This Kit-Kat Cake will be the talk of all of your get-togethers! A peanut butter cake, frosted with chocolate-peanut butter frosting, surrounded by Kit-Kat bars, and filled with Reeseโs Pieces candy.
Kit-Kat Cake
First, a little backstory about this recipe: A few years ago, I suggested this cake to my son, Elijah, for his 16th birthday. Yes, it is sugar overload! Elijah decided HE wanted to make this cake by himself for his birthday. I told him what to do, but he pretty much did all the work. I was very proud of him and thought he did such a great job!
As you may have guessed, a Kit-Kat Cake is a baked and frosted cake that is surrounded by Kit-Kat candy bars and is generally filled with some kind of small candy.
In this version, we make a semi-homemade peanut butter cake and cover it in homemade chocolate-peanut butter buttercream frosting before adding candy and a ribbon. This cake is great for birthday parties, potlucks, summer cookouts, or for a fun, sweet treat at any time. For a different variation, use a chocolate cake, with chocolate frosting, and fill the center with M&M candies!
Recipe for Kit-Kat Cake
FOR THE CAKE
- creamy peanut butter
- butter, softened
- large eggs
- golden butter cake mix
- water
FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING
- creamy peanut butter
- butter, softened
- confectionersโ sugar (powdered sugar)
- milk or water
- vanilla extract
FOR THE CHOCOLATE FROSTING
- butter, softened
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- confectionersโ sugar
- milk
- vanilla extract
TO ASSEMBLE
- full-sized Kit-Kat bars
- Reeseโs Pieces candy
- Ribbon
How to make a Kit-Kat Cake
For the cake:
- Preheat oven to 325ยฐ F. Grease and flour two 9-in. cake pans. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the peanut butter and butter with an electric mixer. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until just combined. Add half of the cake mix and โ cup of water. Mix until just combined. Add remaining cake mix and remaining โ cup of water; mix until just combined.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until cake tests done.
- Allow cakes to cool 10-15 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- Cream the peanut butter and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer.
- Add sugar, 3 tbsp. milk and the vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer on low for 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium and mix until well combined and fluffy.
- Add the additional tablespoon of milk if frosting needs to be thinned out.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- Cream butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer.
- Add cocoa powder and blend on low speed until well combined. Add the sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix with an electric mixer on low for 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and mix until well combined and fluffy.
- Add more sugar or milk 1 tablespoon at a time, if necessary.
To assemble:
- Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate.
- Top with โ -ยฝ of the peanut butter frosting. Spread close to, but not over the edge.
- Combine remaining peanut butter frosting with the chocolate frosting. Coat the outside of the cake โ top and sides โ with the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Frosting. You may not need all of the frosting.
- Carefully break each Kit-Kat bar in half along the lines into 2 piece sections. Start placing the Kit-Kat sections around the edge of the cake. When you get to the end you may need a 1-piece section to fill in the gap.
- Wrap the ribbon around the Kit-Kats and tie into a bow.
- Fill the top of the cake with Reeseโs Pieces.
- Refrigerate until serving time. Remove from refrigerator about 10-15 minutes prior to serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Kit-Kat Cake: Questions and Answers
- What are some other things I can fill the top of my Kit-Kat Cake with?
M&Mโs candy, Smarties, Jr. Mints, fresh strawberries, Oreo cookies โฆ there are lots of possibilities! Let your imagination run.
- Can I use a from-scratch cake?
Yes! Feel free to mix up the cake flavor or use a homemade recipe for unlimited possibilities!
Other recipes you may enjoy
Kit-Kat Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
For the cake
- ยฝ cup creamy peanut butter
- ยฝ cup butter, softened 1 stick
- 4 large eggs
- 1 box golden butter cake mix 18.25 oz.
- โ cup water
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ยฝ cup butter, softened 1 stick
- 2 cups confectionersโ sugar powdered sugar
- 3 โ 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Frosting
- ยฝ cup butter, softened 1 stick
- โ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups confectionersโ sugar
- โ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
To assemble
- 11 โ 12 full-sized Kit-Kat bars
- 1 bag Reese's Pieces candy 17.25 oz
- Ribbon
Instructions
For the cake:
- Preheat oven to 325ยฐ F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the peanut butter and butter with an electric mixer. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until just combined. Add half of the cake mix and โ cup of water. Mix until just combined. Add remaining cake mix and remaining โ cup of water; mix until just combined. Pour batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until cake tests done. Allow cakes to cool 10-15 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- Cream the peanut butter and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer. Add sugar, 3 tablespoons milk and the vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer on low for 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium and mix until well combined and fluffy. Add the additional tablespoon of milk if frosting needs to be thinned out.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- Cream butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer. Add cocoa powder and blend on low speed until well combined. Add the sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix with an electric mixer on low for 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and mix until well combined and fluffy. Add more sugar or milk 1 tablespoon at a time, if necessary.
To assemble:
- Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Top with โ -ยฝ of the peanut butter frosting. Spread close to, but not over the edge. Combine remaining peanut butter frosting with the chocolate frosting. Coat the outside of the cake โ top and sides โ with the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Frosting. You may not need all of the frosting. Carefully break each Kit-Kat bar in half along the lines into 2 piece sections. Start placing the Kit-Kat sections around the edge of the cake. When you get to the end you may need a 1-piece section to fill in the gap. Wrap the ribbon around the Kit-Kats and tie into a bow. Fill the top of the cake with Reeseโs Pieces.
- Refrigerate until serving time. Remove from refrigerator about 10-15 minutes prior to serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Notes
- M&Mโs make a great substitution for the Reeseโs Pieces candy.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on August 7, 2012. Updated on June 8, 2020.
Paula Jones
Jamie, Thank you so much for the feature!!! I think I'll make those this morning for my boys, they start school today. ๐
I'm enjoying your blog!
Linda@With A Blast
Thanks for the feature, Jamie!
Have a lovely day โ {It's SNOWING in Gauteng โ last time we had "actual" snow here on the Highveld was in 1981}
Linda
Sarah Carletti
Thanks for hosing! Your hubby does sound like a gem. Just like mine! Have a great day!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads
That cake looks fabulous!! Thanks so much for hosting Jamie! Have a great week!!
Julie
Thanks for hosting another great party! The cake looks wonderful. I'm not a fan of Kit Kat bars but I think I would try this cake. ๐
Julie
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
Wow! That's stunning!
Winnie
Hi Jamie ๐
I've already seen this gorgeous cake on your FB โ and loved it. I've never made a cake like this, and thanks for the inside photo โ very impressive!
Thanks for another party!
Britni
That cake is insane! In a good way ๐ Thanks for hosting!
Danielle
Oooh, I love kit kats, so this would be the PERFECT bday cake! I love it! Thanks so much for hosting such an amazing linky party ๐
kitchen koala
Holy smokes that looks good!!! My husband would devour this cake if I made it for him ๐
Bridget
That cake looks incredible! I'm drooling. Thanks for hosting and have a great rest of the week! ๐
madge | the vegetarian casserole queen
I'm pinning this for a later date! Aaaah-mazing!
Marcia@Frugalhomekeeping
Cute cake idea! and Hubby loves Kit Kat bars. Thanks for hosting ๐
Chaya
My grandchildren would love this cake and I take the chocolate cake you linked up in the Recipe Box.
Carrie {My Favorite Finds}
That's awesome! And so sweet of your son to want to make his own cake! Thanks for sharing at Must Try Monday.
Sarah Carletti
You did a great job with this one! Looks so good! Thanks always for linking! Smiles, Sarah
Tanya-Lemonsforlulu.com
You nailed this cake!! It's very impressive and I bet it was the best tasting cake!
Tanya-Lemonsforlulu.com
First time partying here! Thanks for hosting!
Kelly (Our Everyday Harvest)
That cake looks AMAZING! You guys did such a great a job. Thank you for hosting the link up. Have a great day!
June
Your cake looks amazing! Love peanut butter & chocolate,, what a combo!!
jonesygal
My daughter practically drooled on my desk when she saw the Kit Kat Cake. She did, however, suggest you use a *K* on cake also! Will try this soon. Thanks for sharing!!
Winelady Cooks
Hi Jamie, Thanks so much for hosting this great party. There are so many fabulous recipes. I'm always making something new.
Your cake looks so awesome I'm sure everyone enjoyed it.
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook
That is one fantastic cake!
Joan@chocolateandmore
way to go Elijah! This cake is perfect! Happy Birthday and peanut butter and chocolate is my favorite! Thanks for sharing!
Adelina Priddis
vacuuming out the oven = brilliance! That cake looks so yummy too. Kudos to your son for making it!
lizy b
How fabulous that your son wanted to take this on! His cake looks so delicious, I love kit-kats! So glad I found your blog-new follower-and thanks for hosting the party!
Not Your Ordinary Agent
That is such an awesome cake!!! More bliss! Thanks for linking to Foodtastic Friday!
Jocelyn
That is an incredible looking cake!! Your son did an awesome job on it!!! And we all have baking accidents from time to time:-)
Kathryn Ferguson Griffin
The Kit Kat cake looks delicious! Thank you for sharing. Visiting from Oz. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-9.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Angela at A Typical English Home
Yummy โ well done to your son for making it!
I made a similar cake with maltesers for my husband's birthday. Kit kat cakes are delicious, but it's probably best not to contain the calories ๐
Krista
OMGosh, this looks amazing. My son would flip for it! Thanks for sharing at Church Supper. Have a blessed week & come back soon ~EMM
Pamela
New follower and that Kit Kat cake looks to die for!!!
Heidi Fowler
Thanks for linking up the Kit Kat cake at One Creative Weekend! I think that's the best decorating idea ever! Even us "frosting challenged" individuals ought to be able to do that! Is your linky party for recipes only?
Kristen
My husband would love this! Kit Kats AND Reese's Pieces?!
Kristen @ <a href="http://www.trialanderrorhomemaking.com>Trial and Error Homemaking</a>
Claiming Our Space
Your son made such a great cake! Thanks for sharing on Tout It Tuesday. Hope to see you tomorrow.
Karima
Cake looks fab โ I have been tempted to make one after seeing them in blogland!
cathy@my1929charmer
Your kit-kat cake looks so good โ I would be a bad guest I would be picking off the M&M from the top, then you would be mad at me and not invite me back. so it's best I see you cake on screen! looks so very good! Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration with Sundayโs Best โ you helped make the party a success!
The Mandatory Mooch
Great job!! Thanks for linking up to Tasty Thursdays at The Mandatory Mooch. Hope you will link up again this week. The party will be live tonight. http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com
Thanks, Nichi
MM
Really impressive! Congratulations to your son. Thank you for sharing with See Ya In the Gumbo.
Crystal
Thank you so much for linking up this super tasty recipe to The Mommy Club last week! Congrats your post was the #3 most clicked post for the week. You are featured on my blog! Thanks again for sharing!
Crystal
http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2012/08/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions-57/
Natasha In Oz
Many thanks for sharing your post at my Say G'day Saturday Linky party. I just pinned this yummy idea and will give it a +1 too.
Hope to see you again this weekend!
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
healthymommyhealthybaby
Seriously- this is impressive! Can I invite you to my next party? Expect an invite! Thanks for linking up at Sweet Saturday and following along ๐ I'm now following back ๐
healthymommyhealthybaby
I'll be back for the hop- remind me if you have to! I have a bad case of "mommy brain"!
Angie Ouellette-Tower
This looks delicious! โ it must have been before I found your hop. Thanks for linking this wonderful recipe to my blog hop.
Angie
godsgrowinggarden.com
Angie Ouellette-Tower
Your wonderful recipe is being featured on my blog: http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/2012/12/november-blog-shop-hop-results.html
You received the most "clicks" for 2 months in a row!!!!
Thanks so much
Angie
godsgrowinggarden.com
Kristen
I have always wanted to try and make this cake for my daughters birthday as she loves m&m's. Definitely will need to try this out it looks so cute.
http://www.chickyscafe.com
Binomial Baker
Yum! This is a great idea! I did this before with just plain chocolate and m&ms! Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!
Betsy Cohen
Absolutely LOVE this cake. Can't wait to make this with my 8 year old!