This Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake combines rich chocolate cake layers with smooth caramel, crispy toffee bits, and creamy frosting. Ideal for celebrations, this dessert will impress guests with its luxurious flavors and textures. Here’s how to make this show-stopping cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
For the Toppings and Fillings:
- 1 cup toffee bits
- ½ cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- ½ cup chocolate ganache or chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
- Carefully add boiling water to the batter, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely.
- Prepare the Caramel Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing.
- Add caramel sauce and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.
- Adjust consistency by adding heavy cream as needed.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of caramel frosting and sprinkle toffee bits over it.
- Add the second layer and repeat with frosting and toffee bits.
- Place the final layer on top and frost the entire cake with a smooth layer of caramel frosting.
- Add the Toppings:
- Drizzle caramel sauce and chocolate ganache over the top, allowing some to drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle additional toffee bits for an extra crunch.
Tips for the Perfect Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs and milk will ensure a smoother batter and even texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Drizzling Perfection: Use a spoon or squeeze bottle for a controlled chocolate and caramel drizzle.
Serving and Storage Tips for Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake
Serving Tips:
- Room Temperature is Key:
Serve the cake at room temperature to fully enjoy the flavors of the caramel frosting, chocolate cake, and toffee crunch. Take it out of the fridge 30–60 minutes before serving. - Cutting the Cake:
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water (and dried) for clean slices. The warmth helps cut through the caramel and ganache layers smoothly. - Pairing Suggestions:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Pair with coffee, milk, or a light dessert wine to complement the rich flavors.
- Decorative Presentation:
For special occasions, garnish individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toffee bits.
Storage Tips:
- Short-Term Storage (1–2 Days):
- Keep the cake covered with a dome or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
- Store at room temperature if the environment is cool (below 70°F/21°C). Otherwise, refrigerate.
- Long-Term Storage (3–5 Days):
- Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. This will preserve freshness and prevent the frosting from absorbing fridge odors.
- Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
- Freezing the Cake:
- To freeze, wrap individual slices or whole cake layers in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature.
By following these serving and storage tips, your Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake will stay deliciously fresh and ready to impress at any occasion!
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Choose a high-quality caramel sauce to enhance the cake’s flavor.
2. What can I use as a substitute for toffee bits?
If you can’t find toffee bits, crushed hard caramel candies or chopped caramelized nuts (like pecans or almonds) make great substitutes.
3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, like caramel sauce and toffee bits, are certified gluten-free.
4. Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer. The cake texture may be slightly denser but still delicious.
Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake
This cake features moist chocolate layers, creamy caramel sauce, and crunchy toffee bits, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache for an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or boiling water
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup toffee bits (like Heath or Skor bits)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, like pecans or walnuts)
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the hot coffee, mixing until the batter is smooth. It will be thin—that’s normal!
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in the butter for a glossy finish.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it’s thickened but still pourable.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread 1/2 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of toffee bits and chopped nuts (if using) over the caramel layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top. Spread another 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the top of the second layer.
- Add the Ganache and Decorate:
- Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle the remaining toffee bits and nuts over the ganache for crunch and decoration.
- Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top, if desired.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the layers.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Shortcut: Use a boxed chocolate cake mix as the base if you’re short on time.
- Storage: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices for an indulgent treat anytime—just thaw before enjoying.