Description
This Decadent Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake is a luscious treat featuring a tender, moist cake base studded with crunchy toffee pieces and optional pecans. Topped with a velvety caramel-infused buttercream frosting that adds rich sweetness and creaminess, this cake is perfect for celebrations or when you simply want to indulge in a rich dessert bursting with texture and flavor.
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’s ready for baking to achieve a golden, fluffy cake.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined to ensure even leavening.
- Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, to incorporate air.
- Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to create a smooth batter.
- Add buttermilk and vanilla: Pour in buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined for a rich and creamy consistency.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients carefully to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cake tender.
- Add toffee and pecans: Gently fold in crushed toffee pieces and optional pecans, adding crunch and flavor.
- Bake the cake: Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Cream softened butter with powdered sugar, caramel sauce, vanilla, and heavy cream until fluffy and smooth for the perfect topping.
- Frost the cake: Spread the caramel frosting between the layers and over the top, allowing it to gently drip down the sides, creating a luscious finish.
Notes
- Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
- For extra crunch, toast pecans lightly before adding.
- Use high-quality toffee bars like Heath for best flavor.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth batter and frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel toffee cake, crunchy cake, caramel frosting, toffee crunch cake, festive cake, dessert with nuts
