Chocolate Caramel Cake

Featured in Sweet Treats Everyone Will Love.

A luscious treat with caramel-infused chocolate cake, smooth whipped cream, and crunchy Heath bar bits. Perfectly prepped for serving crowds ahead of time.

Emily Watson
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 02:31:16 GMT
A rich chocolate dessert with cream and candy, served on a gray plate. Pin it
A rich chocolate dessert with cream and candy, served on a gray plate. | thefamilycooks.com

This mind-blowing chocolate cake is total dessert wizardry stacked with scratch-made caramel, warm flowing sweetened condensed milk, billowy fresh whipped cream, and crispy Heath bar chunks. Each bite feels like heaven that'll have your guests begging to know how you made it.

Why This Cake Stands Out

Believe me, this cake steals the spotlight whenever I whip it up. The layers combine wonderfully – chocolate, caramel and cream making perfect dessert happiness. What's great? You can go all-in with homemade ingredients or save time with a box mix – it turns out fantastic either way.

Your Ingredient List

  • Chocolate Cake: Choose homemade or grab a box mix, just be sure you're using a 9x13 dish for proper layering.
  • Caramel Sauce: Homemade tastes wonderful but the jarred stuff works fine when you're in a hurry.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: This sweet miracle soaks through every crumb making your cake incredibly tender.
  • Whipped Cream: Always go with freshly whipped – it really counts here.
  • Heath Bars: The smashed candy pieces add that amazing toffee crunch sensation.

Creating The Magic

Begin With The Foundation
Bake your chocolate cake in a 9x13 dish, then after cooling, use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes throughout.
Pour In The Flavor
Drizzle caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk across the surface, making sure those holes get completely filled.
Create The Cloud Layer
Add a thick blanket of fresh whipped cream over everything, spreading it all the way to the sides.
Finish With Crunch
Scatter crushed Heath bits across the top for that fantastic texture and taste.

Smart Prep Ideas

Need to work ahead? The cake can go in your freezer up to a week early. Just let it thaw fully before adding the toppings. The caramel sauce keeps for days in the fridge too – it works great warm or cold.

Crowd-Pleasing Sweet

I always turn to this cake when hosting any event. From simple family meals to big holiday bashes, it never disappoints. The amazing mix of tastes and textures stays in everyone's memory – they'll mention it long after they've gone home.

Storage Tips

Store what's left in a sealed container in your fridge and it'll stay yummy up to a week. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day or two. Want to save some? Freeze single pieces and thaw them in the fridge whenever you want something sweet.

Creative Swaps

Enjoy trying new things? Switch your toppings to smashed Snickers, Reese's or Oreos. Add some flavor to your whipped cream or pour chocolate ganache on top for extra richness. This cake works great with all sorts of tasty changes.

Ready To Enjoy

Dish up this treat nice and cold, maybe with a little extra caramel or chocolate drizzled on top if you're feeling fancy. Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside or bring out tall glasses of milk to balance the sweetness.

Everyone's Favorite

There's good reason why folks love this cake so much. That wonderful mix of chocolate, caramel and cream with crunchy toffee bits on top brings happiness in every mouthful. For special celebrations or just when you need an amazing chocolate fix, this cake always comes through.

A slice of rich chocolate cake topped with chocolate shavings and nuts, served on a plate. Pin it
A slice of rich chocolate cake topped with chocolate shavings and nuts, served on a plate. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this dessert be made early?

You can bake the cake and freeze it up to a week ahead. Caramel can also be prepped a few days before. Put it all together no more than a day before enjoying.

→ Is store-bought caramel okay?

Absolutely. If you're short on time, grab a 16oz jar of pre-made caramel topping to replace the homemade one.

→ Do I need a full can of condensed milk?

The full can is traditional, but for a less sugary version, use half a can instead. It's up to your preference.

→ What's the best way to keep the cake fresh?

Let the built cake chill in the fridge for at least an hour before eating. It stays fine in the fridge for up to a day because of the whipped cream.

→ Can I swap out the Heath bar topping?

Sure thing. Use toffee bits, chocolate candies, or even chocolate chips if you'd like something different on top.

Chocolate Caramel Cake

Moist chocolate cake loaded with caramel and creamy sweetness, finished with soft whipped cream and crumbled candy pieces.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3-4 Heath bars, broken into pieces.
02 1/4 cup powdered sugar.
03 14 oz can of condensed milk (sweetened).
04 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream for whipping.
05 1 store-bought or homemade caramel sauce (16 oz jar works).
06 1 chocolate cake baked in 9x13 baking dish.

Instructions

Step 01

Follow cake instructions to bake in a 9x13 dish. Let it cool before poking holes all over with a skewer or fork.

Step 02

Drizzle the caramel sauce first, then pour over some or all of the condensed milk (your call).

Step 03

Whip the cream until you notice soft peaks forming. Add the powdered sugar and keep whipping until stiffer peaks appear.

Step 04

Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake. Scatter the Heath pieces on top. Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to chill before eating.

Notes

  1. Freeze cake up to a week ahead if needed.
  2. Prepare caramel sauce a few days early for convenience.
  3. Save time by grabbing half a bag of pre-crushed Heath bits.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dish for 9x13 cakes.
  • Bowl for mixing.
  • Hand or electric mixer tool.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Made with gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 233
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Protein: 4 g