If you have a serious sweet tooth and love a deliciously decadent dessert that combines chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, and a satisfying crunch, then the Take 5 Cake Recipe is an absolute treat you cannot miss. This cake takes inspiration from the popular Take 5 candy bar, layering its signature flavors into a rich, moist cake that is perfect for celebrations or simply indulging your cravings. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of creamy peanut butter frosting, velvety chocolate, gooey caramel, and a crunchy hint of pretzels that make it truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Take 5 Cake Recipe lies in its combination of familiar, simple ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary flavor and texture experience. Each component plays a specific role, from the deep chocolate base enhanced with coffee to bring out richer notes, to the peanut butter frosting that adds creaminess and the caramel and pretzel toppings that infuse both gooey sweetness and crunch.
- Devils Food Cake Mix: Creates a deep chocolate foundation for the cake, perfect for pairing with peanut butter and caramel.
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules: Enhances the richness of the chocolate without making it taste like coffee.
- 7 Take 5 Candy Bars (snack sizes): The star ingredient providing chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, pretzel crunch, and peanuts as inspiration.
- Mini pretzels, broken: Adds a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup softened butter: Makes the peanut butter frosting smooth and creamy.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The key flavor in the frosting delivering that beloved Take 5 profile.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the frosting’s flavor.
- 5 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter frosting to just the right consistency.
- 1/2 cup cream or milk: Used to adjust the frosting texture for spreading perfectly over the cakes.
- 1 (13 ounce) package caramels: For the luscious caramel drizzle topping the cake layers.
- 1/4 cup butter: Melted with caramels to create a smooth caramel sauce.
- 1/3 cup milk: Incorporated into the caramel to keep it silky and pourable.
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips: Melted to form a rich chocolate ganache topping.
- 6 ounces heavy cream: Mixed with chocolate chips to create a creamy ganache finish.
How to Make Take 5 Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake Layers
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing two 9-inch cake pans by greasing them lightly. Mix the Devils Food Cake Mix according to the package instructions, but be sure to add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules directly into the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor. Pour the batter evenly into the pans and bake as directed, usually around 30 minutes. Let the cake layers cool completely before moving on, as this will make frosting and assembling much easier and neater.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
While your cake cools, it’s the perfect time to whip up the signature peanut butter frosting. Beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 cup creamy peanut butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is velvety smooth. Gradually add 5 cups powdered sugar, alternating with 1/2 cup cream (or milk), to reach a spreadable, fluffy consistency that isn’t too stiff or runny. This frosting is the heart and soul of the Take 5 Cake Recipe, bringing that iconic peanut butter flavor to every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake with Pretzels and Take 5 Bars
Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place the first layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top. Sprinkle mini broken pretzels over this to introduce that delightful salty crunch. Next, chop the 7 Take 5 candy bars into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the frosting and pretzels. Place the second cake layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat of peanut butter frosting all around to seal in the crumbs. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before final frosting.
Step 4: Prepare Caramel Sauce and Chocolate Ganache
While chilling, melt 1/4 cup butter with the 13-ounce package of caramels and 1/3 cup milk over low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth and glossy. In a separate bowl, gently heat the 6 ounces heavy cream and then pour over 12 ounces milk chocolate chips, stirring until you have a smooth ganache. Once the cake is chilled and crumb-coated, slather the rest of the peanut butter frosting over the cake evenly, then drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top. Finish by pouring the chocolate ganache, allowing it to drip elegantly down the sides. The caramel and chocolate layers add rich, luscious finishes that perfectly echo the Take 5 candy bar’s signature flavor.
How to Serve Take 5 Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Take 5 Cake Recipe can elevate its visual appeal and add flavor bursts. Sprinkle extra mini pretzels and chopped Take 5 candy bar pieces across the top for crunchy texture and a hint of salty-sweet contrast. You might also add a few roasted peanuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive, refined touch that’ll make your cake the star at any gathering.
Side Dishes
This cake stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to create a truly indulgent dessert experience, serve it with fresh whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream. The creaminess cuts through the richness of the cake, balancing each forkful perfectly. A side of fresh berries can also bring a refreshing note, providing a juicy pop that complements the deep chocolate and peanut butter flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, slice the Take 5 Cake Recipe into smaller squares and serve them as mini dessert bites at parties. You can insert decorative toothpicks or small flags for a charming touch. Alternatively, try layering the cake pieces in clear glasses or jars with extra caramel drizzle and peanut butter frosting for a decadent take on a parfait. The layered presentation allows everyone to see the fantastic textures and encourages second helpings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Take 5 Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen over time, so many find it even better the next day!
Freezing
Want to make this cake ahead for a special occasion? Wrap the fully assembled cake carefully with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to ensure the frosting and ganache retain their creamy texture without separating.
Reheating
Since this is a rich, frosted cake, reheating is not recommended. For the best experience, serve it chilled or at room temperature so the frosting stays smooth and the caramel doesn’t harden. If you prefer warmer dessert notes, pair with a warm beverage like coffee or hot chocolate instead.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of boxed cake mix?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Devil’s Food Cake Mix for convenience and consistent results, using your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe will work beautifully and might even add a personal touch of flavor.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Take 5 candy bars?
The Take 5 bars are unique in their combination of peanut butter, pretzels, caramel, and chocolate, but you can approximate by using chopped Snickers or Reeses pieces with added broken pretzels for crunch.
Is it okay to use crunchy peanut butter in the frosting?
You definitely can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add some texture to the frosting and enhance the nutty aspect if you love a bit more crunch throughout the cake.
How do I prevent the caramel from hardening on the cake?
Make sure to pour the warm caramel sauce over the cake just before serving or store the cake in the refrigerator covered tightly. The butter and milk in the sauce help keep it smooth and pliable.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
With a few adjustments, yes. Use dairy-free butter alternatives, non-dairy cream or milk for the frosting and caramel, and dairy-free chocolate chips to adapt this recipe for dairy sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the Take 5 Cake Recipe is such a joyful dessert to make and even better to eat. It perfectly captures the essence of the beloved candy bar in every luscious bite, combining textures and flavors that everyone will rave about. So if you’re looking to impress at your next party or simply want a scrumptious treat to delight your loved ones, dive in and give this cake a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Take 5 Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This indulgent Take 5 Cake combines the rich flavors of a moist devil’s food cake enhanced with instant coffee, layered with a creamy peanut butter frosting, crunchy pretzels, and chopped Take 5 candy bars. The cake is topped with a luscious caramel and chocolate ganache glaze, making it a decadent dessert perfect for any special occasion or candy bar lover.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cream or milk
- Mini pretzels, broken (quantity as desired for layering)
- 7 Take 5 candy bars, snack size, chopped
Caramel Topping
- 1 (13-ounce) package caramels
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup milk
Chocolate Ganache
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 6 ounces heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the cake batter. Preheat oven and prepare cake batter according to the Devil’s Food Cake mix package instructions, adding 1 teaspoon of dry instant coffee granules directly to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor. Pour batter into pans and bake as directed for a 2-layer cake. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely.
- Make peanut butter frosting and assemble layers. In a mixing bowl, blend 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 cup creamy peanut butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add 5 cups powdered sugar alternating with 1/2 cup cream, beating until fluffy and spreadable. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, then sprinkle broken mini pretzels and chopped Take 5 candy bars evenly over the frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.
- Prepare caramel topping. In a small saucepan, melt 1 (13-ounce) package of caramels with 1/4 cup butter and 1/3 cup milk over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and pourable. Allow the caramel to cool slightly, then drizzle evenly over the top of the frosted cake, allowing some to drip down the sides.
- Make chocolate ganache and finish cake. Heat 6 ounces heavy cream in a saucepan or microwave until hot but not boiling, then pour over 12 ounces milk chocolate chips. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the caramel layer on the cake, spreading gently if needed. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the ganache before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Adding instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Use snack-size Take 5 bars for easier chopping and distribution in the frosting layers.
- Broken mini pretzels add a delightful salty crunch that balances the sweetness.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Chill the cake after glazing to help the ganache set properly.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
