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Chocolate Candy Cake

This Chocolate KitKat Cake is sure to impress at your next party, it's such much fun to eat, will wow your guests, and it's easy to make!

  • Prep45 min
  • Cook30 min
  • Total2 hr
  • Serves16

Published 28 Oct 2021

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Side view of chocolate candy cake with a ribbon around it on a cake stand.

I’ve heard that chocolate makes everything better and I tend to agree! ThisChocolate Candy Cakeis sure to boost your spirits and brighten your day. It starts with two layers of chocolate cake covered in decadent frosting, the ends being surrounded by Kit Kats, and add to the wow factor, is topped with all the chocolate candies. It turns out beautiful and is super easy to make too.

Side view of chocolate candy cake with a ribbon around it on a cake stand.

I love to make this cake for birthdays, friend gatherings, or for a festive potluck dessert. It really is simple and perfect for people who don’t love decorating cakes. You can use a box cake mix and that will really speed up the process as well.

I’ve seen this cake baked with lots of variations and that is what makes it so fun. Depending on the occasion you can switch up the color of candies on top and really customize the cake. You can also personalize it with cake flavors such asfunfetti,strawberry,banana,German chocolate, orchocolate peanut butter. If you prefer candy over chocolate, try mycolorful candy cake.

chocolate candy cake with a ribbon around it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • The visually striking candy-covered exterior makes this cake a stunning centerpiece for any celebration, impressing both kids and adults alike.
  • Decorating this cake is not only easy and enjoyable, but also customizable to your favorite treats.
  • The combination of butter, sugar, and cocoa powder ensures a deeply rich and moist cake that melts in your mouth.
  • The smooth, creamy frosting made from butter and powdered sugar adds a perfect layer of sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Flour –All-purpose
  • Sugar –You will need granulated and powdered sugar
  • Eggs– Room temperature
  • Butter– Room temperature
  • Milk– Can be subbed with a dairy-free alternative
  • Chocolate Candies –I used KitKats bars, Pocky Sticks, whole chocolate bars, Chocolate Truffles, and an assortment of white, milk, dark chocolate in interesting shapes or textures
  • Vanilla
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to make Chocolate Candy Cake

Step 1.Preheat oven to 350°F, line and grease two 9-inch cake pans.

Step 2.Cream butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and ice water alternately. Divide batter between pans and bake for 27-30 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 3.Beat butter, cocoa, powdered sugar, and salt. Add milk gradually until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4. Frost the cake, then decorate with KitKats and assorted chocolates, securing with a ribbon.

Recipe FAQs

How many KitKats are used on a chocolate candy cake?

You will use about 30-35 Kit Kats to surround the cake. Make sure you are using the full size and not the minis.

What can I put on top of the chocolate candy cake?

The options are endless. You can put Twix, Reeses, Butterfingers, M&Ms or any of your favorite candies. Feel free to use your imagination and get creative with this cake.

How long should a cake cool before frosting?

You want to make sure that your cake is 100% cooled before you attempt to frost it. Usually about 2 hours is a good time frame to wait.

A slice of chocolate candy cake on a plate with a fork and the rest of the cake in the background.

Expert Tips

  • Ensure thebutter and eggsare atroom temperaturebefore mixing. This helps achieve a smoother, well-incorporated batter and a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
  • When addingdry ingredientsandwaterto thebuttermixture,alternate between themin small batches. This method helps maintain the batter’s consistency andprevents overmixing, ensuring a tender cake.
  • Allow the cakes to coolin the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps the cakes firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and reducing the risk of breaking. Also make sure that your cake is100% cooled before frosting it.
  • Decoratethe cakeimmediately after frostingto ensure the KitKats and other candies stick well. Doing this while the frosting is still fresh and tacky will help keep your decorations securely in place.
A slice of chocolate candy cake on a white plate with a fork.

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Candy Cake

Serve this cake at room temperature to ensure the frosting is smooth and the candy decorations remain intact. Use a sharp knife to cut through the KitKats and the cake layers cleanly. For a visually appealing presentation, tie a ribbon around the cake and remove it just before slicing.

This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If the temperature is warm, refrigerate the cake to prevent the frosting and candy from melting. When refrigerating, cover the cake to prevent it from drying out.

To freeze, wrap the undecorated cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and decorating. Avoid freezing the cake with the candy decorations, as they may become sticky or lose their texture upon thawing.

More Cake Recipes to Consider

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