This Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake is a dream for sweet lovers! With layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy caramel, and crunchy toffee, it’s like a party for your taste buds.
Every bite is a delightful mix of sweet and crunchy goodness. I like to serve it with a scoop of ice cream—because, why not add more joy to cake time? 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Cake Mix: This is the base of the cake. If you want to make it from scratch, use equal parts of all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. I often choose a box mix for convenience!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Essential for that creamy filling. If you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut milk in the same quantity and simmer it down with sugar until thickened.
Toffee Bits: These add crunch and sweetness. If you can’t find them, chopped nuts or crushed chocolate-covered toffee candy work well as substitutes.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For a light and fluffy topping. If you prefer a non-dairy option, look for coconut whipped cream in stores. It can give a nice texture, too!
How Do I Get the Filling to Soak in Perfectly?
Poking holes into the cooled cake is crucial to help the filling soak in. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to make evenly spaced holes all over. This allows the sweet and chocolatey filling to seep through and make every bite delicious.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before poking holes to prevent it from crumbling.
- Poke holes about an inch apart to ensure the filling doesn’t skip areas—each bite should be rich!
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For The Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup toffee bits
For The Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Additional toffee bits and chocolate chips for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake will take about 10 minutes to prepare, 30-35 minutes to bake, and at least 2 hours to chill in the fridge. So, you’re looking at a total of around 3 hours before you can serve this yummy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to make sure your cake doesn’t stick. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix everything together until smooth. Once well combined, pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan.
2. Baking the Cake:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the pan in the oven and bake according to the package instructions, which should take about 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; it should come out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan before moving on to the next steps.
3. Creating The Filling:
Once your cake is cool, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the top of the cake, about every inch apart. This helps the delicious filling seep in! In a medium saucepan, warm the sweetened condensed milk over low heat until it’s warm. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they melt and combine into a creamy mixture. Carefully pour this chocolate mixture evenly over the top of the cake, letting it fill all those lovely holes.
4. Adding the Toppings:
Next, sprinkle the toffee bits over the chocolate layer. Lightly press them down into the cake so they stick well. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms stiff peaks. This means it should hold its shape well! Spread this fluffy whipped cream evenly over the cake.
5. Finishing Touches:
Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the whipped cream, creating beautiful swirls that drizzle down the sides. To finish it off, sprinkle additional toffee bits and chocolate chips on top as a garnish.
6. Chill and Serve:
Now, it’s time to be patient! Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, which will help all the flavors mix together perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, slice the cake and enjoy it chilled. If you want, drizzle more caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet touch. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix works perfectly for this recipe, you can try a yellow or vanilla cake mix for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it will slightly alter the final taste of your cake.
How Can I Substitute for Sweetened Condensed Milk?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 2/3 cup of sugar and simmering it on low heat until it thickens. Alternatively, you may use coconut milk to create a dairy-free version, adding some sugar for sweetness.
Can I Prepare the Cake in Advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. Just wait to add the filling, topping, and garnishes until you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can also wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap for easy grabbing on the go!
