If you’re a fan of the Take 5 candy bar, you’re going to love this homemade Take 5 Cake! This indulgent dessert is inspired by the famous candy bar, combining the perfect balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy textures.
With layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and a silky chocolate ganache, this cake is a decadent dream come true. Every bite delivers a mouthwatering contrast of flavors—salty pretzels, sweet caramel, smooth chocolate, and nutty peanut butter all working together in harmony.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a party, or just to satisfy a serious sweet tooth, this Take 5 Cake will be a showstopper.
Ingredients (Measured in Grams)
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 200g granulated sugar
- 50g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2.5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
- 120ml vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (100g total)
- 120ml buttermilk
- 120ml hot coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g creamy peanut butter
- 400g powdered sugar
- 60ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 200g granulated sugar
- 90g unsalted butter
- 120ml heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 150g semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 120ml heavy cream
For Assembly & Topping:
- 100g pretzels, crushed
- 50g mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 50g peanuts, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease two 20cm (8-inch) round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Stir in hot coffee until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar, stirring continuously until golden brown.
- Add butter and mix until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly.
- Stir in salt and let cool.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until warm (but not boiling).
- Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with peanut butter frosting, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with crushed pretzels.
- Add the second cake layer and repeat.
- Pour chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups, pretzels, and peanuts.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the cake set for 10-15 minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 26g
- Sugar: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Take 5 Cake
✅ Use Hot Coffee in the Cake – It enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
✅ Let the Caramel Cool – If the caramel is too hot, it will melt the frosting.
✅ Chill Before Slicing – Refrigerating the cake for 30 minutes before serving makes slicing easier.
✅ Make It Ahead – The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored wrapped in plastic wrap.
✅ Balance the Sweetness – A pinch of salt in the frosting and caramel helps prevent the cake from being overly sweet.
Variations to Try
- Salted Caramel Take 5 Cake: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for extra contrast.
- Brownie Base: Swap the chocolate cake for a fudgy brownie layer for a denser texture.
- Crunchy Layer: Add a layer of crushed pretzels between the cake and frosting for extra crunch.
- Ice Cream Version: Turn it into a layered Take 5 Ice Cream Cake by using peanut butter ice cream!
What to Serve with Take 5 Cake?
???? Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla balances the rich flavors.
☕ Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness cuts through the sweetness.
???? Peanut Butter Drizzle – More peanut butter is always a good idea!
???? Extra Caramel Sauce – Because why not?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! The cake layers can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store the assembled cake in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free 1:1 baking flour and use gluten-free pretzels.
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