Decadent Caramel Crunch Cake – Rich, Buttery & Irresistibly Crunchy!
Indulge in this Caramel Crunch Cake, where layers of moist vanilla cake meet velvety caramel frosting and a delightful toffee crunch. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet weekend treat, this dessert balances rich caramel flavor with contrasting textures for an unforgettable bite every time.
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Calories:
Approximately 580 kcal per serving
ingredients
For the Cake Layers
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
For the Caramel Sauce
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon sea salt
For the Crunch Topping & Frosting
1 cup (150g) crushed toffee bits (e.g., Heath or Skor bars)
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, room temperature
3½ cups (420g) powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup (60ml) caramel sauce (from above)
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Whisk dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Alternate additions: Mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk in three batches, starting and ending with flour.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally (do not stir) until deep amber.
Add butter and whisk until melted. Slowly pour in cream (mixture will bubble vigorously).
Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in vanilla and salt. Cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting & Crunch
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and heavy cream until fluffy.
Mix toffee bits with 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce for extra crunch.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Level cake layers with a serrated knife.
Layer: Place one cake on a plate, spread with caramel sauce, sprinkle with toffee bits, and add frosting. Repeat with the second layer.
Frost the exterior and press remaining toffee bits onto the sides. Drizzle with extra caramel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, but homemade caramel delivers a richer flavor. Opt for a thick, high-quality brand if short on time .
2. How do I prevent my caramel from crystallizing?
Avoid stirring the melting sugar. Instead, swirl the pan gently and brush the sides with water to dissolve crystals .
3. Can I make this cake ahead?
Yes! Bake layers up to 2 days in advance and store wrapped at room temperature. Frost the day of serving .
4. Why is my frosting too runny?
Chill the caramel sauce before adding it to the frosting. If needed, add more powdered sugar to thicken .
5. Can I freeze this cake?
Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before assembling .
Tools You'll Need
8-inch cake pans (2)
Parchment paper
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Heavy-bottomed saucepan
Offset spatula
Tips
✔ Room-temperature ingredients ensure smooth batter and frosting.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter—fold just until combined for a tender crumb.
✔ Chill cakes before frosting to reduce crumbs.
✔ Toast nuts (if using) for extra flavor in the crunch topping.
✔ Garnish creatively: Add sea salt flakes or chocolate shavings for elegance.
Allergy Information
Contains: Dairy (butter, cream), eggs, gluten (flour), soy (in toffee).
Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and coconut cream.
Gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 GF flour blend.
Conclusion
This Caramel Crunch Cake is a celebration of contrasts—silky frosting, moist cake, and that irresistible toffee crunch. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.
We’d love to see your creations! Share your slices with us online or savor them with loved ones. Happy baking!
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