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Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake Recipe

4.4 from 139 reviews

This decadent Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake combines rich cocoa-flavored layers with a smooth caramel frosting and crunchy toffee bits topping. With moist, tender cake layers enhanced by hot water to intensify the chocolate flavor, and a luscious caramel buttercream frosting, this dessert offers an indulgent blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for special occasions, this cake is sure to impress chocolate and caramel lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup toffee bits
  • Additional caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until fully combined and aerated.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
  4. Create the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Gradually add the hot water while stirring until the batter is smooth and thin, which is expected for a moist cake.
  5. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
  6. Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks and allow to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting of the frosting.
  7. Beat the Butter: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter in a large bowl for 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, which is essential for smooth frosting.
  8. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat well after each addition to create a silky texture without lumps.
  9. Incorporate Caramel Sauce and Salt: Beat in the caramel sauce and salt until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency by adding a tablespoon of milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
  10. Assemble the Cake Layers: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the caramel frosting evenly over the top.
  11. Add Second Layer and Frost: Position the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it as desired.
  12. Add Toppings: Generously sprinkle the toffee bits over the top of the cake. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the toffee for an extra indulgent finish that adds flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter mixes smoothly and evenly.
  • Spoon and level cocoa powder when measuring to avoid packing and maintain accurate proportions.
  • The hot water blooms the cocoa powder, enhancing chocolate flavor and contributing to a moist crumb.
  • Make sure butter is softened but not melted for the best frosting texture; chill if needed.
  • Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
  • If frosting is too thick or thin, adjust with milk or powdered sugar respectively to achieve desired spreadability.

Keywords: Chocolate cake recipe, caramel frosting, toffee crunch cake, homemade chocolate cake, caramel buttercream, birthday cake, chocolate dessert