When it comes to fun, indulgent, and visually stunning desserts, few treats can compete with the charm of a KitKat cake. Lined with crispy KitKat bars and often topped with a mountain of candies or fruits, this cake is not only a delight to eat but also a joy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a birthday party, holiday celebration, or simply as a show-stopping weekend treat, a KitKat cake is guaranteed to impress guests of all ages.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about KitKat cakes — from their history and appeal to step-by-step instructions, creative variations, decorating ideas, and expert tips. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to bake a delicious and eye-catching KitKat cake right at home.
Why Choose a KitKat Cake?
The beauty of a KitKat cake lies in its simplicity and versatility. Unlike overly complicated layered cakes, a KitKat cake is approachable, fun to decorate, and always a crowd favorite. Here’s why it’s worth making:
- Visually stunning: The KitKat bars create a striking border that gives the cake a professional look.
- Customizable: You can fill the top with chocolates, candies, fruit, or even whipped cream.
- Kid-friendly: Children love the candy-filled topping, making it perfect for birthdays.
- Easy to make: No advanced cake-decorating skills required.
- Adaptable: Works with nearly any cake flavor, from chocolate to vanilla to red velvet.
History and Popularity of KitKat Cake
KitKat cakes gained popularity in the early 2000s when creative bakers began using chocolate bars to decorate traditional cakes. Their rise in popularity was fueled by social media, where photos of colorful, candy-topped cakes quickly went viral. Today, KitKat cakes are a go-to dessert for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions because they strike the perfect balance between playful and elegant.
Ingredients for a Classic KitKat Cake
To make a traditional KitKat cake, you’ll need:
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Decoration
- 10–12 KitKat bars (enough to surround the cake)
- 2 cups M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, or assorted candies
- Optional: fresh strawberries, raspberries, or mini cookies
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a KitKat Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water slowly (batter will be thin).
- Divide evenly into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting.
Step 2: Prepare the Frosting
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and cocoa, mixing on low speed.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream and vanilla, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides generously.
- Break KitKat bars into individual sticks and gently press them vertically around the cake’s edge.
- Secure the KitKats by tying a ribbon around the cake for extra stability (and a decorative touch).
Step 4: Add the Topping
Fill the top with candies, fruit, or any topping of your choice. The possibilities are endless!
Creative Variations of KitKat Cake
While the classic version is a chocolate cake surrounded by KitKats and filled with M&Ms, you can customize your cake to suit any occasion or flavor preference.
1. Birthday KitKat Cake
Use rainbow sprinkles and colorful candies to create a festive look. Add number-shaped candles for a personalized touch.
2. Fruit-Topped KitKat Cake
Replace candies with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi for a lighter, refreshing option.
3. Red Velvet KitKat Cake
Make a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and surround it with white chocolate KitKats.
4. Peanut Butter KitKat Cake
Use peanut butter frosting, chocolate cake, and Reese’s Pieces for the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter combination.
5. Holiday KitKat Cake
- Christmas: Fill with red and green candies.
- Halloween: Use candy corn and orange KitKats.
- Easter: Top with pastel mini eggs and bunny decorations.
Tips for Perfecting KitKat Cake Decoration
- Chill the cake before adding KitKats. A firm, frosted cake holds the chocolate bars better.
- Use a ribbon for stability. It keeps the KitKats snugly in place and adds charm.
- Experiment with KitKat flavors. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, mint, or even strawberry KitKats create fun variations.
- Level your cake layers. Trim the tops for an even surface before frosting.
- Serve at room temperature. This keeps the chocolate soft and the cake moist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not enough frosting on the sides: KitKats need frosting to stick firmly.
- Uneven placement of KitKats: Line them carefully for a neat, polished look.
- Overloading the top: While candy looks fun, too much can collapse the cake.
- Skipping the ribbon: Without extra support, KitKats may shift during transport.
Perfect Occasions for a KitKat Cake
KitKat cakes are versatile enough for nearly any celebration. They shine especially at:
- Birthday parties
- Graduation celebrations
- Holidays (Christmas, Easter, Halloween)
- Family reunions
- Office parties
- Children’s school events
KitKat Cake for Beginners vs. Advanced Bakers
- Beginners: Start with a simple two-layer chocolate cake, basic frosting, and KitKats with candy on top.
- Advanced bakers: Experiment with multiple tiers, colored glazes, fondant accents, or sculpted designs with KitKat borders.
FAQs About KitKat Cake
How many KitKats do I need?
For a standard 9-inch cake, you’ll need about 10–12 full-size KitKat bars.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and frost the cake a day in advance. Add KitKats and toppings the day of serving for best freshness.
How do I store KitKat cake?
Store in the refrigerator, covered lightly with plastic wrap. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Can I use box cake mix instead of homemade?
Absolutely. A box mix works just fine, especially if you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
A KitKat cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed hit at any party. With its simple construction and stunning presentation, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. From classic chocolate and candy-topped versions to creative holiday and flavor variations, the possibilities are endless.
So, whether you’re baking for a child’s birthday, a festive holiday, or just because you’re craving chocolate, a KitKat cake is a sweet way to bring joy to the table. All it takes is a little creativity, some KitKat bars, and your favorite cake recipe to create a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
KitKat Cake
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- 9-inch Round Cake Pans
- Offset Spatula
- Ribbon (for decoration and stability)
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Decoration
- 10-12 bars KitKat chocolate bars enough to surround cake
- 2 cups M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, or assorted candies for topping
- optional fruit or cookies such as strawberries or mini cookies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Slowly stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Divide evenly into pans and bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Prepare frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Mix in powdered sugar and cocoa. Slowly add heavy cream and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Assemble: Place one cake layer on a plate, frost, then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides generously.
- Break KitKat bars into sticks and press them vertically around the cake’s edge. Tie a ribbon around for stability and decoration.
- Fill the top with candies, fruit, or cookies as desired. Serve at room temperature.