Description
A delicious and decadent Caramel Crunch Layer Cake featuring layers of moist cake, creamy caramel frosting, and a crunchy caramel topping.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream, as needed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or almonds
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- Extra caramel crunch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, mixing just until combined.
- Divide among the pans and bake for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat without stirring until the sugar becomes amber. Stir in the nuts and salt, then quickly spread onto parchment paper. Let cool completely and break into small pieces.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then caramel sauce and vanilla. Add cream if needed for a spreadable consistency.
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting over it and sprinkle with caramel crunch. Repeat with the second layer.
- Add the final cake layer and frost the top and sides.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with caramel crunch pieces.
- Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg