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Caramel Crunch Layer Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 80 reviews

Indulge in the irresistible Caramel Crunch Layer Cake, a moist and fluffy layered dessert featuring rich cream cheese filling, crunchy streusel topping, and luscious homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a decadent treat, this cake combines the perfect balance of textures and flavors with buttery cake layers, sweet and creamy filling, and a delightful nutty crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.75 cups Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1 cups Brown Sugar
  • 3 large Eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Buttermilk

Filling

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar, sifted
  • 0.5 cups Heavy Cream

Streusel

  • 0.5 cups Flour
  • 0.5 cups Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon (optional)
  • 0.5 cups Chopped Pecans or Walnuts
  • Butter (quantity for binding streusel, approx 3 tbsp)

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • Butter (approx 3 tbsp)
  • Heavy Cream (approx 0.5 cups)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine the leavening agents and base for the cake layers.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will add air to the batter for tenderness. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Batter: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter while ensuring even distribution.
  5. Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and ensuring easier frosting.
  7. Prepare Streusel: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and butter until crumbly. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy. Set aside to cool.
  8. Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar to sweeten, then add heavy cream to reach a spreadable consistency.
  9. Create Caramel Sauce: Heat granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until melted and amber-colored. Remove from heat and stir in butter and heavy cream until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly.
  10. Assemble Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese filling, sprinkle some streusel, and drizzle caramel sauce. Repeat layering with remaining cake layers, filling, streusel, and caramel. Finish with a generous sprinkle of streusel and a final caramel drizzle on top.
  11. Serve: Chill the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow layers to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Caramel Crunch Layer Cake!

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Room temperature eggs help achieve a smoother batter and better rise.
  • Be careful when making caramel to avoid burning; watch closely as the sugar melts.
  • You can swap pecans or walnuts for almonds or omit nuts for a nut-free dessert.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling to prevent it from soaking into the cake too much.

Keywords: caramel cake, layer cake, cream cheese filling, streusel, homemade caramel, dessert, baking

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/caramel-crunch-layer-cake-recipe/