Autumn Delight Layer Cake with Kit Kats and Reese's Pieces
Indulge in the ultimate autumn-themed dessert that blends rich chocolate with the delightful crunch of Kit Kats and the creamy goodness of Reese's Pieces. This elegantly layered cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight that embodies the spirit of the season. Perfect for cake walks, school events, or any festive gathering, this moist chocolate cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite among busy bakers. The cake's whimsical decoration of candy and frosted layers will leave your guests begging for more, all while being simple enough for anyone to create, regardless of cooking experience. Customize it with seasonal toppings to match any celebration or occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Duncan Hines devil's food cake mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce) box (dry ingredients)
milk
1 1/3 cups (measure)
eggs
4 (large, beaten)
canola oil
1/2 cup (liquid)
instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (1 1/2 ounce) box (dry ingredients)
white frosting
1 (16 ounce) container (ready to use)
peanut butter
3/4 cup (smooth or chunky, based on preference)
Kit Kat bars
12 (1 1/2 ounce) bars (not snack size, break into halves)
Reese's pieces
1 (1 lb) bag (to sprinkle on top)
autumn themed ribbon
as needed (to decorate)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Duncan Hines devil's food cake mix, milk, eggs, canola oil, and instant chocolate pudding mix. Beat the mixture on low speed until combined and then increase to medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well-combined.
3
Divide the batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans.
4
Bake the cakes for 28-31 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting by combining the white frosting and peanut butter in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth, adjusting the amount of peanut butter according to your taste preference.
6
To assemble the cake, place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top.
7
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted bottom layer. Apply a layer of frosting over the second cake layer, covering the top and sides as desired.
8
Break the Kit Kat bars in half, keeping two sticks together. Spread a small amount of frosting on the back of each Kit Kat piece and press them around the sides of the cake vertically, side by side, like a chocolate fence.
9
Once you have surrounded the cake with Kit Kats, tie an autumn-themed ribbon around the cake to hold the pieces in place.
10
Finally, pour the bag of Reese's Pieces over the top of the cake, distributing them evenly.
11
You can cover the cake and refrigerate it until ready to serve, or enjoy it immediately. Feel free to swap out candy or cake flavors to suit your theme!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor of the Autumn Delight Layer Cake?
The cake features a rich chocolate flavor from the devil's food mix and chocolate pudding, complemented by a peanut butter frosting and topped with Reese's Pieces.
Which brand of cake mix is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for a 18.25 ounce box of Duncan Hines devil's food cake mix.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 large, beaten eggs for the cake batter.
What type of oil should be used in the batter?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of canola oil.
Why is instant chocolate pudding mix added to the cake?
Adding a 1.5 ounce box of instant chocolate pudding mix helps ensure the cake is extra moist and flavorful.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cake layers.
How long do the cake layers need to bake?
Bake the 9-inch round cakes for 28 to 31 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
What size cake pans are needed?
You will need two greased 9-inch round cake pans for this recipe.
How do I make the peanut butter frosting?
Mix a 16-ounce container of white frosting with 3/4 cup of peanut butter using a hand mixer until smooth.
Can I use chunky peanut butter in the frosting?
Yes, you can use either smooth or chunky peanut butter based on your personal preference.
How many Kit Kat bars do I need for the decoration?
The recipe requires 12 bars that are 1.5 ounces each; these should be the standard size, not snack size.
How should the Kit Kat bars be prepared for the cake?
Break the 1.5 ounce bars in half so that you have sections of two sticks each.
How do I attach the Kit Kats to the side of the cake?
Spread a small amount of frosting on the back of each Kit Kat piece and press them vertically around the sides of the cake.
What keeps the Kit Kat 'fence' in place?
An autumn-themed ribbon is tied around the cake to hold the candy pieces securely in place.
How many Reese's Pieces are needed for the topping?
A full 1-pound bag of Reese's Pieces is poured over the top of the cake.
How long should the cakes cool before removing them from the pans?
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Can this cake be made in advance?
Yes, you can cover the completed cake and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, because it uses a boxed mix and pre-made frosting, it is designed to be simple enough for any skill level.
Can I substitute the milk in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of milk; you could likely use a dairy alternative, though it may slightly change the texture.
What makes this cake 'autumn-themed'?
The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, the orange/yellow/brown colors of Reese's Pieces, and the decorative autumn ribbon give it a fall aesthetic.
Is the frosting applied to the sides of the cake?
Yes, apply frosting to the top and sides to act as an adhesive for the Kit Kat bars.
Can I change the candy topping?
Absolutely, you can swap the Reese's Pieces for other seasonal candies to suit different holidays.
Do I need to grease the cake pans?
Yes, the instructions specify using greased 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
How long should I beat the cake batter?
Beat on low to combine, then increase to medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
While devil's food is recommended, you can swap it for other flavors like yellow or dark chocolate.
How do I distribute the Reese's Pieces on top?
Pour the entire bag over the top and distribute them evenly within the Kit Kat border.
Is this cake good for school events?
Yes, it is described as a favorite for cake walks, school events, or festive gatherings.
What if I don't have a hand mixer?
While a hand mixer is recommended for the frosting and batter, you can mix by hand, though it will require more effort to reach a smooth consistency.
Should the eggs be at room temperature?
The recipe doesn't specify, but beaten eggs are required for better integration into the batter.
What is the first step of assembly?
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting over the top.