{"id":"9b33aae2-59df-401a-8a63-b87b40cf3349","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/9b33aae2-59df-401a-8a63-b87b40cf3349","source_url":"https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/chocolate-crunch-cake/","title":"Chocolate Crunch Cake","description":"Chocolate crunch cake is my snack-friendly take on the viral dessert: an 8x8 chocolate cake with glossy ganache and a crispy cornflake topping.","servings":12,"servings_text":"12","image_url":"https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/chocolate-crunch-cake-7839-May-06-2026.jpg","ingredients":[{"text":"1 cup all-purpose flour","item":"all-purpose flour","quantity":1,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1 cup sugar","item":"sugar","quantity":1,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"6 Tbsp cocoa powder","item":"cocoa powder","quantity":6,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1 tsp baking soda","item":"baking soda","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1/2 tsp baking powder","item":"baking powder","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1/2 tsp salt","item":"salt","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1/2 cup buttermilk","item":"buttermilk","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1/4 cup vegetable oil","item":"vegetable oil","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1 large egg","item":"large egg","quantity":1},{"text":"1/2 tsp vanilla","item":"vanilla","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1/2 cup hot coffee","item":"hot coffee","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"6 Tbsp heavy cream","item":"heavy cream","quantity":6,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"3 ounces dark chocolate chips, or chopped dark chocolate (about a heaping 1/2 cup)","item":"dark chocolate chips, or chopped dark chocolate","quantity":3,"unit":"oz","preparation":"about a heaping 1/2 cup"},{"text":"1 Tbsp Nutella","item":"Nutella","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"pinch sea salt","item":"sea salt","unit":"pinch"},{"text":"1 1/2 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed","item":"cornflakes, lightly crushed","quantity":1.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1/2 cup Nutella","item":"Nutella","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"3 Tbsp bittersweet chocolate chips, or chopped bittersweet chocolate","item":"bittersweet chocolate chips, or chopped bittersweet chocolate","quantity":3,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1 1/2 tsp butter","item":"butter","quantity":1.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"pinch salt","item":"salt","unit":"pinch"},{"text":"1/4 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts, optional","item":"chopped toasted hazelnuts","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup","preparation":"optional"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Preheat the oven to 350F and grease and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper. The paper is optional but allows you to remove the cake for cleaner frosting and serving."},{"number":2,"text":"Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.","section":"for the cake"},{"number":3,"text":"In another bowl whisk the buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla and mix until combined. Stir in the hot coffee.","section":"for the cake"},{"number":4,"text":"Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until well combined, but don't overmix. The batter will be thin.","section":"for the cake"},{"number":5,"text":"Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, checking at 25 minutes. Let cool completely.","section":"for the cake"},{"number":6,"text":"For the ganache, heat the cream until steaming, then pour over the chocolate, salt, and Nutella. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Spread over the cooled cake.","section":"for the ganache"},{"number":7,"text":"Add the Nutella, bittersweet chocolate, butter, and pinch of salt to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring between each, just until melted and smooth.","section":"for the crunch topping"},{"number":8,"text":"Fold in the lightly crushed cornflakes until they’re completely coated. Stir in the toasted hazelnuts, if using.","section":"for the crunch topping"},{"number":9,"text":"Spoon the mixture over the still soft ganache layer and gently spread it out with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Don’t press too hard ~ you want to keep some craggy texture. I dolloped it onto the cake in small mounds and then gently nudged it across the surface.","section":"for the crunch topping"},{"number":10,"text":"Let the topping set before slicing. For the cleanest slices, chill the cake briefly, then let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.","section":"for the crunch topping"}],"date_published":"2026-10-30T00:03:41.866507+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-30T00:03:41.866507+00:00"}