Paul Newman Cake

Sweet, moist, and soaked with caramel and whipped topping, the Paul Newman Cake is a classic Southern dessert named after the legendary actor—not because he made it, but because it’s as smooth and dreamy as he was! With layers of rich chocolate cake, gooey caramel, crushed cookies, and whipped topping, this no-fuss cake is an indulgent treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make – Starts with a cake mix and finishes like a masterpiece.
Moist & Gooey – Each bite is filled with caramel-soaked chocolate goodness.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Best when chilled overnight.
Perfect for Parties – Great for potlucks, holidays, and birthdays.
Customizable – Add chopped candy bars, drizzle with extra caramel, or play with the toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water per box instructions)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz) jar caramel sauce or topping

For the Topping:

• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
• 10 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed
• Optional: extra caramel for drizzling or chocolate chips for sprinkling

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• Wooden skewer or fork
• Rubber spatula
• Plastic wrap or lid for chilling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions.
Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes.

Step 2: Poke & Soak
While the cake is still warm, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the surface.
Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, letting it soak in.
Then drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
Let the cake cool completely to room temperature.

Step 3: Chill the Cake
Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight for best results.
This allows the milk and caramel to fully absorb into the cake for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Top It Off
Once chilled, spread the whipped topping over the cake in an even layer.
Sprinkle crushed cookies over the top.
Drizzle with extra caramel or chocolate sauce if desired.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Slice into squares and serve cold.
Each bite is gooey, chocolatey, and sweet with a bit of crunch on top.

Tips for the Best Paul Newman Cake
Let It Soak – The longer the chill time, the richer the flavor.
Use Quality Caramel – A thick, buttery caramel sauce adds depth.
Crush Cookies Fresh – Add them right before serving to keep the texture crisp.
Try Flavored Variations – Use peanut butter cookies or mint cookies for a fun twist.
Chill Tools – Cold whipped topping spreads smoother and holds better.

Serving Suggestions
With Fresh Strawberries – Adds a pop of color and a fresh bite.
Chocolate Drizzle – For an extra decadent finish.
Mini Cake Cups – Serve in clear cups for parties or potlucks.
Glass of Cold Milk – Classic pairing with chocolate cake!

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the cake (without whipped topping) for up to 2 months. Add topping fresh after thawing.

Reheating:

• No reheating needed—best served chilled straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! Any moist chocolate cake recipe will work beautifully.

2. Can I use homemade caramel?
Yes! Homemade caramel adds an even richer flavor.

3. What kind of cookies work best?
Chocolate sandwich cookies are traditional, but any crunchy chocolate or cream-filled cookie works.

4. Is this cake very sweet?
Yes—it’s a rich, indulgent dessert. You can cut back slightly on the caramel or condensed milk for a lighter version.

5. Can I make it in advance?
Yes, this cake is even better the next day after it has time to chill and soak.

Final Thoughts
The Paul Newman Cake is a sweet Southern classic that’s as irresistible as its namesake. With layers of moist chocolate cake soaked in caramel and topped with fluffy whipped cream and crushed cookies, it’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Easy to make, fun to customize, and always a crowd favorite.

Make it for your next party, family dinner, or just because you deserve a little decadence. And don’t forget to share your creation online—I’d love to see your version of this nostalgic favorite!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 51g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Sodium: 360mg

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