Paul Newman Cake

Moist, rich, and completely indulgent, Paul Newman Cake is a legendary dessert known for its incredible flavor and no-fuss preparation. This classic Southern treat starts with a boxed cake mix, is soaked with caramel and sweetened milk, layered with whipped topping, and crowned with crumbled candy bars. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or anytime you need a quick, decadent dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super Moist – Thanks to a sweet caramel and condensed milk soak.
Easy to Make – Uses cake mix and just a few store-bought ingredients.
Perfect for a Crowd – Great for parties, gatherings, or dessert trays.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Gets even better after a night in the fridge.
Irresistibly Rich – Chocolate, caramel, whipped cream, and candy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water per package instructions)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce or butterscotch topping
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
• 3–4 Heath, Skor, or chocolate-covered toffee bars, crushed
• Optional: chocolate syrup or additional caramel drizzle for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl and whisk
• Wooden spoon or skewer (for poking holes)
• Spatula
• Knife for chopping candy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package directions.
Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed (usually 28–32 minutes).
Let cool for 5–10 minutes after baking.

Step 2: Poke and Soak
While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top.
Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
Follow immediately with the caramel sauce, spreading it evenly over the surface.

Step 3: Cool and Chill
Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to let everything set and soak in.

Step 4: Add Whipped Topping and Candy
Once the cake is fully chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top.
Sprinkle crushed candy bars all over the whipped topping layer.
Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or more caramel if desired.

Step 5: Slice and Serve
Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Each slice is rich, creamy, and packed with chocolatey-caramel flavor.

Tips for Best Results
Use a Dense Chocolate Cake – Devil’s food or fudge cake mixes work beautifully.
Poke Deep Holes – This ensures the filling reaches deep into the cake.
Chill Overnight – This gives the flavors time to meld and makes slicing easier.
Don’t Skip the Candy – Crushed Heath or toffee bars add texture and crunch.
Make It Your Own – Swap the candy with chopped Snickers, Reese’s, or your favorite bar.

Serving Suggestions
With Coffee – Cuts the richness and balances the sweetness.
Birthday Parties – A great make-ahead birthday cake option.
With Ice Cream – Add a small scoop of vanilla for the ultimate indulgence.
Layered in a Trifle – Cube and layer with whipped cream and extra candy in a trifle dish.
Holiday Tables – Perfect for Thanksgiving or potluck dessert buffets.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: You can freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

Reheating:
This cake is best served cold or at room temperature. No reheating needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it called Paul Newman Cake?
   The exact origin is debated, but many believe it’s named for being as rich and irresistible as the actor himself.
2. Can I use homemade whipped cream?
   Yes! Just whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and ½ tsp vanilla.
3. Is this cake very sweet?
   Yes—it’s meant to be indulgent and rich. Serve in small slices if you’re concerned about sweetness.
4. Can I use a different cake mix?
   Of course! Vanilla, butter, or even spice cake work well, but chocolate is classic.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free cake mix, coconut milk-based condensed milk, and dairy-free whipped topping.

Final Thoughts
Paul Newman Cake is the kind of retro dessert that never goes out of style—rich, luscious, and incredibly easy to throw together. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a sweet treat to keep in the fridge, this cake delivers every time. With layers of flavor and texture, it’s no surprise this cake has been winning hearts for decades.

Bake it, chill it, slice it, and fall in love with every decadent bite.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1–4 hours
Cuisine: American – Southern

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 50g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 320mg

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