Creating a birthday cake can be daunting, especially if baking isn’t your thing. But what if you could whip up something fun, colorful, and totally unique without touching the oven? This no-bake birthday cake is sure to be a hit at any celebration.
It’s easy to customize with your favorite candy bars and ideal for kids’ parties or any occasion where you want to impress without turning on the oven. Serve it chilled for the best taste and texture!
No-Bake Candy Birthday Cake
Equipment
- 1 9-inch springform pan (or any deep cake pan)
- 1 Mixing bowls
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers or cookies
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups 2 cups assorted mini candy bars , chopped (Snickers, Kit Kats, M&M’s, etc.)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- Extra candies for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer:In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture over the chilled graham cracker base, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add Candy Layer:Sprinkle the chopped mini candy bars evenly over the peanut butter layer, pressing them down gently so they adhere.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the milk chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Cake:Pour the chocolate ganache over the candy layer, spreading it out evenly to cover all the candy pieces. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the ganache in a decorative pattern. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the cake is set and firm.
- Decorate and Serve:Once set, remove the cake from the pan and transfer to a serving plate. Decorate with extra candies on top, if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Customize the Candy: Use your favorite candies or whatever you have on hand. This cake is highly adaptable to different flavors and textures.
- Keep It Cool: Store the cake in the refrigerator to keep it firm. Let it sit out for about 10-15 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.
- Add a Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts or crushed pretzels to the peanut butter layer.
Ingredients List
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
Feel Free to Customize Your Candy Cake
One of the best things about making a no-bake candy cake is how customizable it is. Here are some fun ideas to make your candy cake truly one-of-a-kind:
Theme It Up
Create a candy cake that matches the party theme. For a unicorn party, use pastel candies and edible glitter. For a superhero-themed bash, go with bold colors like red, blue, and yellow. The possibilities are endless.
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Go Gluten-Free or Allergy-Friendly
You can easily make this cake gluten-free by choosing candies that don’t contain gluten. The same goes for other dietary needs. Always check ingredient labels, especially if you’re serving guests with food allergies.
Make It Interactive
Why not let your guests build their own slice? Set up a candy bar with various candies and let everyone customize their piece of the cake. This can be a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
Storing and Serving
If your party isn’t happening right away, store your cake in a cool place. You can even refrigerate it for a short time, but make sure to take it out about 30 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly.
When it’s time to serve, use a sharp knife to cut through the layers. Depending on the candies used, some slices may be more challenging to cut than others. Encourage everyone to use their hands if necessary—it’s all part of the fun!
In Summary
Making a no-bake candy birthday cake is all about having fun and creating something unique and delicious. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to try something a little different for their celebration.