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Home Β» Recipes Β» Desserts Β» Cakes Β» Pretzels, Peanut Butter, and Beer Cake Recipe

Pretzels, Peanut Butter, and Beer Cake Recipe

March 22, 2015 By Katie Moseman 43 Comments

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Pretzels, Peanut Butter, and Beer Cake Recipe

Spring Fling Fun

I’ve been inspired join the Sunday Supper fun today!  This week’s theme is “Spring Fling,” featuring any and all foods that we associate with springtime, and it’s hosted by Crazy Foodie Stunts and Lifestyle Food Artistry.  Check them out!

Personally, I associate springtime with birthdays.  Just as the warm weather arrives, family birthdays start coming one after another.  Between March and June, there are five birthdays to celebrate!

My husband’s birthday comes first, in March.  Although I am quite honest about the fact that I am a hopeless cake decorator, I’m still willing to attempt birthday cakes for the people I love.  At least the cakes usually taste good, even if the decoration is unorthodox.

This year, my husband asked for his cake to include beer, pretzels, and peanut butter.  I modified a champagne brownie cake recipe to make rich, fudgy beer cake layers.  Then I borrowed an Ina Garten peanut butter frosting recipe and garnished the whole thing with pretzel twists.  Voila!  A pretzels, peanut butter, and beer cake!

Decorating This Cake Is Easy

I used a very simple method to decorate the cake, one that even I couldn’t mess up.  I frosted the inside and top of the cake, leaving the sides bare.  After that, I made small dots of frosting to stick pretzels to the sides in a pretty pattern, then I stuck more pretzels to the top of the frosted cake.  That’s all, folks.  You, too, can be a fancy cake decorator!

Talk to Me!

Do you have special foods or recipes that you whip out for spring?  Tell me about it!

Oh, and don’t forget to check out all the other #SundaySupper “Spring Fling” recipes located underneath this recipe!

Pretzels, Peanut Butter, and Beer Cake Recipe

Pretzels, Peanut Butter, and Beer Cake Recipe
5 from 7 votes
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Pretzels, Peanut Butter, and Beer Cake Recipe | #SundaySupper

You'll love this easy to make chocolate beer cake, covered in peanut butter frosting and decorated with pretzel twists!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 10 People
Calories 961 kcal
Author Katie Moseman

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup cocoa
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup beer preferably stout

Frosting

  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream

Decoration

  • 3 cups pretzel twists

Instructions

For the Cake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 and prepare two 9-inch cake pans by lining with parchment paper and spraying the interior sides of the pans with baking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
  3. In a second mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir in the beer.
  4. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture a little at a time and whisk until just combined. The batter will be runny.
  5. Pour half of the batter into each prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let cool completely in the pans on a rack.

For the Frosting

  1. Place the confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and salt in a bow. Mix on medium-low speed until creamy, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula as you work. Add the cream and beat on high speed until the mixture is light and smooth.

To Decorate the Cake

  1. Place one layer of the cake on a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top of the cake layer, almost to the edge.
  2. Place the other layer on top of the frosted first layer. Spread a layer of frosting on the top, right up to the edge. Arrange pretzels on top in concentric circular patterns.
  3. To decorate the sides, apply a little frosting to the center of a pretzel twist, then press it against the cake. Alternate pretzels right-side-up and upside-down as you go.
Nutrition Facts
Pretzels, Peanut Butter, and Beer Cake Recipe | #SundaySupper
Amount Per Serving
Calories 961 Calories from Fat 396
% Daily Value*
Fat 44g68%
Saturated Fat 21g131%
Cholesterol 140mg47%
Sodium 1226mg53%
Potassium 489mg14%
Carbohydrates 129g43%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 56g62%
Protein 19g38%
Vitamin A 955IU19%
Calcium 76mg8%
Iron 6.3mg35%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Beverages

  • Easter Egg Smoothie by Sew You Think You Can Cook
  • Home-made Limoncello by Manu’s Menu
  • Meyer Lemon Rosemary Martini by The Redhead Baker

Appetizers

  • Asparagus and Roasted Garlic Hummus by Palatable Pastime
  • Baked Lemon and Goat Cheese Dip by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
  • Cauliflower Salad by Wallflour Girl
  • Green Asparagus Soup with Seared Scallops by An Appealing Plan
  • Panzanella Primavera by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
  • Salmon Berry and Almond Salad with Lemon Honey Dressing by Family Foodie
  • Skillet Spinach Artichoke Dip by Life Tastes Good

Sides

  • Asparagus Gribiche by The Wimpy Vegetarian
  • Early Peas with Pearl Onions in Cream by Lifestyle Food Artistry
  • Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Mustard Vinaigrette by Food Done Light
  • Sauteed Artichokes & Potatoes by Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
  • Spring Green Rice by Magnolia Days

EntreΓ©s

  • Artichoke Pesto Pasta by PancakeWarriors
  • Crispy Honey Chicken Spring Salad by Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
  • Early Spring Risotto by Cooking Chat
  • Honey Lemon Shrimp by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
  • Irish Lamb Stew by Food Lust People Love
  • Perfect Scrambled Eggs with Asparagus, Goat Cheese and Chives by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
  • Quiche Florentine by Curious Cuisiniere
  • Roasted Lamb Chops, Fontina Cheese Polenta with Asparagus and Mushrooms by Crazy Foodie Stunts
  • Root Vegetable Risotto by Momma’s Meals
  • Spring Lemon Pasta by MealDiva
  • Spring Pea & ChΓ¨vre Souffle by FoodieTots
  • Spring Vegetable Risotto by A Day in the Life on the Farm
  • Salmon and Strawberry Spinach Salad with a Kentucky Maple Vinaigrette by Dandelion Greens
  • Tilapia with Classic Pesto by Whole Food | Real Families
  • Veal Stew with Spring Greens by The Texan New Yorker

Desserts

  • Berry Shortcakes by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
  • Blueberry Coconut Macaroons by Pies and Plots
  • Blueberry Rhubarb Muffins by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
  • Carrot Cake Cookies by Noshing With The Nolands
  • Carrot Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing by Take A Bite Out of Boca
  • Gluten Free Healthy Hummingbird Cake by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  • Lemon Cream Pie with Girl Scouts Lemonade Cookie Crust by Our Good Life
  • Lemon Meringue Pie by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
  • Low-Fat Strawberry Muffins by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
  • Matcha Strawberry Cake by Brunch with Joy
  • Palm Sunday Easter Bread by Love and Confections
  • Pretzels, Peanut Butter, and Beer Cake Recipe by Recipe for Perfection
  • Sticky Carrot Squares by What Smells So Good?
  • Three Berry Coconut Crispies by Simply Healthy Family

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

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Filed Under: #SundaySupper, Birthdays, Cakes, Desserts, Holidays, Recipes, Special Events

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Reader Interactions

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Comments

  1. Renee

    March 22, 2015 at 7:13 am

    Oh wow what a cake!! This is a stunner for sure. Plus what great flavors and the sweet/salty combo.

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 22, 2015 at 9:04 pm

      Thanks, Renee! It sure was tasty. And the cake was so moist and fudgy!

      Reply
  2. Dini @ Giramuk's Kitchen

    March 22, 2015 at 9:31 am

    Looks like an awesome Cake Katie! πŸ™‚ Love the combination of Chocolate, Beer and Peanut butter! Plus that Peanut butter frosting is amazing too! Love Ina’s recipes πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 22, 2015 at 9:06 pm

      My mother always recommends Ina Garten’s recipes, so when I saw that this particular PB frosting was hers, I picked it! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  3. Liz

    March 22, 2015 at 10:44 am

    You rose to the occasion for your hubby’s birthday! This is one beautiful cake!!!

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 22, 2015 at 9:07 pm

      Thanks, Liz! I’m so not a decorator, and that’s why I like to stick food all over my “fancy” cakes to cover the inexpert frosting application! Ha!

      Reply
  4. Laura Dembowski

    March 22, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    This cake looks wonderfully decadent! Love the sweet- salty combo!

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 22, 2015 at 9:10 pm

      Thank you, Laura! I’m glad my husband suggested that particular combination, because it turned out so well!

      Reply
  5. Tara Noland

    March 22, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    5 stars
    What a pretty cake and love the salty, sweet combination!!

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 22, 2015 at 9:12 pm

      Thanks, Tara! Glad you like it! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. Sue Lau

    March 22, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    Really interesting and different idea for cake!

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 23, 2015 at 9:06 pm

      One of my followers on Twitter from the UK called it a “lad cake.” I thought that was spot on!

      Reply
  7. Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm

    March 22, 2015 at 6:08 pm

    What a wonderful birthday cake…..made to his specifications and gorgeous to boot.

    Reply
  8. Valerie Cathell Clark

    March 22, 2015 at 6:49 pm

    5 stars
    You had me so curious with your title! This looks yummy and I am putting it on my list for spring!

    Reply
  9. [email protected]

    March 22, 2015 at 8:32 pm

    I love the sweet/salty combo in this cake! yummm

    Reply
  10. Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness

    March 22, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    This cake is gorgeous!! Anything with pretzels in it is okay in my book πŸ™‚

    Reply
  11. Thalia @ butter and brioche

    March 23, 2015 at 12:33 am

    Now this is one incredible cake! I just love the peanut butter, beer and pretzel combination. Wish I had a slice now.

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 23, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      I wish I had a slice too! (Ha!)

      Reply
  12. CarriesExpKtchn

    March 23, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    My brother in law would LOVE this cake…chocolate, peanut butter, beer…nothing better! Thanks for sharing and have fun celebrating the birthdays!

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 24, 2015 at 8:59 pm

      I’m thinking about doing a variation for Easter… a Chocolate Mimosa Cake! Chocolate & champagne cake with frosting flavored with fresh orange juice! I’m drooling already!

      Reply
  13. Mrs. AOK

    March 23, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness!! This cake looks SO yummy- my husband & son both have birthdays in July, they would both love this! Thank you for sharing!
    XOXO

    Reply
  14. Jennifer

    March 23, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    5 stars
    Beer, pretzels, cake? Sounds like a recipe for perfection! (Sorry, couldn’t resist) πŸ™‚

    Reply
  15. Shaina

    March 23, 2015 at 10:04 pm

    This is the ultimate in cake combinations. Killer!!

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 24, 2015 at 8:49 pm

      Thanks, Shaina!

      Reply
  16. Cindys Recipes and Writings

    March 23, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    Very creative, Katie. BTW my birthday is Oct 18th! lol

    Reply
  17. Laura

    March 24, 2015 at 5:23 am

    So I was the only kid growing up in a house of 4 kids that hated peanut butter. So for years I just didn’t understand the draw people had to it. Then I had a little girl who just loved peanut butter. We have a rule that she has to try a bite of something before she says she doesn’t like it. So one day when she offered me a bite of her peanut butter toast I felt I had to follow the rules. Much to my surprise I loved it. I am now starting to get a little peanut butter obsessed. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  18. June Burns

    March 24, 2015 at 6:14 am

    Oh wow that sounds like an incredible cake flavor! Sweet and salty heaven πŸ™‚ Like the way you decorated it too!

    Reply
  19. Diana @DandelionGreensBlog

    March 24, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    What a fun cake! So simple, yet looks and sounds so decadent!

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 24, 2015 at 8:37 pm

      Thanks! It was quite decadent. I had family over tonight and made the same cake layer, but instead of peanut butter frosting I served it with a scoop of homemade peanut butter ice cream. Now that was double decadent!

      Reply
  20. Julie @ Texan New Yorker

    March 24, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    I love the birthday cake interpretation of this week’s theme! And this cake looks…. wow! I so want a piece!!

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 24, 2015 at 8:33 pm

      Spring means birthdays for me! πŸ™‚ I wish I could give out pieces of cake electronically. They need to invent e-cake!

      Reply
  21. Akaleistar

    March 24, 2015 at 9:52 pm

    That cake looks amazing!

    Reply
  22. Mari

    March 26, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    5 stars
    Katie this looks delish! Just pinned a must try πŸ™‚

    Reply
  23. Mirlandra @ Mirlandra's Kitchen

    March 26, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    5 stars
    This looks like so much fun!

    Reply
  24. DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts

    March 27, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    I’m glad you were able to incorporate beer and pretzels for your husband into a cake. Those two foods I associate with MLB games which could also be a reminder of spring, no?

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 29, 2015 at 10:27 am

      Exactly!

      Reply
  25. CakeSpy

    March 28, 2015 at 11:30 am

    I have my “OMG” face on right now. This cake is amazing!

    Reply
    • Katie

      March 29, 2015 at 10:27 am

      I didn’t know you had an “OMG” face! πŸ™‚ Glad you like the cake- I was pretty proud of it!

      Reply
  26. Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook

    April 1, 2015 at 9:02 am

    5 stars
    I am a terrible decorator too. Love how you did this one. I never would have thought to leave the sides bare but it looks wonderful! That’s the part that I always mess up most anyway. And I don’t like too much frosting so it’s a win-win! Happy birthday to your family.

    Reply
    • Katie

      April 1, 2015 at 9:40 am

      That’s the part I always mess up, too. That’s exactly why I left it off, plus I too am not a huge frosting fan. I saw it done somewhere and liked how it had an informal look, and I like the contrast of the dark cake with the lighter frosting.

      Reply
  27. Stewart poos

    August 3, 2018 at 7:51 pm

    It’s national Beer day today. What goes better with beer than pretzels and peanuts. Had to make this one. Thank you for having a picture of how you decorated it. I have no imagination and your picture helped.

    Reply
  28. BELINDA

    August 6, 2020 at 12:12 pm

    I think the vanilla measurement is missing from the cake. In step 3, you say to mix the eggs, vanilla and melted butter.

    Please update the recipe because I want to make it!

    Reply
    • Katie Moseman

      August 6, 2020 at 2:14 pm

      I fixed it just now – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract πŸ™‚

      Reply

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