Save Pin
This Butterfinger Bomb Cake turns an ordinary chocolate box mix into a knockout treat that'll make everyone beg for more. The mix of deep chocolate, sticky caramel, and crispy Butterfinger bits makes an over-the-top dessert that's surprisingly quick to throw together.
I came up with this cake for my boy's birthday when I was running late but still wanted to make something memorable. The way his eyes lit up after that first taste was unforgettable—now everyone in the family asks for it whenever we get together.
Ingredients
- Box of Chocolate Cake Mix plus what's listed on the box: Go for a good brand for tastier results
- Sour Cream: Makes everything super moist and rich
- Chocolate Chips: Gives you little bursts of melted chocolate in every bite
- Caramel Ice Cream Topping: Adds that sweet gooey magic throughout
- Vanilla Frosting: Brings a smooth, creamy layer on top
- Butterfinger Candy Pieces: Delivers that famous crunch and flavor punch
How To Make It
- Mix Your Batter:
- Follow the cake box directions, then stir in sour cream and chocolate chips. The sour cream totally transforms the texture to super moist while those chips melt into little pockets of chocolate heaven in each slice.
- Get It In The Oven:
- Pour everything into a 9x13 inch pan and bake as the box says until a toothpick comes out with just a few cake bits. Don't leave it too long or you'll end up with dry cake.
- Add The Caramel Magic:
- While it's still warm, grab a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the top. Set aside 5 tablespoons of caramel for later, then pour the rest all over, letting it sink into those holes. The warm cake just drinks up all that caramel goodness.
- Cool It Down And Frost:
- Stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the caramel set up. After cooling, spread vanilla frosting all over the top. The cold cake makes spreading way easier without tearing up the surface.
- Top It Off:
- Scatter lots of crushed Butterfinger pieces over the frosting and drizzle with your saved caramel. This gives you that wow factor look plus that awesome Butterfinger crunch in every single bite.
Save Pin
One time when I was making this cake, I accidentally dropped a whole Butterfinger into the mix while unwrapping others. That lucky mistake got me thinking about adding chopped candy on top, and now that's the standout feature that makes everyone remember this cake at family parties.
Prep Ahead Perks
This cake actually gets better after sitting in the fridge. The caramel keeps working its way through the cake, making it even more moist and tasty. You can whip it up two days before your event, which is perfect when you don't want to be stuck in the kitchen when guests arrive.
Ways To Switch It Up
Don't be afraid to try different candy bars on top. While Butterfingers give you that classic bomb effect, you can also use Snickers, Heath bars, or Reese's cups with great results. You might even throw on a mix of leftover candy for an extra wild "everything but the kitchen sink" cake that uses up your Halloween stash.
Save Pin
How To Serve It
For a really special touch, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds right before serving. This slightly melts the chocolate chips and caramel for an amazing gooey texture. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for the ultimate dessert combo that plays with hot and cold, soft and crunchy.
Keeping It Fresh
Store any leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days. The cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the sour cream and caramel throughout. If you want to save it longer, wrap single slices tightly in plastic and freeze them for up to 3 months—they thaw perfectly when you need a sweet treat late at night.
Common Questions
- → How do I make the cake extra moist?
Mix in some sour cream and throw in chocolate chips when making your batter. These two additions will make your cake super soft and tasty.
- → Can I use other candy toppings?
Sure thing, you can swap in whatever candy you love. But Butterfinger gives that special crunchy sweetness that's hard to beat.
- → Do I need to chill the cake?
Yep, cooling the cake in the fridge lets all the flavors blend together and gives the caramel time to set up nicely.
- → What type of frosting works best?
The regular vanilla frosting really hits the spot, but you can always switch to buttercream or even a whipped topping if that's what you prefer.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet, you can fix up the cake and chill it a day early. Just save the final toppings for right before you serve it so everything stays fresh.