Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this cake because it’s a combination of everything indulgent: moist chocolate cake infused with cinnamon and apple notes, silky salted caramel, creamy peanut butter frosting, and crunchy peanuts. The caramel-coated apples on sticks add a playful, interactive touch, making this dessert as fun as it is delicious. Perfect for dessert tables, parties, or cozy nights in, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full measurements and instructions are included in the recipe card below.)

Cake

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee (or warm apple cider)

Salted Caramel

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup honey or corn syrup
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
• 1 tablespoon bourbon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + flaky salt for sprinkling
• 3 small apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 6 wooden sticks or twigs

Snickers Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (not the oily kind)
• 1/3 cup salted caramel (from above)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped + more for garnish

Chocolate Coating

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and allspice.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, canola oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and hot coffee or apple cider.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated. Pour batter into prepared pans.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Salted Caramel

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, honey or corn syrup, and apple cider. Stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Gradually add heavy cream, then butter. Stir constantly until smooth and thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon, vanilla, and kosher salt. Cool slightly.
4. Insert wooden sticks into apples and dip each apple into the caramel. Let set on parchment paper and sprinkle with flaky salt.

Snickers Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, peanut butter, caramel, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
3. Fold in chopped peanuts. Spread frosting over cooled cake layers and between layers if stacking. Garnish with extra peanuts.

Chocolate Coating

1. Heat heavy cream until just simmering and pour over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
2. Drizzle over frosted cake or dip caramel apples into chocolate for an extra layer.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 8–10 people.
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes (cake) + 15–20 minutes (caramel)
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Use different nut butters for frosting, like almond or cashew.
• Add chopped Snickers bars directly into the frosting for extra crunch.
• Try caramel-dipped pears instead of apples for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store cake covered at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Caramel apples are best eaten fresh. Leftover frosting can be refrigerated and whipped before reusing.

FAQs

Can I make the caramel ahead of time?

Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 1 week; gently reheat before dipping apples.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, firmer varieties like Fuji or Gala work well.

How do I make this nut-free?

Omit the peanuts and use a nut-free caramel and frosting.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes, use small apples and cupcake pans for individual servings.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake is a decadent dessert that combines chocolate, caramel, peanut butter, and fresh apples for a show-stopping treat. With layers of rich flavor, crunchy texture, and gooey caramel, it’s perfect for celebrations or cozy nights at home. Each bite delivers a little bit of everything you love about indulgent desserts.

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