introduction

This cake is warm, rich, and full of crunch. It has soft layers, sweet cream, and a deep caramel pour. You can make it for a party or a calm night. See other easy meal ideas here: simple soup ideas.

why make this recipe

You get sweet caramel and a crunchy top in one cake. You can make it ahead and wow your guests. The cake uses common things you likely have at home. Learn more about easy meat dishes if you like hearty sides: simple beef ideas.

how to make Caramel Crunch Layer Cake

This cake uses a basic batter, a crunchy streusel, a soft cream cheese filling, and a smooth caramel sauce. You bake three thin layers, bake the streusel, make the filling, and make the caramel, then stack and dress the cake. You can use nuts in the streusel or skip them for a plain crunch. For more meat and slow cook notes, see this page: easy beef shank tips.

Ingredients :

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 ½ cups brown sugar
3 large eggs (room temp)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
½ cup brown sugar (for streusel)
½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed, for streusel)
1 tsp cinnamon (for streusel)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for streusel)
8 oz cream cheese (softened, for filling)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened, for filling)
3 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
2 tbsp heavy cream (to adjust consistency, for filling)
1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel sauce)
6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temp, for caramel sauce)
½ cup heavy cream (warm, for caramel sauce)
Pinch of salt (for caramel sauce)

Find a simple sweet bread idea while you wait: banana bread note.

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line 3 round cake pans.
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk until batter is smooth.
Divide batter into pans and bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and set. Cool completely.
Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter with a fork until crumbly for the streusel.
Stir in nuts (if using) for the streusel.
Spread streusel on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool and crumble.
Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy for the cream filling.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber-colored for the caramel sauce.
Stir in butter until fully combined for the caramel sauce.
Slowly whisk in cream. Simmer 1–2 minutes until thickened. Add salt. Cool slightly.
Assemble the cake by placing the first cake layer on a plate, spreading with cream filling, sprinkling streusel, and drizzling caramel.
Repeat with remaining layers. Top with more streusel and a generous caramel drizzle.

how to serve Caramel Crunch Layer Cake

Cut the cake with a sharp knife. Serve slices on small plates. Add a small spoon of extra caramel if you like. You can serve with coffee or a light tea. Learn a quick tip for sweet breads here: quick banana bread tip.

how to store Caramel Crunch Layer Cake

Cover the cake with a cake dome or plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you need more time, freeze slices in a box for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before you eat.

tips to make Caramel Crunch Layer Cake

Use room temp eggs and cream cheese for a smooth mix.
Do not rush the caramel. Watch it and stir.
Cool the cake layers well before you spread filling.
Toast the nuts for more taste.
If the caramel is too thick, add a little warm cream and stir.

variation (if any)

Add sea salt to the top for a salty-sweet mix.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel for a deep taste.
Use store-bought caramel for a fast start.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead?
A: Yes. You can bake layers and streusel one day before. Keep them wrapped in the fridge.

Q: Can I use all milk instead of buttermilk?
A: You can mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice. Let it sit 5 minutes to sour it.

Q: How do I stop the caramel from burning?
A: Keep heat medium and watch the sugar. Stir if it clumps. Do not walk away.

Q: Can I skip nuts?
A: Yes. The streusel will still give a nice crunch.

Q: Can I make this in two pans only?
A: Yes. Bake longer and slice each layer in half when cool.

Conclusion

This cake will give you soft cake, cool cream, and warm caramel. Try a recipe with chocolate ideas for more dessert fun: Recipes using Chocolate. If you like caramel cakes, you may also enjoy this banana caramel cake idea: Delicious Banana Bourbon Caramel Cake Recipe.