Chef Mitchell preparing Classic Butterfinger Cake
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Classic Butterfinger Cake recipe while experimenting with flavors in my kitchen. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter has always been a favorite of mine. After several attempts, I perfected the balance of sweetness and texture, making it a family favorite."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience in American cuisine, specializing in desserts. His passion for creating delicious cakes has led him to develop recipes that bring joy to every table.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A beautifully decorated Classic Butterfinger Cake, showcasing layers of chocolate frosting and topped with crushed Butterfinger bars.

Why This Classic Butterfinger Cake Recipe Works

This Classic Butterfinger Cake stands out due to its rich combination of flavors and textures. The buttery cake serves as an ideal base, while the creamy peanut butter frosting adds richness. The crushed Butterfinger bars provide a delightful crunch, making it a sensory delight!

The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweet and salty, with the chocolate and peanut butter complementing each other beautifully. Baking the cake until just golden ensures a moist interior, while the frosting adds a creamy finish.

💡 Professional Tip

For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding cocoa powder to the cake mix. It enhances the chocolate richness of the dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Bake and cool the cake, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Frost it on the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste.

If you need a substitute for peanut butter, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both alternatives offer a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

Baking is the best method for this cake, ensuring even cooking and a fluffy texture. Use a toothpick to test for doneness, as it should come out clean from the center.

To prevent dryness, avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on the cake in the last few minutes and perform the toothpick test. Additionally, allow it to cool properly before frosting.

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the edges start pulling away from the pan slightly. It should spring back when gently pressed.

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries can also add a nice tart contrast to the sweet cake.

Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that all other ingredients, including frostings, are gluten-free. It will still taste delicious!

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Cake Sinking in the Middle

Problem: If your cake sinks in the middle, it may be due to underbaking.

Solution: Ensure you're using the correct baking time and check your oven temperature. Consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

✅

Frosting Melting Off Cake

Problem: If the frosting is melting off the cake, it may be too warm.

Solution: Make sure the cake is completely cool before applying frosting. You can refrigerate the cake briefly to firm up the frosting if needed.

✅

Crumbly Cake Texture

Problem: A crumbly cake may indicate overmixing the batter.

Prevention: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, dry cake.

✅

Uneven Baking

Problem: If the cake bakes unevenly, it could be due to incorrect oven placement.

Recovery: Bake in the center of the oven for even heat distribution. Rotate the cake halfway through baking for even cooking.

✅

Too Sweet Frosting

Problem: If the frosting is too sweet, it may overwhelm the cake's flavor.

Prevention: Add a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance the sweetness, or use less powdered sugar next time.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: If the cake is too sweet, consider adding a bit of salt to enhance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it tastes too salty, balance it with a little more sweetness from powdered sugar.

Bland: If the cake is bland, enhance it with more vanilla extract or a dash of espresso powder for a flavor boost.

An assortment of ingredients needed to bake Classic Butterfinger Cake including flour, sugar, and Butterfinger bars.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Classic Butterfinger Cake

Selecting high-quality ingredients is essential for making the best Classic Butterfinger Cake. Use fresh eggs, high-quality peanut butter, and real chocolate for the frosting to elevate the flavor.

When preparing your ingredients, ensure everything is at room temperature for optimal mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a more uniform cake texture.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Yellow Cake Mix: Opt for a premium yellow cake mix for a moist and fluffy cake. Look for one without artificial flavors for a more authentic taste.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Choose a creamy peanut butter that is free from additives for the best frosting consistency. Natural peanut butter works well too, adding a rich flavor.
  • Chocolate Frosting: Using high-quality chocolate frosting enhances the rich chocolate flavor of the cake. You can also opt for homemade frosting for a personal touch.
A step-by-step visual of the baking process for Classic Butterfinger Cake, showing the mixing, baking, and frosting stages.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

Mastering the technique for baking this cake is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Ensure your oven is preheated and avoid opening the door too often while baking.

Timing is essential; keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time. The cake should be golden brown and spring back to the touch for doneness.

The Secret to Perfect Classic Butterfinger Cake

The key to a perfect Classic Butterfinger Cake lies in precise measurements and avoiding overmixing the batter. This ensures a light and fluffy cake that pairs beautifully with the rich peanut butter frosting.

Classic Butterfinger Cake

Prep 30 min
Cook 40 min
Serves 8-10 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Frosting

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
    For rich flavor
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
    To sweeten the frosting
  • 1/2 cup milk
    To achieve perfect frosting consistency
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For added flavor depth

Cake

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
    For the base of the cake
  • 1 cup water
    To mix with the cake batter
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    For moisture
  • 3 large eggs
    To bind and enrich the batter
  • 1 cup chocolate frosting
    To top the cake
  • 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars
    For topping and flavor
  • 1/2 cup whipped cream
    For garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven

    Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the cake batter.

  2. Mix the Cake Batter

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.

  3. Bake the Cake

    Pour the cake batter into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  4. Cool the Cake

    Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

  5. Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting

    In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract for flavor.

  6. Frost the Cake

    Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake, ensuring it covers all edges.

  7. Add the Chocolate Frosting

    Top the peanut butter frosting with chocolate frosting, creating a beautiful layered effect.

  8. Garnish with Butterfinger

    Sprinkle crushed Butterfinger candy bars on top of the frosting, followed by a drizzle of chocolate chips.

  9. Chill and Serve

    Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap after cooling and refrigerate. Frost it just before serving for the best taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra treat. Fresh fruit can also complement the flavors beautifully.

Recipe Variations

You can add different toppings like crushed nuts or use a chocolate cake mix for a deeper chocolate flavor. Experiment with the frosting by adding more peanut butter or using flavored frosting.