Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake Recipe

There’s just something magical about combining salted caramel, crisp apples, and rich Snickers flavors into one decadent dessert. This Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it brings together the best fall-inspired flavors wrapped up in a beautiful, moist chocolate cake. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving an impressive treat to wow your family, this cake hits all the right notes.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the layers all worked together—the apple sauce keeps the cake so incredibly tender, and the salted caramel drizzle… well, it’s absolute perfection. If you love a cake that’s both moist and packed with flavor, plus the crunch of peanuts and fresh apples, this recipe is definitely worth trying in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together to create layers of texture and flavor that are pretty unforgettable. From the cocoa and spices in the cake to the silky salted caramel and peanut butter frosting, each component has a purpose. Take your time sourcing quality apples and fresh ingredients—trust me, it makes a difference.

• All-purpose flour: The base for our cake, so choose a good quality flour for the best texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the other flavors.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that rich chocolatey depth that pairs beautifully with salted caramel.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These leavening agents help your cake rise perfectly fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
• Cinnamon & allspice: Just a touch of warm spice to complement the apples.
• Eggs: Adds structure and moisture; make sure they’re room temperature.
• Canola oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, a great neutral oil for baking.
• Unsweetened applesauce: The secret ingredient for moist texture and a hint of natural sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile.
• Strong brewed coffee or warm apple cider: Both add depth; I often use coffee for that true mocha note.
• Heavy cream: Essential for making smooth salted caramel and the chocolate coating.
• Sugar & honey (or corn syrup): For the caramel’s perfect balance of sweetness and stickiness.
• Apple cider: Builds that fruity, tangy caramel flavor.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and that irresistible buttery caramel taste.
• Bourbon: Optional, but I love the boozy hint it brings to the caramel.
• Kosher salt & flakey salt: For seasoning the caramel and finishing the cake with that satisfying crunch.
• Small fresh apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my go-tos for tartness and crunch.
• Unsalted butter & cream cheese: The base of the Snickers-style frosting.
• Powdered sugar: For sweetening the frosting smoothly.
• Creamy peanut butter: Use one without excess oil for the best texture.
• Salted peanuts: Chopped for texture in the frosting and garnish.
• Bittersweet chocolate: For the glossy chocolate coating.

Variations

This Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake Recipe is already pretty indulgent, but I like to experiment with it depending on the occasion. Feel free to tailor the sweetness, swap out a few ingredients, or even adjust how you layer the components to suit your taste buds.

• Variation: I sometimes replace the coffee in the batter with extra apple cider for a more fruit-forward flavor, which works great in fall.
• Dietary modification: For a gluten-free twist, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to test for moisture adjustments.
• Seasonal change: Swap the fresh apples for pears in winter to change up the fruit element while keeping the caramel delicious.
• Frosting alternative: If peanut butter isn’t your favorite, try almond butter or even a classic vanilla cream cheese frosting.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare & Bake the Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping three 8- or 9-inch round cake pans—grease, line with parchment, and grease/spray again so the cakes come out cleanly. In a bowl, mix your dry ingredients including the flour, cocoa powder, spices, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

In your mixer, beat together the eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth. Then, slowly add the dry mix on low speed until fully combined. Finally, stir in hot brewed coffee or warm apple cider—this is the trick that truly makes the batter moist but pourable, so don’t skip it!

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the tops to be set but not overdone—the cake should spring back slightly if you press the middle. Let cool briefly, then invert onto parchment-lined plates and chill fully before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Combine sugar, honey (or corn syrup), and apple cider in a large pot. Bring it to a boil, but resist stirring to avoid crystallization. After about 9 minutes or once it turns light golden, carefully add heavy cream, butter, bourbon, and vanilla while stirring gently. Boil the sauce for around 10-15 minutes until it thickens and reaches 210°F on a candy thermometer.

Remove from heat, stir in kosher salt, and set most of the caramel aside covered to cool. Reserve 1 cup of this caramel in a heatproof container for the frosting, letting it come to room temperature. This caramel is the star that makes the cake shine, so patience here is key!

Step 3: Whip Up the Snickers Frosting

Beat softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy—about 4 minutes. Add creamy peanut butter, 1/3 cup of the cooled caramel, and vanilla extract, then beat again until everything is smooth and well mixed. Fold in the chopped salted peanuts, which give that classic Snickers crunch.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake Layers

Place the first cake layer flat side up, drizzle with salted caramel from your reserved cup, then spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer rounded side up, repeat the caramel drizzle and frosting. Finish with the third layer, drizzle caramel, and coat the whole cake with the remaining frosting. Don’t stress if it’s not perfectly smooth—you’ll be covering the sides with chocolate.

Step 5: Pour the Chocolate Coating

Melt chopped bittersweet chocolate with heavy cream in short microwave bursts, stirring well between each until silky smooth. Let it cool for a few minutes, then gently pour over the center of your frosted cake, spreading just to the edges and letting a few drips fall down the sides. Chill the cake for at least 1.5 hours or overnight—this step sets the frosting and chocolate just right.

Step 6: Finish with Caramel Apples & Salt

Rewarm the reserved caramel in the pot and boil for 15-20 minutes until it thickens to 220-230°F. Cool slightly, then quickly dip your small apples (on sticks) into the warm caramel, placing them on a parchment-lined tray and then onto the cake’s center. Pour half the caramel over the top of the cake, sprinkle with flaky salt and chopped peanuts. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

This final touch of caramel apples and salty sweet drizzle brings the cake together beautifully—trust me, your guests will be impressed.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling the cake with flaky sea salt and extra chopped salted peanuts right before serving. It adds a lovely crunch and balance to that sweetness. The caramel apples don’t just look beautiful—they’re the perfect garnish to round out every slice with fresh fruity flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or drizzle some extra warm caramel sauce on the side for an extra indulgent touch. It also goes surprisingly well with a simple cup of spiced apple cider or black coffee to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried placing the cake on a rustic wooden cake stand with extra caramel apples and whole Snickers bars artistically arranged around the base. It makes a stunning centerpiece and turns the cake into a real conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake tightly covered in the fridge. Because of the caramel and frosting, it stays moist for up to 3 days. Just keep it covered so it doesn’t absorb fridge odors or dry out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual cake slices wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. When thawed in the fridge overnight, they hold up surprisingly well without losing too much texture or flavor. Just skip the apples on top if you plan to freeze to avoid sogginess.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers at their best, I let slices come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating. If you want it warmer, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave does the trick but watch closely so you don’t melt the frosting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake Recipe is truly a labor of love and one that I put together when I want to impress without fussing over complicated techniques. Every bite is a dance of textures and flavors—from moist chocolate cake to rich peanut butter frosting, gooey salted caramel, and crisp apples. I love sharing it at celebrations, and I know you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it. Once you get the hang of the steps and the caramel timing, this cake becomes a beautiful signature dessert that everyone will rave about.

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