Decadent Chocolate Butterfinger Caramel Cake: A Slice of Heaven
Are you ready to embark on a baking adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more? Prepare yourself for the ultimate indulgence: the Chocolate Butterfinger Caramel Cake. This cake is a symphony of flavors and textures, combining the rich, intense chocolate with the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy bars and the luscious sweetness of caramel. It’s a showstopper dessert perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience. This recipe provides detailed instructions to guide you through each step of the baking process, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome.
**Why This Recipe Works**
This recipe isn’t just a collection of ingredients; it’s a carefully crafted formula designed to deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The moist chocolate cake provides the foundation, the Butterfinger pieces add a delightful crunch and peanut butter flavor, and the caramel sauce ties everything together with its smooth, sweet richness. The buttercream frosting adds another layer of decadent sweetness. The goal is to create a cake that is not only visually stunning but also unbelievably delicious.
**Ingredients You’ll Need**
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This ensures a smooth and efficient baking experience.
**For the Chocolate Cake:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup buttermilk
* ½ cup vegetable oil
* 2 large eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 cup boiling water
**For the Butterfinger Filling:**
* 10 fun-size Butterfinger candy bars, coarsely chopped
* 1/2 cup Caramel Sauce (store bought or homemade)
**For the Caramel Buttercream Frosting:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
* 2 tablespoons heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
**For Decoration (Optional):**
* Additional Butterfinger candy bars, chopped or crumbled
* Caramel sauce for drizzling
**Equipment You’ll Need**
Having the right equipment on hand is crucial for a successful baking experience. Here’s a list of the essential tools you’ll need:
* Two 9-inch round cake pans
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls (large and medium)
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Wire rack
* Offset spatula or icing spatula
* Cake decorating turntable (optional, but helpful)
**Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking the Chocolate Butterfinger Caramel Cake**
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the baking process. Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create a cake that will impress everyone.
**Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Alternatively, you can grease the pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper circles, and then grease the parchment paper. This ensures that the cakes release easily from the pans.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is essential for a consistent cake texture.
**Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients**
In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates a smooth and emulsified mixture.
**Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
**Step 5: Add Boiling Water**
Slowly pour the boiling water into the batter, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth and thin. The boiling water helps to activate the cocoa powder and creates a moist cake.
**Step 6: Divide Batter and Bake**
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cakes.
**Step 7: Cool the Cakes**
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from sticking to the pans and allows them to cool evenly.
**Step 8: Make the Caramel Buttercream Frosting**
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the caramel buttercream frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
**Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar**
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure that all the ingredients are incorporated.
**Step 10: Add Caramel Sauce, Heavy Cream, Vanilla, and Salt**
Add the caramel sauce, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt to the buttercream. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
**Step 11: Assemble the Cake**
Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time to assemble the Chocolate Butterfinger Caramel Cake. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
**Step 12: Add Butterfinger Filling**
Spread a layer of caramel sauce over the first cake layer. Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy bars evenly over the caramel sauce. This will give the cake a lovely crunch and a burst of Butterfinger flavor.
**Step 13: Add the Second Cake Layer**
Gently place the second cake layer on top of the Butterfinger filling. Press down lightly to ensure that the layers adhere to each other.
**Step 14: Frost the Cake**
Frost the entire cake with the caramel buttercream frosting, using an offset spatula or icing spatula to create a smooth and even layer. You can also get creative with the frosting and create swirls, patterns, or other decorative effects.
**Step 15: Decorate (Optional)**
If desired, decorate the cake with additional chopped Butterfinger candy bars, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or any other toppings of your choice. This is your chance to get creative and make the cake visually appealing.
**Tips and Tricks for Baking the Perfect Chocolate Butterfinger Caramel Cake**
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste and texture of the cake. Use good-quality cocoa powder, butter, and vanilla extract for the best results.
* **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix the batter until just combined.
* **Measure accurately:** Accurate measurements are essential for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure that you have the correct amount of each ingredient.
* **Cool the cakes completely:** Frosting warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting them.
* **Chill the cake:** After frosting the cake, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set and makes the cake easier to slice.
* **Make it ahead:** You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to assemble the cake. This can save you time on the day you plan to serve the cake.
* **Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different variations of this recipe. You can add other types of candy bars to the filling, use a different type of frosting, or add a layer of chocolate ganache.
* **Homemade Caramel:** Making your own caramel sauce elevates this cake. While store bought is convenient, homemade has a richer, deeper flavor.
**Serving and Storing the Chocolate Butterfinger Caramel Cake**
To serve the Chocolate Butterfinger Caramel Cake, slice it with a sharp knife and serve it chilled or at room temperature. This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of baking, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
**Troubleshooting Common Baking Problems**
* **Cake is dry:** Make sure you’re not overbaking the cake. Also, be sure to use enough liquid in the batter.
* **Cake is dense:** This could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour.
* **Frosting is too thin:** Add more powdered sugar to thicken the frosting.
* **Frosting is too thick:** Add more heavy cream to thin the frosting.
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
* **Can I use a different type of candy bar?** Yes, you can use other types of candy bars in the filling. Snickers, Twix, or Heath bars would all be delicious.
* **Can I make this cake gluten-free?** Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
* **Can I freeze this cake?** Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
* **Can I make this cake into cupcakes?** Absolutely! Adjust baking time and keep a close watch. A toothpick should come out clean.
* **My caramel is too hard/soft, what did I do wrong?** Caramel making can be tricky! Too hard usually means the sugar was cooked too long. Too soft may mean not enough time. Temperature is key, a candy thermometer is recommended for beginners making homemade caramel.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
* Calories: 500-600 per slice
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 100-150mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Sugar: 40-50g
* Protein: 5-7g
This Chocolate Butterfinger Caramel Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its rich chocolate flavor, crunchy Butterfinger pieces, and luscious caramel buttercream frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a slice of heaven!
Enjoy baking, and more importantly, enjoy eating!