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Caramel Crunch Layer Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 131 reviews

Indulge in the luscious Caramel Crunch Layer Cake, a perfectly balanced combination of moist cake layers, creamy cream cheese filling, crunchy streusel topping, and rich homemade caramel sauce. This layered dessert offers delightful textures and flavors, from tender buttermilk cake to buttery streusel and gooey caramel drizzle, ideal for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Layers

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

Filling

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter, 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 (amount approximately 0.25 cup or 4 tablespoons, cold, for mixing until crumbly)

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 0.5 cups Heavy Cream

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the cake.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to maintain cake tenderness.
  6. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the layers turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the Cakes: Let the cake layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
  8. Prepare Streusel: Mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), chopped nuts, and cold butter until crumbly. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
  9. Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until creamy. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar and mix. Adjust the texture by adding heavy cream until the filling is smooth and spreadable.
  10. Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar without stirring until it turns an amber color. Carefully stir in butter until melted, then add heavy cream slowly, stirring constantly to combine into a smooth sauce. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  11. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese filling, sprinkle with streusel, and drizzle with some caramel sauce. Repeat layering with remaining cake layers and fillings. Finish by topping the cake with remaining streusel and a generous caramel drizzle.

Notes

  • Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or walnuts from the streusel.
  • Keep an eye on the caramel during cooking to prevent burning; remove from heat as soon as it reaches a deep amber color.
  • Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
  • Substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version, though this will affect texture and flavor.

Keywords: Caramel Crunch Layer Cake, caramel cake, cream cheese frosting, streusel topping, layered cake, homemade caramel sauce, dessert, baking

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