This Chocolate Snickers Layer Cake is the ultimate dessert for candy bar lovers—a decadent, multi-layered treat that captures all the flavors of a classic Snickers bar. With rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and a luxurious ganache drizzle, this cake is as indulgent as it is unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a next-level dessert, this showstopper is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a perfect blend of flavors and textures: moist chocolate layers, smooth and salty peanut butter frosting, sticky caramel, and a final touch of chocolate ganache. Each bite delivers the essence of a Snickers bar in cake form. It’s surprisingly approachable to make, even for beginner bakers, and it’s ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself and others to something spectacular.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cake:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot water

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2–3 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp heavy cream (as needed for consistency)

For the Filling & Topping:

¾ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup roasted salted peanuts, chopped
½ cup chocolate ganache (optional for drizzle)

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
Stir in the hot water last—the batter will be thin.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before assembling.
For the frosting, beat the butter and peanut butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth, adding heavy cream as needed for consistency.
To assemble, place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with peanut butter frosting, drizzle with caramel, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Repeat with the second layer.
Place the final layer on top, frost the entire cake, and finish with a drizzle of caramel and chocolate ganache if using.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean layers.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Calories per serving: 620 kcal

Variations

Mini Cakes: Bake in smaller pans or muffin tins for individual servings.
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts for a similar flavor without allergens.
Different Frosting: Swap the peanut butter frosting for a chocolate buttercream or caramel buttercream for variation.
Extra Crunch: Add a layer of crushed pretzels or toffee bits for added texture.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend suitable for baking.

storage/reheating

Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator in a cake container or loosely covered with plastic wrap for up to 4 days. Let slices come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. This cake can also be frozen (without the ganache drizzle) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and finish with fresh ganache before serving.

FAQs

What’s in a Snickers cake?

A Snickers cake typically includes chocolate cake layers, peanut butter frosting, caramel sauce, chopped peanuts, and sometimes chocolate ganache to replicate the candy bar’s flavors.

Can I use boxed cake mix?

Yes, you can use a chocolate boxed cake mix as a time-saver, but the homemade version offers a richer, more decadent result.

How do I keep my cake layers moist?

Using buttermilk and hot water in the batter ensures a moist, tender crumb. Be careful not to overbake.

What type of caramel should I use?

You can use high-quality store-bought caramel sauce or make your own for a richer, more buttery flavor.

Can I use chunky peanut butter for the frosting?

It’s best to use creamy peanut butter for a smooth and spreadable frosting, but chunky can be used for extra texture.

Do I need to chill the cake before serving?

Yes, chilling the cake helps set the frosting and caramel, making it easier to slice and serve cleanly.

How long can this cake sit out?

The cake can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it’s best stored in the refrigerator due to the frosting.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and assemble it the next day. Store the layers tightly wrapped at room temperature or refrigerated.

Is this cake suitable for a birthday or celebration?

Absolutely. Its rich flavors and impressive presentation make it perfect for birthdays, parties, or holidays.

Can I substitute ganache with melted chocolate?

Yes, melted chocolate can be used in place of ganache, though ganache offers a smoother, shinier finish.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Snickers Layer Cake is a dessert lover’s dream, blending all the iconic flavors of the beloved candy bar into one stunning creation. From its moist chocolate base to its creamy peanut butter frosting and indulgent caramel and ganache toppings, every slice is rich, flavorful, and unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite.