Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter into pans and bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to racks.
- To make caramel: melt sugar in saucepan over medium heat, stirring until amber. Add butter, then cream slowly, stirring until smooth. Let cool.
- For frosting: beat butter until creamy, add powdered sugar, then mix in caramel sauce, vanilla, and cream until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble cake: frost one layer, drizzle caramel, add toffee bits. Top with second layer, frost all over. Decorate with toffee, pecans, and caramel drizzle.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Necessary Tools
9-inch round cake pans
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Whisk and spatula
Saucepan for caramel
Offset spatula for frosting
Cake stand or serving plate
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a decadent caramel-chocolate twist.
Nuts: Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts, or omit the nuts altogether if you’re not a fan.
Store-Bought Caramel Sauce: If you’re pressed for time, use store-bought caramel sauce—although homemade is always best for an extra rich flavor.
Frosting: If you prefer a tangier flavor, try a cream cheese frosting to balance out the sweetness.
Different Toffee: Use different types of toffee—like Skor bars—for a unique flavor and texture.
How to Make Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. To ensure the cakes come out perfectly, line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. As it melts, the sugar will turn an amber color. Carefully stir in the butter until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir. Add a pinch of salt and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add 1/4 cup of the caramel sauce and vanilla extract, and continue beating. If needed, add heavy cream to achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
6. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Drizzle with a little caramel sauce and sprinkle some toffee pieces. Place the second layer of cake on top, and frost the top and sides. Decorate with more toffee pieces and a drizzle of caramel.
7. Add the Final Touch
For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the cake along with the toffee. Drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce for that stunning, glossy finish.
What to Serve With Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake
While this cake is incredible on its own, here are a few options to take it up a notch:
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
Melted Chocolate: For a true indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cake for a chocolate-caramel-toffee trifecta.
Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds a nice touch of sweetness and balances the dense richness of the cake.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs will help your cake batter blend together seamlessly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake.
Homemade Caramel is Key: Homemade caramel sauce takes this cake from great to extraordinary. The depth of flavor in the sauce is unmatched!
Crush the Toffee Just Right: You want bits of toffee, not dust! Leave a few larger chunks to really enjoy that satisfying crunch.
Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting them. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a clean, smooth finish.
Storage Instructions
This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. If refrigerating, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to bring back its soft, fresh texture.
You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and frost when fully thawed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480
Fat: 25g
Carbs: 60g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 40g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use salted butter for the caramel sauce?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to omit the extra pinch of salt in the caramel recipe.
Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature.
How do I prevent the caramel sauce from hardening?
Keep stirring it after adding the cream to ensure it remains smooth. If it does harden, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion
This Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake is a true indulgence. With its perfectly balanced layers, luscious caramel sauce, and crunchy toffee bits, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake will undoubtedly be the star of the show!
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Be sure to leave a review, and don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest. Trust me, you’ll want to show off this stunning dessert. 🎂✨
