Chocolate Candy Bar Cake

Craving a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and a hint of nuttiness? The Chocolate Candy Bar Cake is a showstopper that will leave everyone at your table wanting more.

This cake is a delightful combination of a devil’s food cake mix, creamy frosting, and indulgent chocolate candy bars. With layers of moist cake and luscious frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, celebration, or just because.

Ingredients List

Creating this irresistible cake requires a few key components to achieve the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Let’s break down the ingredients needed for each element of this delicious cake.

Cake Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 ounce) package devil’s food cake mix
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 4 (1.5 ounce) bars milk chocolate candy, coarsely chopped

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this cake as smooth and delicious as possible, having the right kitchen tools will make your baking experience easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Electric Mixer: Whether you’re using a hand or stand mixer, this will help you achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
2. 3 8-inch Cake Pans: For even layers of cake, prepare 3 cake pans by greasing and flouring them before use.
3. Wire Rack: After baking, a wire rack is crucial for cooling your cakes evenly without affecting their texture.
4. Cake Spatula: To frost your cake layers smoothly and efficiently, a cake spatula will help spread the frosting evenly across the cake.

Cake Preparation

Preparing the cake for this Chocolate Candy Bar Cake is a simple yet vital step to ensure it turns out moist and delicious. The cake mix combined with pudding creates a rich and tender crumb, while the frosting adds an indulgent creamy texture to each bite. Follow these steps for a perfect outcome.

Mixing the Cake Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and greasing and flouring three 8-inch cake pans. In a large bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and instant vanilla pudding mix.

Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on low speed until it’s just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue to beat on medium speed for an additional 4 minutes. This step ensures the batter is smooth and airy, which contributes to the light texture of your cake.

Baking the Cake

Once your batter is ready, pour it evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. It’s essential to not overbake, as this can make the cake dry.

After baking, allow the cakes to cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Then, run a table knife around the edges of the pans to loosen the cakes before inverting them onto the cooling rack. Let them cool completely for about 30 minutes.

Frosting and Assembly

Once your cakes are cooled, it’s time to prepare the frosting and assemble this Chocolate Candy Bar Cake. The frosting is a creamy mixture of cream cheese, whipped topping, and chopped chocolate candy bars, which creates a rich and indulgent flavor that complements the moist cake layers perfectly.

Making the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and white sugar until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your frosting, creating a rich and tangy flavor. Once it’s well-blended, fold in the thawed whipped topping, chopped pecans, and chopped milk chocolate candy bars. The candy bars add a sweet crunch and texture to the frosting, making it a delightful addition to the cake. Be gentle when folding in the ingredients to keep the frosting light and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake

Start by spreading a generous layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Once it’s evenly spread, stack the second layer on top and frost it as well. Repeat the process with the third cake layer, covering the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Take care to smooth out the frosting so it’s evenly distributed. You can even add a few extra chopped pieces of candy or pecans on top for added decoration and flavor.

Serving and Decoration

When it comes to serving and presenting your Chocolate Candy Bar Cake, the details make all the difference. Whether you’re serving this cake for a special occasion or a casual gathering, the presentation will add that extra touch of indulgence.

Suggested Toppings and Coatings

The frosting already has delicious bits of chopped chocolate candy bars and pecans, but if you want to take the presentation to the next level, here are a few optional toppings to consider:

• Additional Chopped Candy Bars: Sprinkle extra chopped milk chocolate candy bars on top of the cake for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
• Shaved Chocolate: For a more refined finish, top the cake with shaved chocolate or chocolate curls for a luxurious look.
• Drizzled Chocolate: A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel on top of the cake can create an elegant, glossy finish that makes the cake even more irresistible.

Storage Instructions

This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store it to maintain its deliciousness.

How to Keep the Cake Fresh

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The frosting and cake will stay moist and flavorful for a few days if kept sealed and away from direct heat or sunlight.

Freezing the Cake

If you want to preserve the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To enjoy again, simply thaw the cake slices in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Candy Bar Cake is a true indulgence, combining moist chocolate cake layers with creamy frosting and the irresistible crunch of chopped candy bars. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion and will be sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just enjoying a delicious treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress. With a few easy steps and the right ingredients, you can create a show-stopping cake that everyone will love.