Chocolate crunch cake is a viral treat that was made for chocolate lovers. Chocolate cake in itself is delicious, but adding even more chocolate and some crunch takes this dessert to a whole new level.
Have you heard of chocolate crunch cakes? They are having a viral moment with different variations all across social media, and for good reason. Adding a crunchy, chocolaty topping to a tender cake creates a juxtaposition of texture that is simply unmatched.
Our version on the trend is inspired by a recipe from Thank You Berry Much, which starts with preparing a from-scratch chocolate layer cake and chocolate ganache. The topping is made by covering Rice Krispies cereal in melted chocolate, letting it harden, and then chopping it up to create an extra-crunchy filling and topping.
Our own simplified version of a crunch cake calls for a chocolate boxed cake mix baked in a 13×9-inch pan, then topped with creamy chocolate buttercream. We coat Cocoa Krispies cereal (instead of regular Rice Krispies) in melted chocolate for even more chocolate flavor.
The chocolate crunch cereal topping really is the star of the show, adding another layer of chocolate flavor and a playful crunchy texture for the ultimate chocolate dessert.
Chocolate Crunch Cake Ingredients
Chocolate cake mix: To keep things simple, this chocolate crunch cake starts with a cake mix for the base cake layer. Devil’s food is a great option for bold flavor, but a regular chocolate cake mix is just as delicious.
Water: Liquid plays a role in the moist texture of a cake mix. You can make a boxed cake mix taste homemade by using milk instead of water to prep the mix.
Vegetable oil: This type of oil adds a bit of fat to the chocolate cake mix for moisture and flavor.
Eggs: It’s important to use room-temperature eggs for baking for the easiest incorporation. Two eggs add rich moisture and help the chocolate cake rise.
Cocoa Krispies cereal: This is the chocolate version of classic Rice Krispies. It’s used as the base for the topping on this chocolate crunch cake.
Chocolate chips: Melt semisweet chocolate chips and mix them with the cereal. This is what hardens to make the chocolate crunch topping for this cake.
Butter: Butter is a staple ingredient for buttercream frostings, playing a role in structure and flavor. Salted butter is used for this chocolate frosting recipe. It’s important to let the butter soften to room temperature for the smoothest mixture.
Baking cocoa: Baking cocoa, or cocoa powder, is key for adding chocolate flavor and thickening the frosting.
Confectioners’ sugar: This type of sugar adds sweetness and thickens the chocolate frosting. For the smoothest frosting, sift your sugar first.
Milk: Milk helps thin the frosting for a creamy consistency. We use whole milk for this recipe, but you can swap in 2% milk or even heavy cream for a richer flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Bake the chocolate cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch cake pan.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil and eggs. Mix until combined and smooth. Transfer the cake batter to the prepared pan. Bake the cake as directed on the box. Once baked, remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the crunch topping
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Melt the chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between.
Fold the cereal into the melted chocolate until well coated. Spread the coated cereal into an even thin layer on the baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for one hour. Once hardened, chop into small pieces.
Editor’s Tip: For the smoothest layer, spray an icing spatula with cooking spray and use it to spread the chocolate mixture onto the baking sheet.
Step 3: Make the frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, baking cocoa and half the confectioners’ sugar. Gradually mix in the milk and remaining confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the cake
Spread the chocolate frosting over the top of the cooled cake. Sprinkle the chocolate crunch topping evenly over the top of the frosting. Slice to serve.
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