Take 5 Cake

The Take 5 Cake is a decadent dessert inspired by the popular Take 5 candy bar, combining five irresistible elements: chocolate, peanut butter, pretzels, caramel, and peanuts.

This indulgent cake layers rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter frosting, gooey caramel sauce, crunchy pretzel pieces, and roasted peanuts for the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat.

Perfect for celebrations or satisfying serious cravings, the Take 5 Cake offers a playful twist on a candy classic. Each bite delivers a mix of textures and bold flavors, making it a favorite among dessert lovers who enjoy the perfect balance of salty crunch and rich sweetness.

If you’re a fan of the Take 5 candy bar, this cake is going to blow your mind. It’s rich, moist, layered with flavors and textures—perfectly balancing salty pretzels, creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and smooth chocolate. This decadent cake is ideal for birthdays, parties, or whenever you want to impress a crowd.

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Rest Time 40 mins

Total Time 1 hr 45 mins

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Courses: Desert

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cooking Temp: 175 C

Servings: 10

Estimated Cost: 18.00

Calories: 700 kcal

Best Season: Fall, Suitable throughout the year

Description

Take 5 Cake is an indulgent dessert inspired by the classic Take 5 candy bar. This rich, layered cake combines chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, pretzels, and peanuts for the ultimate sweet and salty experience.

Moist chocolate cake layers are filled with creamy peanut butter frosting, gooey caramel sauce, and crushed pretzels, then topped with a decadent chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.

Perfect for parties or special occasions, this cake delivers a bold flavor explosion in every bite. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat for chocolate and candy lovers alike.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee or hot water

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 ½ 2–2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Caramel Filling:

1 cup soft caramels (like Kraft)
2 tablespoons heavy cream

For Assembly & Topping:

1 ½ cups mini pretzels (whole and crushed)
½ cup roasted salted peanuts
½ cup chocolate chips or melted chocolate
Optional: extra caramel drizzle

Instructions

1
Make the Chocolate Cake Layers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
- Slowly stir in the hot coffee. The batter will be thin — that’s normal and ensures moist cake.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
2
Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add a pinch of salt and heavy cream as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Beat on high speed for 2–3 minutes to make it light and airy.
3
Make the Ganache
1. In a heatproof bowl, add the chocolate chips.
2. Heat heavy cream in the microwave or on the stove until just simmering.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
4. Allow to cool slightly until thickened but still pourable.
4
Assemble the Take 5 Cake
1. Level the cake layers if needed using a serrated knife.
2. Place one layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting over it.
3. Drizzle with caramel sauce, then sprinkle with crushed pretzels and chopped peanuts.
4. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with more frosting on top.
5. Frost the entire cake with the peanut butter frosting — use a crumb coat if needed, then chill for 20 minutes.
6. Once set, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10

Amount Per Serving
Calories 700kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 45g70%
Saturated Fat 20g100%
Cholesterol 90mg30%
Sodium 450mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 70g24%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 50g
Protein 10g20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

The Take 5 Cake is inspired by the beloved Take 5 candy bar, featuring a decadent blend of chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, pretzels, and peanuts.

Whether it’s for a birthday, potluck, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this indulgent dessert can be a showstopper when done right.

Here’s how to elevate your Take 5 Cake with smart baking tips, perfect serving tricks, and proper storage methods to maintain its flavor and texture.

Baking Tips for a Perfect Take 5 Cake

Use High-Quality Chocolate:
Since chocolate is the dominant flavor, use premium semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the ganache or cake batter. It enhances richness and depth.
Don’t Skip the Salted Pretzels:
The salty crunch from pretzels balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. Crush them lightly so you get both crunch and texture in every bite without overwhelming the cake.
Layer Smartly:
To mimic the candy bar’s layered profile, use a base chocolate cake or brownie, a creamy peanut butter frosting, a drizzle of caramel, and a topping of crushed pretzels and peanuts. Chill between layers to prevent them from melting into each other.
Peanut Butter Consistency Matters:
For frosting or filling, choose a creamy peanut butter—not natural or oily versions—as it mixes better with powdered sugar and butter to create a smooth, stable texture.
Chill Before Slicing:
This cake is rich and layered, so refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing. It helps firm the layers for neat, even slices.

Serving Tricks for Take 5 Cake

Warm Slices Slightly for Maximum Gooeyness:
About 10–15 seconds in the microwave brings out the melty caramel and peanut butter. Just be careful not to overheat and melt the frosting.
Serve with a Cold Glass of Milk or Coffee:
The richness of the cake pairs beautifully with cold milk or a hot cup of coffee, which cuts through the sweetness.
Top with Extra Garnish:
Right before serving, sprinkle extra chopped peanuts, pretzels, and a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for a fresh, eye-catching finish.
Use a Hot Knife for Clean Slices:
Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it between cuts to slice cleanly through the cake without dragging layers.
Mini Portions for Parties:
This cake is rich, so serve in smaller slices or even bake in cupcake tins for individual Take 5 cake bites—ideal for parties or potlucks.

Storage Instructions

Short-Term Storage:
Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it chilled to maintain structure and freshness.
Freezing:
You can freeze Take 5 Cake for up to 2 months. Slice it into individual pieces, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Avoid Moisture on Pretzels:
If topping with fresh pretzels, do so right before serving. Pretzels stored in the fridge or freezer can absorb moisture and lose their crunch.
Room Temperature Rule:
If serving the cake at a party or event, it can safely sit out for 2–3 hours at room temperature. Any longer, and the frosting and caramel may begin to soften excessively or spoil.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free pretzels.
Nut allergy tip: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and skip the peanuts.
Cupcake version: This recipe also makes about 24 cupcakes. Just layer frosting, caramel, and ganache on top.

CONCLUSION

The Take 5 Cake is the ultimate treat for dessert lovers who can’t choose between sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy — because this cake gives you everything. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a potluck, or just a weekend indulgence, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Once you slice into the rich chocolate cake layered with peanut butter, caramel, and pretzels, you’ll understand why this dessert is truly next-level. Enjoy every bite!

Keywords: Take 5 cake, peanut butter, caramel dessert, salty-sweet cake, chocolate pretzel cake,