Description
This Decadent Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake is a delightful treat combining a tender, moist cake base with rich caramel frosting and a crunchy toffee and pecan mix. Perfect for special occasions, this cake features layers of buttery cake studded with toffee pieces and topped with a velvety caramel-infused buttercream, creating an indulgent dessert that you and your guests will adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed toffee pieces (e.g., Heath bars)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is ready to bake your cake to golden perfection.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined for a uniform dry mix.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, ensuring a smooth base for the cake batter.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth, homogenous batter.
- Add Buttermilk and Vanilla: Pour in buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined to keep the batter tender and creamy.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, careful not to overmix which can toughen the cake.
- Add Toffee and Pecans: Gently fold in the crushed toffee pieces and optional chopped pecans to add signature crunch and texture.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly into prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Cream softened butter with powdered sugar, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until fluffy and smooth for a luxurious frosting.
- Assemble Cake: Spread the caramel frosting generously between the cooled cake layers and on top, finishing with extra crushed toffee pieces if desired for garnish.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Use high-quality toffee bars for richer flavor and better texture.
- You can prepare the caramel sauce in advance and refrigerate it; rewarm gently before use.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or replace with additional toffee pieces.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel cake,toffee cake,crunch cake,caramel frosting,toffee pieces,pecan cake,dessert cake,decadent cake,holiday cake
