Save A bold, savory snack cake combining crunchy pretzels, zesty ranch flavor, and a kick of spice. This lively Spicy Ranch Pretzel "Chaos Cake" is perfect for parties or game day gatherings, offering a satisfyingly crunchy and cheesy bite in every slice.
I made this cake for a casual get-together and it was gone in minutes, everyone asking for the recipe. The spicy, cheesy pretzel topping drew in my guests, and the ranch flavor kept them coming back for seconds.
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 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 mix, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, hot sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Combine Wet & Dry:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Assemble Cake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Scatter mini pretzels, chopped jalapeños, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the batter.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and top is golden brown.
- Cool & Serve:
- Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Save This recipe reminds me of family game nights where snacks are the highlight. My kids love picking the crunchy pretzel pieces off the top before digging into the cheesy, spicy cake below.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm with a side of tangy ranch dipping sauce or pair with a cold beer for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next party.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk, eggs. May contain: Soy (in pretzels), mustard. Always check labels for hidden allergens before serving.
Nutrition Information
Per serving: Calories: 210, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 6 g. Enjoy knowing this snack offers satisfying flavor with each bite.
Save This savory snack cake is irresistible for any gathering, delivering bold flavor and a memorable crunch in every slice.
Common Questions
- → What makes this snack cake savory and bold?
Salted pretzels, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, smoky paprika, and cayenne pepper create layered savory flavors with a spicy kick.
- → Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all listed ingredients are vegetarian, featuring dairy and eggs but excluding meat products.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Add more cayenne or swap in pepper jack cheese for extra heat, or reduce hot sauce for less spiciness.
- → What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
Plain yogurt is a great substitute for buttermilk, maintaining moisture and tang in the cake.
- → How do I achieve a crunchy topping?
Scatter mini pretzels, chopped pickled jalapeños, and Parmesan cheese over the batter before baking for a crisp, flavorful finish.
- → What’s the best way to serve this snack?
Serve sliced warm or at room temperature. It pairs excellently with ranch dip or cold beverages like beer.