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–+ servings

Chocolate Crunch Layer Cake

Make chocolate cake even more delicious by adding crunch and caramel frosting!
4.86 from 7 votes
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 568kcal
Author: Megan Porta

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick) softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup Nutella
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup dark cocoa or regular cocoa
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 tbsp coffee granules
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 batch Caramel Frosting

Instructions

Make The Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously spray two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans (or you can do this with one cake pan, baking one at a time) with cooking spray. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine the butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla and beat on medium speed until creamy and free of lumps. Add the milk and Nutella and mix until just combined.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix well. Gradually add to the butter mixture and beat on medium speed until just combined. In a small bowl, stir the coffee granules into the boiling water until dissolved. Add to the mixing bowl and mix until creamy (batter will be thin). Mix on medium speed for 2 full minutes.
  • Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, remove from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack. Using a serrated bread knife, cut the rounded tops off each cooled cake.

MAKE THE CRUNCH (DO THIS WHILE CAKES ARE BAKING)

  • Line a baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. Pour the chocolate chips into a medium microwaveable bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until creamy and free of lumps. Add the cereal and gently stir until thoroughly coated. Pour the chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out into a thin layer using a rubber spatula. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes. Remove and break into small- to medium-sized chunks.

ASSEMBLE THE CAKE

  • Place one cooled cake in the center of a cake or serving plate. Spread the frosting evenly and generously over the top in an even layer. Top with a layer of the chocolate crunch chunks. Top with the remaining cake and a layer of frosting.
  • Using an offset or icing spatula, apply the remaining frosting to the sides of the cake and decorate as desired. Press the remaining chocolate crunch pieces into the sides and top of the cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Instructions for making 1 batch of Caramel Frosting

Nutrition

Calories: 568kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 477mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 568IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 5mg
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