high-quality Dutch-process if you can for a deeper, earthier color.
Buttermilk: Essential for that tender, farm-fresh crumb. It reacts with the baking soda to keep the cake light and adds a subtle tang.
Heavy Cream: Used in both the caramel and the ganache. Look for local dairy if you have it; the richness makes all the difference in the texture.
Salted Peanuts: Do not skip the salt here. It cuts through the sugar and brings that classic, savory profile to life.
Butter: Room temperature is key for the buttercream to reach that perfect, cloud-like consistency. Real butter provides the structure and flavor we need.

How to Make It

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line four cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the warm water, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk until just combined and smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 2: Craft the Salted Peanut Caramel

While the cakes bake, dissolve the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, adding it gradually until melted and amber-colored. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the butter, followed by the heavy cream and salt. Let it cool to room temperature, then whip it with a mixer until it lightens in color. Fold in the chopped salted peanuts, reserving a small portion of plain caramel for the drip later.

Step 3: Whip the Peanut Butter Frosting

Beat the room-temperature butter and peanut butter together until smooth and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing on low until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency. It should hold its shape but still feel soft and airy.

Step 4: Assemble with Care

Place your first cake layer on a board. Pipe a ring of buttercream around the edge to create a dam, then fill the center with the peanut caramel. Repeat this for the remaining layers. Apply a crumb coat of frosting to the entire cake and chill it for 20 minutes. Then, apply the final layer of buttercream and smooth it out for a rustic finish. Press chopped peanuts gently around the base.

Step 5: The Ganache Drip and Finish

Heat the heavy cream for the ganache until it just bubbles, then pour it over the milk chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until glossy and smooth. Pour the ganache over the chilled cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides. Top with chopped Snickers bars and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Christine’s Farmhouse Secrets

Fluffy peanut butter buttercream frosting in a mixing bowl — Snickers Cake 17

Patience is your best friend when making caramel. Let the sugar melt slowly and deepen to a rich amber without rushing, or it might seize. If it does clump, just keep heating gently—it often melts back down. For the smoothest frosting, ensure your butter is truly room temperature before whipping. If you enjoy exploring the science behind these sweets, check out our Chocolate Alchemy section for more tips on working with cocoa and ganache.

Seasonal Swaps and Twists

This recipe is a wonderful canvas for seasonal changes. If you prefer a darker, less sweet profile, swap the milk chocolate ganache for a dark chocolate version. You can also substitute almond butter and roasted almonds for a different nutty take that feels just as warm and rustic. For a solid vanilla base to experiment with instead of chocolate, our Foundational Recipes offer great starting points for any baker.

Bringing It to the Table

Slice of snickers cake showing layers of caramel and cream — Snickers Cake 18

This cake is a showstopper on its own, so keep the styling simple and rustic. A wooden board or a white ceramic platter lets the dripping ganache and peanuts take center stage. Serve it with a hot cup of black coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. It’s a rich dessert, so thin slices go a long way. For more ideas on presenting your bakes beautifully, visit our Celebration Design Studio.

Simple Pleasures

This Snickers cake is proof that the best desserts don’t need to be overly complicated to be beautiful. It is all about great ingredients and the joy of sharing something handmade. We hope this recipe brings a little farmhouse warmth to your kitchen. If you enjoyed this, you might also like the techniques in this Snickers cake guide or explore our own Contemporary Small Format treats.

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A Rustic Celebration of Texture

Snickers Cake

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Farmhouse Pantry Essentials