Save A bold, savory snack cake combining crunchy pretzels, zesty ranch flavor, and a kick of spice, Spicy Ranch Pretzel Chaos Cake is perfect for parties or game day gatherings. It offers a delicious twist on traditional snack cakes that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
The first time I baked this cake, it disappeared from the table in minutes at a family game night, especially among those who love a savory snack. It quickly became a requested recipe for casual gatherings.
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
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, 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 the 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 a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, hot sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add to pan and top:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Scatter mini pretzels, jalapeños, and Parmesan over batter.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and top is golden brown.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Save When my kids helped scatter the mini pretzels and jalapeños on top, it turned into a fun kitchen activity everyone enjoyed. It's always satisfying to serve a snack everyone helped create.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan, rubber spatula, parchment paper, wire rack.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs. May contain soy (in pretzels), mustard. Always check product labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 210 calories, 9 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein.
Save Slice up this snack cake and watch it disappear at your next gathering. It brings bold flavor and a playful crunch to any celebration.
Common Questions
- → Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with pepper jack for extra heat or use a blend for varied flavor.
- → Is buttermilk essential, or can I swap it?
You can replace buttermilk with plain yogurt for similar texture and tang without sacrificing moisture.
- → How spicy is this dish?
It has a moderate kick from cayenne and hot sauce, but spice is easy to adjust to your preference.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- → What drink pairs best?
Cold beer or a refreshing soda work well, balancing the savory and spicy flavors of the snack.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all listed ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, making it a great choice for most diets.