Homemade Twix Cake 🎂🍫

Celebrating your baby boy’s 8th birthday with a Twix-inspired cake is an amazing idea! Layers of rich cake, gooey caramel, and chocolate come together to recreate the beloved candy bar in cake form. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dessert from scratch!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)

¾ cup sugar (granulated)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup whole milk
½ cup boiling water
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

½ cup brown sugar (packed)
½ cup sour cream (for extra moistness)

For the Caramel Layer:

1 cup brown sugar (packed)

½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Coating:

1 ½ cups chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)
1 tbsp unsalted butter (for extra smoothness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Use an electric mixer on medium speed.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start with the dry ingredients and end with the wet. Mix until just combined.

Carefully pour in the boiling water and stir gently. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay—it makes for a moist cake!
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Caramel Layer:

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens. This may take 5-7 minutes.

Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly (it will thicken more as it cools).

3. Assemble the Cake:

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a cake plate or stand. Spread a thick layer of caramel over the first cake layer, allowing it to slightly spill over the edges.
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the first and press gently to ensure the layers stick together.

Drizzle the remaining caramel on top of the second layer, allowing it to drip down the sides.

4. Make the Chocolate Coating:

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the cake, letting it flow over the caramel and down the sides. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the surface.

Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.

5. Final Touches:

If you’d like, you can add extra caramel drizzle, chopped Twix bars, or chocolate shavings for decoration!
Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure everything sets properly.

Benefits of Homemade Twix Cake:

While this cake might not be light in calories, it definitely has some advantages compared to store-bought treats:

No Preservatives: Homemade means you know exactly what’s going into the cake. No artificial colors or preservatives here!
Customization: You can adjust the flavors and textures to your liking. Prefer a darker chocolate? Go for it! Want a more intense caramel flavor? You can tweak the ingredients.

Fresh Ingredients: Using real butter, sugar, and fresh eggs creates a richer, more delicious cake that’s a treat for the senses.
No High Fructose Corn Syrup: The caramel layer is made from scratch, without the processed syrups found in many candy bars.
Family Bonding: Making a homemade cake, especially for a birthday, is a great way to involve your kids or loved ones in a fun, creative process. It’s not just about eating—it’s about sharing special moments together!

Q & A:

Q: My caramel didn’t thicken as much as I wanted. What should I do? A: If your caramel is too thin, don’t worry! You can continue cooking it over low heat for a bit longer, stirring constantly. If it’s still not thickening, try adding more brown sugar or a bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to help thicken it. Keep in mind, caramel does set a little more once cooled, so it’s okay if it’s a bit runny when you first pour it.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut butter in the cake batter? A: Absolutely! If you prefer almond butter or cashew butter, they will work just fine as a substitute for peanut butter in the cake batter. Just make sure it’s creamy and not too chunky for the smooth texture.

Q: How can I make this cake gluten-free? A: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Make sure it’s one that includes a binder like xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind, the texture may be slightly different, but the flavor should still be delicious.

Q: Can I prepare the cake in advance? A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers and make the caramel and chocolate coating ahead of time. Keep the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature or in the fridge. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest results.

Q: How do I store the cake? A: Store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers (unlikely!), you can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for a few seconds to soften the caramel.

Final Thoughts:

This Homemade Twix Cake is the perfect way to celebrate your baby boy’s 8th birthday, bringing together all the flavors of a Twix bar in a decadent cake form. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s bound to be a showstopper. 🍰🎉

I’m sure your son will absolutely love it, and the smile on his face when he sees it will be priceless! 😄 Enjoy the baking process and the celebration—happy birthday to your little one! 🎂🎈