Like any good kid of the 90s, I grew up eatingLittle Debbiesnacks. The crunchy wafer bars and peanut butter ofNutty Bars, oh-so-vanillaZebra Cakes, rich brown sugar–packedOatmeal Creme Pies, these were all my after-school jam.
But cake covered in icing and cookies sandwiched with fluffy cream isn't exactly a nutritious bite to power through the day, and as I grew older, I quickly realized the shock of a sugar crash. As an adult, my snacks became more healthy, things like roasted almonds, pretzels with hummus, and sliced apples dipped into almond butter.
However, mysweet tooth is strong, my friends, and a good dose of dark chocolate is a pick-me-up I totally appreciate. With that in mind, I combined the best of both worlds into Snack Cake: a combo of peanut butter, honey, and all my favorite snacks, including Chex, rice cereal, salted peanuts, mini pretzels, and crispy potato chips, drizzled with dark chocolate.
It's a play on Rice Krispies Treats, but made healthier since I've kicked the ultra-sweet marshmallows to the curb and used peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil to help everything stick together instead. Formed inside a bundt pan, the result looks like a cake, especially with the pretty chocolate glaze on top, but tastes like an upgraded version of the crispy, salty, sweet Nutty Bar of my childhood after-school dreams. It may be a little too decadent for every day, but it's a fun treat when you want something to satisfy that peanut butter-chocolate craving.
