Description
The Caramel Crunch Layer Cake is a decadent dessert that combines rich, velvety caramel with a delightful crunch. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of creamy sweetness and a satisfying texture, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Crispy Layer:
- 1 cup crushed caramel corn
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the caramel sauce by melting the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns amber, then add butter and cream, stirring until smooth. Add sea salt and set aside to cool.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until fluffy.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, layer them with frosting and drizzle caramel sauce in between. Top with crushed caramel corn and chopped pecans.
Notes
- This cake can be made a day in advance; store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Leftover cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and use a different crunchy topping like crushed graham crackers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: desserts
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35 grams
- Sodium: 200 milligrams
- Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 60 milligrams
Keywords: Caramel Crunch Layer Cake, caramel cake, layer cake, dessert recipes, crunchy desserts, sweet treats, American desserts, baking recipes, indulgent cakes, party desserts, homemade cake, festive desserts, creamy caramel, pecan desserts