Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake

Posted on May 12, 2025

If you love desserts that combine gooey caramel, buttery toffee, and a delightful crunch in every bite, you need to try this Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake! It’s rich, moist, and packed with layers of sweet, buttery flavor. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make — no fancy tools or complicated steps. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday, or just a weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

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Why You’ll Love Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake

This Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake is everything you want in a dessert — soft, rich layers of cake, silky caramel sauce, and a delicious toffee crunch that adds the perfect texture. It’s the kind of cake that makes people go “wow!” after just one bite. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up with everyday ingredients and how customizable it is depending on what you have in the pantry. Bonus: it stores well, so you can savor every last crumb. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is totally doable!

Ingredients

Let’s keep it simple! This cake uses pantry staples plus a few fun extras for that dreamy caramel-toffee magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
½ cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Toffee Crunch Topping:

1 cup crushed toffee bits (like Heath or Skor bars)
½ cup chopped pecans (optional but recommended)

For Garnish (optional but pretty!):

Whipped cream
Extra caramel drizzle
Whole toffee pieces or pecan halves

Instructions

This Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake comes together in a few simple steps — perfect for busy bakers or anyone craving a decadent dessert without the fuss!

Step-by-Step Directions:

Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans.
Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and cook for 2–3 minutes, until bubbly. Add the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Simmer gently for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
Assemble
Once the cake has cooled slightly, poke small holes all over the top with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the warm caramel sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
Add the Crunch
Sprinkle the crushed toffee bits and chopped pecans over the top while the caramel is still sticky. Press down lightly to help them stick.
Garnish & Serve
Let the cake cool completely. Garnish with whipped cream, more caramel drizzle, and extra toffee bits if you’re feeling fancy!

Servings and Timing

This cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you need a sweet showstopper! It makes enough to serve a crowd — and trust me, everyone will want seconds.

Servings:

Makes 12–16 slices, depending on how generous you are with portions.

Timing:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling & Assembly Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour, start to finish

Tips and Variations

Want to make this Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake your own? Here are some tasty twists and helpful tips to customize or simplify the recipe:

Variations:

Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a rich, candy-bar vibe.
Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans and use extra toffee bits or crushed pretzels for crunch.
Cupcake Style: Make cupcakes instead of a full cake — just reduce bake time to about 18–20 minutes.
Salted Caramel Upgrade: Add flaky sea salt on top for a salty-sweet flavor explosion.
Layered Party Cake: Use two 8″ round pans and stack with whipped cream or buttercream between the layers.

Tips:

For the best crunch, add the toffee topping just before serving if storing overnight.
Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the cake too much.
Want it less sweet? Drizzle only half the caramel, and save the rest for serving on the side!

Storage

This cake stores beautifully — making it perfect for prepping ahead or savoring leftovers (if there are any!).

How to Store:

Room Temperature: Keep covered in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp before enjoying.

Pro tip: Add a fresh drizzle of caramel before serving leftovers to revive that just-made magic!

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a cake mix?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe.

2. What can I use instead of toffee bits?
Crushed butterscotch candies, pretzels, or even chopped caramel popcorn work great!

3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought caramel will work in a pinch.

4. Is this cake overly sweet?
It’s rich and sweet, but the crunch and a pinch of salt help balance it. You can also reduce the amount of caramel if desired.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — just use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check that your toffee bits are gluten-free too.

6. Do I need to refrigerate the cake?
Only if you’re storing it for more than 2 days or using perishable toppings like whipped cream.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally! Bake and assemble a day in advance, then garnish just before serving for the best crunch.

Conclusion

Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug and a party all in one bite. With its gooey caramel drizzle, buttery cake base, and irresistible toffee crunch, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for birthdays, holidays, or just-because days. Best of all, it’s easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for any special occasion.

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Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake

Why You’ll Love Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake

Ingredients