There’s something irresistible about the combination of rich caramel, buttery toffee, and moist cake. If you’re searching for a dessert that will impress at your next gathering, look no further than this Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake. With tender cake layers, crunchy toffee bits, and a luscious caramel sauce, this dessert recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake

Decadent Flavor: The rich caramel sauce infuses every bite with a deep, buttery sweetness.
Crunchy Texture: Toffee bits add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and creamy frosting.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or weekend treat, this cake makes a stunning centerpiece.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the cake in advance, making it an easy dessert recipe for parties.

What Does Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake Taste Like?

Picture a moist, tender cake layered with smooth caramel and crunchy toffee pieces. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet caramel, buttery toffee, and a delicate crumb. It’s an indulgent dessert that leaves a lasting impression.

Ingredients For Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake Recipe

For the 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

Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt

Toffee Crunch:

1 cup crushed toffee pieces (Heath bars work perfectly!)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Frosting:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup caramel sauce (from above)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream

Essential Tools You’ll Need

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 Substitutions and Additions

Add Chocolate Chips: For a caramel-chocolate twist.
Swap Nuts: Replace pecans with walnuts, or omit the nuts entirely.
Store-Bought Caramel: If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works in a pinch.
Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tangy contrast to the sweetness.

How to Make Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake

1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms 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 bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.

3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4: Make the Caramel Sauce

Heat the granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and amber-colored.
Stir in the cubed butter until fully melted.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Add a pinch of salt and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Let cool slightly.

5: Prepare the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
Add 1/4 cup of caramel sauce and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream if needed.

6: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle toffee pieces.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
Decorate with more toffee pieces and a final drizzle of caramel sauce.

7: Final Touches

For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top and finish with a glossy caramel drizzle.

What to Serve with Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm caramel flavors.
Melted Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate for a caramel-toffee-chocolate trifecta.
Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds a fresh contrast to the rich cake.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures the batter mixes evenly.
Homemade Caramel: While store-bought works, homemade caramel elevates the dessert.
Crush Toffee Just Right: Aim for small bits rather than dust for the best texture.

Storage Instructions Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the Fridge: Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use salted butter for the caramel sauce?
Yes, but omit the added salt in the recipe.

2. Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the layers up to 2 days ahead, wrap tightly in plastic, and store at room temperature.

3. How do I prevent the caramel sauce from hardening?
Keep stirring as you add the cream to maintain a smooth consistency.

Craving More Desserts?

If you love this Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake, check out these other mouth-watering dessert recipes:

Salted Caramel Apple Pie
Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bars
Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns
See more at lelafoodie.com

Indulge your sweet tooth and make this show-stopping dessert today!