This Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake is a real treat! With layers of rich chocolate cake and gooey caramel, it’s topped with toffee bits for that extra crunch.
I love serving this cake at parties. It always gets a big smile and maybe a bit of chocolate on the face! Enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream for a real party in your mouth! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Cake Mix: This recipe starts with a chocolate cake mix for convenience. If you prefer homemade, use your favorite chocolate cake recipe. A dark chocolate mix adds extra richness!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient gives your filling a luscious creaminess. If you’re aiming for a dairy-free option, try coconut condensed milk, which works surprisingly well!
Heavy Cream: This ingredient is crucial for both the filling and whipped topping. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even coconut cream if you’re avoiding dairy.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are common, but feel free to mix it up! Dark chocolate chips can enhance the richness, while milk chocolate gives a sweeter note.
Toffee Bits: Toffee bits give a savory crunch. If you’re not a fan, chopped nuts like pecans or almonds can offer a nice texture instead.
How Can I Ensure the Cake Stays Moist After Adding the Filling?
Poking holes in the cooled cake allows the delicious filling to soak in, keeping the cake moist. Use a fork or wooden skewer to create an even pattern across the surface.
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before poking holes; this helps prevent crumbling.
- After pouring the filling, give it some time to absorb—about 30 minutes is perfect. Don’t skip this step!
- Consider wrapping the cake tightly if it won’t be served right away. This helps retain moisture!
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box: eggs, oil, water)
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup toffee bits (plus extra for topping)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for garnish)
- Toffee bits (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus baking time (as per the cake mix instructions) and at least 2 hours of chilling time. It’s perfect for a sweet treat, and the extra waiting time allows all the wonderful flavors to blend beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Prepare the chocolate cake mix by following the directions, mixing in eggs, oil, and water as directed. Pour the batter into a 9×13 inch pan and bake until done. Once finished, let the cake cool completely in the pan.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While the cake is cooling, let’s make the filling! In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and chocolate chips over low heat. Stir gently as the chocolate melts, and keep stirring until the mixture is nice and smooth. Remove from heat and fold in the toffee bits. Set this delicious mixture aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Cake:
Once your cake has cooled, take a fork or skewer and poke holes all over its surface—this will help the filling soak in. Carefully pour the chocolate toffee filling over the cake, making sure to spread it evenly so it fills all the holes. Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes to allow the filling to set in.
4. Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
In a large mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip it all together until soft peaks form. This will create a fluffy and sweet topping, perfect for our cake. Spread this whipped cream evenly over the cooled cake.
5. Add Caramel and Garnish:
Now for the fun part! Drizzle the caramel sauce over your whipped cream layer. After that, sprinkle on the extra toffee bits and chocolate chips for an extra crunch and yumminess.
6. Chill and Serve:
Finally, it’s time to chill! Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps all the flavors mix together beautifully. When you’re ready to dig in, slice, serve, and enjoy your rich and luxurious Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake! Yum!
Can I Substitute the Cake Mix for a Homemade Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make a homemade chocolate cake, you can substitute the cake mix with your favorite chocolate cake recipe. Just ensure the baked cake is of similar thickness so the filling can soak in properly. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding with the filling.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for the filling, though it won’t be as rich. For the topping, you could try coconut cream as a dairy-free option or use whipped topping if you’re looking for a quicker substitute!
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the best texture, consider covering the whipped cream topping lightly with plastic wrap. Just be cautious as it may stick to the whipped cream!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix instead of regular cake mix. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the box for the correct liquid and egg ratios, as gluten-free mixes may have different requirements.
