The TikTok Chocolate Cornflake Crunch Cake is a viral dessert that lives up to the hype. A moist chocolate cake is topped with silky ganache and finished with an irresistible Nutella–cornflake crunch that delivers the perfect contrast of soft, creamy, and crispy textures. It’s dramatic, decadent, and surprisingly easy—no fancy techniques required.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Combines three crave-worthy layers: cake, ganache, crunch
- Rich chocolate flavor with a nostalgic cereal twist
- Ultra-textural: soft, silky, crispy in every bite
- Perfect for parties, birthdays, or social-media-worthy desserts
- Easy to customize with different flavors and spreads
What Is Chocolate Cornflake Crunch Cake?
This viral cake takes inspiration from bakery-style crunch cakes and TikTok dessert trends. A classic cocoa-rich chocolate cake forms the base, topped with smooth chocolate ganache, then crowned with a melted Nutella and crushed cornflake topping. Once chilled, the topping sets into a crisp, sliceable layer that shatters beautifully when cut.
Baking Tips
- Crush cornflakes gently—you want texture, not dust.
- Let the ganache cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the crunch layer.
- Chill the cake before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
- Use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.
- For extra crunch, refrigerate longer before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. This cake is best made at least a few hours ahead so the topping can fully set.
Can I use a boxed cake mix?
Absolutely. A boxed chocolate cake works well if you’re short on time.
Does the crunch stay crispy?
Yes, especially when chilled. The Nutella helps seal the cornflakes.
Can I use a different spread?
Yes! Biscoff, pistachio cream, peanut butter, or white chocolate all work beautifully.
What size pan should I use?
An 8–9 inch round or square pan works best for even layers.
How to Store
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for best texture.
How to Freeze
Freeze the fully assembled cake (well wrapped) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Base
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Chocolate Ganache
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Optional: 1 Tbsp butter
Cornflake Crunch Topping
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes (about 4 cups whole)
- 1 jar (13 oz / 370 g) Nutella
How to Make TikTok Chocolate Cornflake Crunch Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8–9 inch baking pan.
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
- Stir dry ingredients into wet, then carefully mix in boiling water.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely.
- Heat heavy cream until steaming (not boiling).
- Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth. Add butter if using.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Add crushed cornflakes and Nutella to a saucepan.
- Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until melted and evenly coated.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Spread ganache evenly over the cooled cake.
- Spoon the warm Nutella–cornflake mixture on top and smooth gently.
- Refrigerate until fully set.
Variations You’ll Love
- Cookies & Cream Crunch – white chocolate + crushed Oreos
- Pistachio Crunch Cake – pistachio spread + cornflakes
- German Chocolate Crunch – coconut-pecan base
- White Chocolate Crunch – white ganache + cereal topping
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