Save A bold, savory snack cake combining crunchy pretzels, zesty ranch flavor, and a kick of spice. It's perfect for parties or game day gatherings.
I first baked this chaos cake for a friend's birthday, and it was the star of the snack table. The crunchy pretzels on top really impressed everyone.
Ingredients
- Salted Pretzels: 3 cups, roughly crushed
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup, finely grated
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: 1 packet (1 oz/28 g)
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon
- Eggs: 3 large
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- Butter: 1/4 cup unsalted, melted
- Hot Sauce: 2 tablespoons (such as Frank's RedHot)
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Mini Pretzels: 1/2 cup
- Pickled Jalapeños: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 tablespoons, grated
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine crushed pretzels, flour, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, hot sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Combine:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill Pan:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Add Toppings:
- Scatter mini pretzels, pickled jalapeños, and Parmesan cheese evenly over batter.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean and top is golden brown.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Save My family loves munching on slices during movie night. The leftovers are just as tasty the next day!
Nutritional Information
Each slice features about 210 calories, 9 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with cold beer or pair with extra ranch dipping sauce for a true party feel.
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ons
Use plain yogurt instead of buttermilk, or swap cheddar for pepper jack to increase the heat.
Save This recipe is a festive way to spice up your snack table. Enjoy fresh out of the oven for the best crunch!
Recipe Questions
- → How spicy is this snack?
The level of heat is moderate from cayenne and hot sauce, but you can adjust spiciness by adding extra cayenne or swapping cheeses.
- → Can I substitute buttermilk?
Yes, plain yogurt works just as well as buttermilk in the batter for tang and moisture.
- → What’s the best way to crush pretzels?
Place pretzels in a sealed bag and gently crush with a rolling pin until coarse, avoiding fine crumbs.
- → Can this cake be made ahead?
Absolutely. Bake and cool completely, then store airtight for up to 2 days. Reheat slices gently before serving.
- → What dip pairs best with this snack?
Tangy ranch or spicy mustard dips work wonderfully alongside the bold flavors of this snack cake.
- → Is it vegetarian friendly?
Yes, the ingredients are all vegetarian. Check your chosen pretzels and cheeses for assurance if desired.