Pocono Pabulum for Mind & Body: Snickers Birthday Cake

Snickers Birthday Cake

I can honestly say that this recipe is probably the most unhealthy post I have made to date, but it is so delicious that I had to share it regardless. It is a birthday cake, so obviously it is not something you should eat on a regular basis, but if the love of your life is turning 39 and you happen to have a one pound Snickers bar left over from Christmas, this cake is perfect. Because on your birthday you should be able to eat whatever you want and turning 39 is worth celebrating, as is every age (because the alternative to getting older is... well, not worth celebrating, obviously). So go ahead, make yourself happy, and indulge in this amazing dessert with the people who you love!!

Greg’s Snickers 39^th Birthday Cake

Basic Chocolate Cake:

finished cake

2 C. organic white sugar

1 C. organic whole wheat pastry flour

3/4 C. organic white flour

3/4 C. dark cocoa powder

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 organic eggs

1/2 C. organic canola oil

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 C. organic milk

1 C. hot coffee

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray with cooking spray, and line with waxed paper, three 9-inch round baking pans. In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, flours, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a large mixing bowl, blend together the eggs, oil and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and the milk alternately, until fully combined and then beat on medium speed of a mixer (or with a whisk by hand) for 2 minutes. Stir in coffee (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks.

now that's a Snickers bar!!

For the filling:

1 large Snickers bars, cut into ¼ inch slices, divided in half
3/4 C. organic salted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1 1/2 C. packed organic light brown sugar
3 T. organic half and half
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Salted roasted peanuts, chopped

While cake is baking, in a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and milk. Cook and stir over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Remove cake layers from oven and allow cake to remain in pans as you prepare to stack and fill. Remove first layer and invert onto cake plate. Pierce cake layer with a fork over entire surface. Spread 1/3 of filling mixture on top of the cake carefully and try to fill in all of the holes. Arrange half of the Snickers pieces on top of the caramel and then drizzle with another tablespoon of the filling. Top with second layer of cake and repeat the process. Top with the third layer and spread on the remaining caramel filling. It will drizzle over the sides. Decorate with chopped peanuts.