Description
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of this decadent Caramel Crunch Cake. Moist layers of vanilla cake are filled and frosted with creamy caramel frosting, then adorned with a crunchy topping of toffee bits and nuts for the perfect balance of textures.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
For the caramel frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
For the crunch topping:
- 1 cup toffee bits or crushed caramel candy
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or almonds (optional)
- flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cake batter: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream to the batter. Divide between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Make the caramel frosting: Melt butter, brown sugar, and cream in a saucepan. Boil, then simmer. Cool slightly, then beat in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Assemble the cake: Spread frosting between layers and over the cake. Press on toffee bits and nuts, then garnish with sea salt. Chill before serving.
Notes
- For easier assembly, make the cake layers a day ahead and refrigerate.
- You can skip the nuts for a nut-free version or use pretzel bits for a salty twist.
- Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
