Snickers Dream Cake

I get so happy when I mix candy and cake together. This Snickers dream cake is rich, gooey, and full of chocolate and caramel. It feels like biting into a giant candy bar.

The layers are soft, and the frosting is creamy with peanuts and caramel. I like how every bite gives a mix of sweet and salty. It’s fun to make and even better to eat.

My friends always ask for this cake at parties. It looks big and bold but it’s actually simple to put together. And it always disappears fast.

So, let’s bake this Snickers dream cake together. You’ll see how easy it is. And once it’s ready, you’ll want to cut a slice right away.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: If you’re a fan of Snickers bars, this cake is a must-try. Imagine taking the best parts of the candy bar and transforming them into a show-stopping dessert.
• Layers of Flavor: This cake offers everything you love—chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and nougat—all beautifully layered together.
• Gooey and Rich: From the smooth peanut butter nougat to the creamy caramel, every layer of this cake is indulgent and decadent.
• Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, celebration, or just a special treat, this Snickers Dream Cake is the perfect centerpiece.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Each layer can be prepared in advance, making it easier for you to assemble and serve whenever you need it.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• Mixing bowls: For preparing each of the cake’s components.
• Electric mixer (or stand mixer): To ensure smooth mixing, especially for the cake batter and the nougat filling.
• 9-inch round cake pans: You’ll need two for baking the layers of chocolate cake.
• Spatula: For spreading the layers of nougat, caramel, and ganache.
• Cake stand or serving platter: To showcase the finished cake in all its glory.
• Parchment paper: To prevent the cake from sticking to the pans.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy in the ingredients.
• Microwave-safe bowls: For melting the chocolate and caramel.

Ingredients

This is a layered cake, and each layer has its own set of ingredients. Let’s break it down:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• All-purpose flour (2 cups): This gives structure and fluff to the cake.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetness for the cake’s base.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): For that rich chocolate flavor.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise.
• Baking soda (1 1/2 teaspoons): Works with the buttermilk to create a tender texture.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds moisture and gives the cake a slight tang, which complements the rich chocolate.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s texture.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): For a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Boiling water (1 cup): Helps create a fudgy and moist cake batter.

For the Nougat Filling:

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Provides richness and helps create a creamy nougat texture.
• Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The star ingredient for the peanut buttery flavor.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the nougat and gives it structure.
• Mini marshmallows (4 cups): These create a chewy, light texture in the nougat filling, mimicking the texture of the candy bar.

For the Caramel Layer:

• Caramel sauce (1 cup): Store-bought or homemade, this adds gooey sweetness to the cake.
• Roasted peanuts (1 cup): For a crunchy texture and that classic Snickers flavor.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Heavy cream (1 cup): Helps melt the chocolate to create a silky-smooth ganache.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces): Rich, smooth chocolate for the finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly shaped.

1.1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients create the foundation for your cake.

1.2. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

1.3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix using an electric mixer or a whisk until just combined. The batter will be thick, but don’t worry—this is normal.

1.4. Add the Boiling Water

Slowly add the boiling water to the batter. The batter will thin out significantly, but this will create a moist and fudgy cake. Mix until well combined.

1.5. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Nougat Filling

2.1. Melt Butter and Peanut Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and peanut butter together, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and well combined.

2.2. Add Powdered Sugar

Once the peanut butter mixture is smooth, mix in the powdered sugar until it forms a thick, creamy texture.

2.3. Add Marshmallows

Fold in the mini marshmallows to the nougat mixture. This will give the nougat its chewy, marshmallow-y texture.

2.4. Spread the Nougat

Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread an even layer of nougat filling on top of one of the cakes. Set the other cake layer on top to complete the stack.

3. Prepare the Caramel Layer

3.1. Heat the Caramel

Warm the caramel sauce in a small saucepan or microwave for a few seconds, just until it’s pourable but not too runny.

3.2. Add Peanuts

Stir in the roasted peanuts into the caramel sauce, then pour it evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides slightly.

4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

4.1. Heat the Cream

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it starts to simmer. Don’t let it come to a boil.

4.2. Make the Ganache

Remove from heat and immediately pour over the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

4.3. Pour the Ganache

Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the cake, spreading it with a spatula so that it covers the entire surface.

5. Let the Cake Set

Allow the cake to set at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until the ganache hardens and the layers are well-incorporated. You can refrigerate the cake if you prefer a firmer ganache.

How to Serve Snickers Dream Cake

Once your cake has set, it’s time to slice and serve! This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. Here’s how you can enjoy it:

• As a Birthday Cake: Perfect for special celebrations like birthdays or milestones.
• As a Party Dessert: Serve this cake at your next dinner party or potluck—it’s bound to be the highlight!
• For a Decadent Treat: Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Storing Snickers Dream Cake

To keep your cake fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Allow the cake to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	460
Total Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	60mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbohydrates	60g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	45g
Protein	6g

Conclusion

The Snickers Dream Cake is the perfect combination of chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and nougat, just like the beloved candy bar but in cake form. It’s sure to be a hit at your next celebration or gathering. The layers of flavor, from the rich chocolate cake to the creamy ganache, will make you feel like you’re indulging in the ultimate dessert experience. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!