Why You’ll Love This Milky Way Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich flavors and a touch of nostalgia, you’re going to love this Milky Way Cake recipe. It’s a delightful blend of chocolate and caramel, reminiscent of childhood candy bars. The cake’s moist texture and decadent icing create a perfect balance that keeps me returning for seconds. Plus, the addition of pecans adds a delightful crunch. I can’t help but smile when I serve it at gatherings—everyone’s faces light up with joy. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that brings people together, making it a must-try for any occasion.
Ingredients of Milky Way Cake
When it comes to baking a cake that delights everyone, the Milky Way Cake is a fantastic choice. Not only does it taste amazing with its rich chocolate and caramel flavors, but it also brings a nostalgic vibe that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
Plus, the added crunch from pecans elevates the texture, making it unforgettable. So, if you’re ready to gather your ingredients and get baking, here’s what you’ll need to whip up this sweet masterpiece.
Ingredients for Milky Way Cake:
- 8 (1 3/4 ounce) Milky Way bars
- 1 1/2 cups butter (divided)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
- 4 eggs, well beaten
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup marshmallow cream
- 6 ounces chocolate chips
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting pans
Now, let’s chat about the ingredients for a moment. You might notice that this recipe calls for both granulated sugar and pecans twice—once for the cake and once for the icing.
It’s like a sweet duet, harmonizing perfectly. Also, don’t skimp on the Milky Way bars; they’re the star of the show! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try different nuts or toppings to customize the cake to your liking.
Just remember, the goal is to create something that not only looks gorgeous but also tastes like heaven. And who doesn’t want to impress their friends and family with a cake that’s as fun to make as it’s to eat?
How to Make Milky Way Cake
Making the Milky Way Cake is like setting off on a delicious adventure, where every step brings you closer to a sweet masterpiece. First off, preheat your oven to 325°F. It’s always a good idea to get that oven warmed up while you’re busy mixing and melting away.
Now, grab three 9-inch cake pans and grease them up with some butter, then dust them with confectioners’ sugar. This step is essential, trust me. We don’t want your cake to stick and throw a tantrum when you try to take it out.
Now, let’s plunge into the cake batter. Start by melting 8 (1 3/4 ounce) Milky Way bars with 1 stick of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until it’s all gooey and smooth, then take it off the heat and let it cool down a bit.
Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, cream together the remaining 1 1/2 cups of butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar until fluffy. Add in the 4 well-beaten eggs and that delicious Milky Way mixture you just made.
Sift together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and then alternately mix in the flour and 1 1/4 cups of buttermilk. It’s like a dance—flour, buttermilk, flour, buttermilk—until everything is well blended. Finally, fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that extra flavor kick.
Once your batter is ready, divide it evenly among the prepared pans and slide them into your preheated oven. They’ll need to bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cakes feel firm to the touch.
While they cool for about 5 minutes in the pans, you can take a breather and maybe sneak a little taste of that batter left in the bowl. I won’t tell. After cooling, gently remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely on wire racks.
This is where patience pays off—let the cakes cool completely before frosting. Speaking of frosting, we’ll whip up a scrumptious icing next that combines 2 1/2 cups of granulated sugar with 1 cup of evaporated milk in a heavy saucepan.
Cook this mixture until it reaches the soft-ball stage (234°F on a candy thermometer). Stir in the marshmallow cream, 1/2 cup of butter, and 6 ounces of chocolate chips, mixing until it’s all melted and glossy. Don’t forget to add in another cup of chopped pecans for that added crunch.
Once your cakes are cool, generously frost each layer, the sides, and the top. There you have it—the Milky Way Cake, ready to impress!
Milky Way Cake Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Milky Way Cake is undeniably delicious, there’s always room to get creative with substitutions and variations. For a lighter twist, I sometimes swap half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
If I’m out of Milky Way bars, I’ve used Snickers or even Twix for a unique flavor. You can also try adding different nuts like walnuts or almonds.
For a gluten-free option, I’ve had success using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. And if you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
What to Serve with Milky Way Cake
A delightful slice of Milky Way Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.
I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the creaminess balances the cake’s sweetness perfectly. Fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, add a rejuvenating contrast and a pop of color.
For a more indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake. A dollop of whipped cream can also elevate each slice.
Finally, a cup of coffee or a glass of milk complements the dessert beautifully, making for a truly satisfying experience. Enjoy experimenting with these pairings!
Additional Tips & Notes
To achieve the best results with your Milky Way Cake, I recommend using room temperature ingredients, as this helps create a smoother batter and a more even texture.
Don’t rush the cooling process; letting the cake cool completely before frosting is essential for preventing melting.
When storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of coffee to the batter.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different nuts or even a drizzle of caramel for added flair.
Enjoy baking and savoring your delicious creation!