Description
A comforting and easy-to-make dessert featuring a moist yellow cake with crunchy toffee bits and a luscious caramel topping. Perfect for any occasion and loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432g)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml)
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups toffee bits (225g), divided
- 1 cup caramel sauce (240ml)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (56g)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (60g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides to ensure even mixing.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of the toffee bits with a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Edges will start to pull away from the pan.
- While the cake bakes, mix melted butter, brown sugar, remaining 1/2 cup toffee bits, and optional chopped nuts in a small bowl to make the toffee crunch topping.
- Remove cake from oven and immediately spoon the toffee crunch mixture evenly over the top.
- Switch oven to broil and place the cake back in for 3-5 minutes. Watch closely until the topping bubbles and turns golden but does not burn.
- Remove cake from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Do not skip the broil step to caramelize the topping and achieve the perfect crunch. Use fresh toffee bits for best texture. Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning. The cake tastes better the next day once the caramel and toffee meld. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to revive gooeyness. Not recommended to freeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cak
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: caramel toffee crunch cake, easy dessert, comfort food, toffee cake, caramel cake, quick cake recipe, party dessert