Are you ready to take your baking skills to a whole new level of deliciousness? If so, the Caramel Crunch Cake is the perfect dessert to make. This cake combines moist, buttery layers with rich caramel and a delightful crunchy topping, offering an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a decadent dessert, this Caramel Crunch Cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you can create this heavenly treat in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Crunch Topping:
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup toffee bits
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes, toasted
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and 4 tablespoons of butter. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and allow to boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let cool until thickened but still pourable.
Step 3: Prepare the Crunch Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together chopped pecans, toffee bits, and toasted coconut flakes.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Pour half of the caramel sauce over the cake, letting it soak in slightly.
- Sprinkle half of the crunch topping over the caramel.
- Top with the second cake layer, pour over the remaining caramel sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining crunch topping.
Final Thoughts:
This Caramel Crunch Cake is not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. Its layers of soft cake, gooey caramel, and the satisfying bite from the crunch topping make it a must-try recipe for any dessert lover.
Tips for the Perfect Caramel Crunch Cake:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, even batter.
- For the caramel sauce, keep a close eye as it cooks to prevent it from burning.
- Allow the cake to fully cool before assembling to prevent the layers from sliding off due to the warm caramel.