12 crunchy, gooey and layered bakes for a satisfying sensory experience

Looking for exciting new bakes where every bite delivers a new sensation? From crunchy toppings to gooey centres and crisp, buttery layers, these indulgent baking recipes create dynamic contrast for maximum impact and will elevate your baking game.

Discover more next-level bakes in our collection of decadent chocolate recipes, from stunning cakes to chilled desserts, along with our best caramel cakes and bakes and slow, mindful desserts for lazy weekends.

Textural baking recipes

Crunchy nut and milk chocolate tart

This tart is a celebration of texture from base to topping. The shell is a clever no-bake crust made with crunchy nut cornflakes and roasted peanuts, bound together with chocolate for a deeply satisfying snap and crunch. The shell gives way to a layer of rich peanut butter and salted caramel, topped with a glossy, creamy milk chocolate ganache. Every slice offers a satisfying crunch followed by a rich, creamy finish thanks to the heavenly crisp base, gooey caramel and silky chocolate.

Caramelised apple and brown butter cheesecake bars

These bars are inspired by the classic apple crumble but take the texture up a notch. The base and topping are made from a brown butter crumble, offering a nutty crunch. The middle is a thick, creamy cheesecake layer, scattered over with caramelised apples. Each bar delivers a satisfying contrast between the crisp crumble, smooth cheesecake and soft, spiced apples.

Jammy simnel flapjacks with scorched marzipan

A flapjack like no other, this bake combines chewy oat layers with a sticky, spiced cherry and citrus jam filling. The textural twist comes from the topping: a sheet of marzipan is scorched to form a caramelised, crisp lid. The result is a bar that’s chewy, gooey and crackly all at once, with bursts of fruit and the almond hit of marzipan.

Caramel almond slice

A classic pudding with a textural twist, this slice features a crisp, buttery pastry base topped with a rich caramel layer studded with flaked almonds. The nuts add crunch, while the caramel is soft and sticky, creating a contrast in every bite. For extra decadence, serve warm with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.

Honey nut cornflake and caramel bars

These bars are all about the interplay between crisp and creamy. The base combines honey nut cornflakes and biscuit crumbs, baked for a deep crunch. A thick, fudgy layer of caramel sits on top, finished with a glossy dark chocolate layer and more cornflakes for extra snap. Each bite contains the perfect mix of crunchy, gooey and smooth.

Baileys pecan blondies

A blondie with a nutty twist, this bake is topped with a luxurious white chocolate Baileys ganache that sets to a creamy finish. The blondie itself is packed with pecans for crunch, while the ganache adds a soft, melt-in-the-mouth layer. The final flourish: gilded pecans scattered on top for a sophisticated, crisp bite.

Butterscotch and pretzel millionaire shortbread

Millionaire shortbread gets a textural upgrade with a base of blitzed salted pretzels for a salty crunch. The butterscotch caramel layer is thick and gooey, while the top is a glossy dark chocolate, scattered with whole pretzels for even more crunch. Sweet, salty, soft and crisp – this is a childhood favourite with a real grown up taste.

Spiced toffee apple traybake

This traybake delivers squidgy comfort with a subtle crunch. The apple sauce in the batter makes the cake deliciously gooey, while the topping of caramelised apple pieces adds bite and a sticky finish. Serve warm with toffee sauce for a pudding-like softness, or at room temperature for a more classic cake texture.

Crunchy filo crinkle tart

Layers of pleated filo pastry are baked until crisp and golden, creating a ruffled, crunchy topping. Beneath the crackling filo sits a soft custard scented with vanilla, cinnamon and orange zest. A drizzle of floral honey and a scatter of pistachios finish this tart, adding even more texture and a sweet, nutty crunch.

Cinnamon toast crunch coffee

This warming coffee is brewed with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, then mixed with cereal-infused milk for a creamy, malty base. It’s topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a squiggle of chocolate or caramel sauce and a handful of crunchy cereal to garnish. Every sip combines smooth, spiced coffee with a playful crunch.

Raspberry and pistachio linzer tart

This tart boasts a nutty pastry made with ground pistachios, which bakes up to a tender yet crumbly texture. The filling is a thick layer of raspberry jam, which stays pleasingly gooey beneath the lattice. The finished tart is a textural delight, combining the crunch of pistachios and melt-in-the-mouth pastry with the softness of tart jam.

Chocolate crémeux with crunchy nut praline and boozy caramel sauce

Dense, creamy chocolate crémeux forms the heart of this dessert, but it’s the textural accompaniments that make it truly special. Each serving is finished with shards of homemade crunchy nut praline, made from honey nut cornflakes and salted peanuts, adding a shattering crunch. To bring it all together, a drizzle of indulgent amaretto-spiked caramel sauce provides a sticky, boozy finish that balances the smooth and the crisp.