Sunken Treasure Cake
A decadent chocolate cake with hidden treasures of Nestle chocolates, perfect for celebrations or gatherings that love indulgent, fun desserts with a surprise inside.
Ingredients
- 18 1/4 oz. (1 box) chocolate or yellow cake mix
- 15 Nestle Treasures (any flavor) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake mix batter according to the package directions. Pour it into the prepared pan.
- Gently place Nestle Treasures over the batter about 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart, creating five rows of three.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Frost the cake as desired.
- Cut into pieces, ensuring each piece contains a sunken Nestle Treasure.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake mix batter. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute the cake mix with a homemade chocolate cake recipe or opt for a gluten-free mix. Ensure even distribution of the Nestle Treasures by gently pressing them into the batter. This will help them sink evenly while baking, creating delightful pockets of chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect as a dessert for birthday parties or family gatherings. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a fun twist, drizzle melted chocolate on top or serve alongside fresh berries for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sunken Treasure Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or warm it up in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunken Treasure Cake contains roughly 683 calories, with 6g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of candy instead of Nestle Treasures?
Yes, you can substitute Nestle Treasures with other chocolate candies like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or caramel-filled chocolates. Just be sure they are similar in size to ensure even baking, and adjust the spacing in the pan as needed.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a wooden pick or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If there is wet batter on the pick, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and test again.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to cool it completely before covering it with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. Frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).