Snickers Cupcakes

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If you’re a fan of chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and all things indulgent, you’re in for a treat. These Snickers Cupcakes are everything you love about the iconic candy bar but in cupcake form. Think moist chocolate cake, a silky peanut butter frosting, rich caramel drizzle, and a glorious hunk of Snickers bar right on top. Each bite delivers gooey, crunchy, nutty goodness that tastes just like your favorite candy aisle delight.

Perfect for parties, celebrations, or when you’re just craving a decadent dessert, Snickers Cupcakes bring together sweet and salty flavors in a beautiful, bakery-worthy package. Not only do they taste incredible, but they also look like showstoppers—especially with that candy bar crown. They’re surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress anyone who gets their hands on one.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best Snickers Cupcakes, having the right tools is essential for a smooth baking experience and stellar results:

• Muffin Tin with Liners: This keeps your cupcakes uniform in shape and prevents sticking. Liners also make cleanup a breeze and presentation prettier.
• Mixing Bowls (large and medium): You’ll need separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients to ensure thorough mixing without overworking the batter.
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: These are crucial for whipping up a light, fluffy frosting and evenly mixing your batter.
• Sifter: Helps in aerating the flour and cocoa powder, leading to a lighter cake texture.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures evenly sized cupcakes that bake at the same rate.
• Piping Bag with a Star Tip: For that swirled frosting look that makes the cupcakes bakery-worthy.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Needed for gently melting caramel to the perfect drizzle consistency.
• Chopping Board & Sharp Knife: To slice your Snickers bars cleanly without squishing them.

With these tools ready, you’re set up for sweet success.

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Ingredients for the Snickers Cupcakes

Each ingredient in this cupcake recipe plays a deliciously essential role. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your cupcake base, providing structure and a soft crumb.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with caramel and peanut.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cupcakes rise into fluffy, domed tops.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cupcake’s tender structure.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and keeps the crumb moist.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides fat for softness and helps keep the cupcakes moist even after a couple of days.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a layer of warmth and sweetness to enhance all the flavors.
• Boiling Water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and helps the batter come together smoothly.
• Snickers Bars (chopped): Folded into the batter or placed in the center, these add pockets of chewy caramel and crunchy peanut goodness.

For the frosting:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the frosting—it’s rich, nutty, and smooth.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps create a creamy frosting base with structure.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the right pipeable texture.
• Heavy Cream: Helps loosen the frosting to make it silky and smooth.
• Caramel Sauce: For drizzling that finishing touch.
• More Snickers (sliced or halved): Garnish each cupcake with a piece for the ultimate presentation.

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How To Make the Snickers Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners so you’re ready to go once the batter is mixed.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add in the dry mixture and mix just until combined.

Step 4: Add the Boiling Water

Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin). This step is key to making your cupcakes extra moist and bringing out the cocoa’s depth.

Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Snickers

Gently fold in the chopped Snickers bars, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Use a scoop to fill each liner about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

Beat together the butter and peanut butter until creamy. Slowly add in powdered sugar, then pour in heavy cream to reach your desired consistency. Beat until fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Pipe the frosting onto cooled cupcakes using a star tip. Drizzle with caramel sauce and top each with a Snickers slice. Sprinkle chopped peanuts if you like an extra crunch.

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How to Serve and Store Snickers Cupcakes

These Snickers Cupcakes are best served at room temperature when the frosting is soft and the caramel drizzle is gooey. For a fancy dessert table, arrange them on a tiered cupcake stand and garnish with extra caramel and chopped peanuts right before serving.

If you’re making them ahead or have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temp before serving so the frosting softens again.

To freeze, skip the caramel drizzle and candy topping—just frost the cupcakes, freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Add toppings after thawing for best presentation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cupcakes moist?

Adding oil and boiling water to the batter ensures a moist and tender crumb. Be careful not to overbake, and always store them in an airtight container.

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

Yes! If you’re short on time, a good-quality chocolate cake mix works great. Just fold in chopped Snickers before baking to add that candy bar surprise.

Can I make these nut-free?

You can skip the chopped Snickers and use a nut-free chocolate-caramel candy. Swap the peanut butter in the frosting for sunflower seed butter or cookie butter.

What’s the best way to drizzle caramel?

Use a spoon or a piping bag with a small round tip. Warm the caramel slightly to make it flow easier, but don’t let it get too hot or it’ll melt the frosting.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temp and rewhip before using.

Can I fill the cupcakes with caramel?

Yes! Core out a small portion of each cupcake after baking and cooling, then spoon in a bit of thick caramel sauce. Replace the top and frost as usual.

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Want More Cupcake Ideas with a Candy Twist?

If you love these Snickers Cupcakes, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe with espresso-soaked centers and whipped mascarpone.
• Grape Crush Cupcakes Recipe for a fun fruity twist on a soda classic.
• Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes with a zesty cream cheese swirl.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for bite-sized spice and sweetness.
• Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake if you want something bigger but still rich and nutty.

And for even more dessert inspiration, check out my daily recipe pins on Pinterest: Life With Olivia Pinterest.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with a full-size Snickers on top or a mini slice? Did you sneak in a caramel center?

I love seeing how you make these your own. Questions and tips are always welcome—let’s bake better together!

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