Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting – The Most Indulgent Treat You’ll Ever Bake
If you’re craving a dessert that tastes like warm memories wrapped in golden sweetness, butterscotch cake with caramel frosting is your dream come true. More than a dessert this cake is the highlight of every gathering. With its soft, moist layers infused with brown sugar and butter, topped with a rich, creamy caramel frosting, this nostalgic dessert brings the best of homemade baking straight to your table. Perfect for holidays, special dinners, or lazy weekends, it’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make.
And if you’re a fan of showy sweets with deep, indulgent flavor, a butterscotch cake with caramel frosting should be next on your must-bake list. Combining homestyle comfort with a touch of luxury, it’s the go-to dessert for any occasion intimate or grand.
In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through the entire process: from selecting the best ingredients to baking the perfect sponge, whipping up a luscious caramel frosting, and assembling it like a pro. We’ll also dive into tips for storage, serving, and custom variations for when you want to experiment. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cake lover, this guide will help you master this classic dessert with ease.
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Let’s begin with a closer look at what makes this cake so special.
Introduction to Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting
What is Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting?
Butterscotch cake features a tender, golden crumb infused with brown sugar, molasses, butter, and a warm touch of cinnamon. Each bite delivers a deep, soothing sweetness, made even more irresistible by a velvety caramel frosting crafted with cream, brown sugar, and vanilla. When layered and drizzled with extra caramel, it becomes a visual and flavorful masterpiece.
The Flavor Profile and Why It’s So Loved
This cake hits all the right notes sweet, buttery, slightly spiced, and melt-in-your-mouth creamy. The caramel frosting adds a luxurious finish, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or even a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. Its charm lies in its simplicity and timeless flavor.
Up Next: Let’s break down the ingredients and talk about smart substitutions.
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Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting – The 3-Step Best Recipe (2025)
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butterscotch Recipes, Caramel Cakes, Layer Cake Ideas, Holiday Baking, Brown Sugar Desserts, Cozy Cakes, Autumn and Winter Treats, Rich Frostings, Easy Celebration Cakes, Molasses Cake Recipes
Ingredients
For the Butterscotch Cake:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup molasses
For the Caramel Frosting & Drizzle:
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
Instructions
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cake Batter:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry & Wet Ingredients:
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry.
• Stir in the molasses until fully incorporated.
3️⃣ Bake the Cake:
• Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4️⃣ Make the Caramel Frosting:
• In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Stir in brown sugar and cream. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
• Let cool slightly until spreadable.
5️⃣ Assemble the Cake:
• Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a thick layer of caramel frosting on top.
• Add the second layer and repeat.
• Drizzle remaining warm caramel over the top, letting it run down the sides.
Notes
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For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure a smooth, evenly mixed batter.
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If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with ½ cup milk plus 1½ teaspoons lemon juice or white vinegar.
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Be sure to cool the cake completely before frosting. If you frost while warm, the caramel frosting may melt or slide off.
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For an extra flavor twist, fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter before baking.
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You can turn this into cupcakes (bake 18–22 minutes) or a 9×13 sheet cake (bake 30–35 minutes) for easier serving.
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If your frosting thickens too much while cooling, reheat gently and stir in a splash of cream to loosen.
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For a dramatic finish, drizzle extra warm caramel over the top after frosting and garnish with sea salt or butterscotch chips.
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This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Butterscotch Recipes, Caramel Cakes, Layer Cake Ideas, Holiday Baking, Brown Sugar Desserts, Cozy Cakes, Autumn and Winter Treats, Rich Frostings, Easy Celebration Cakes, Molasses Cake Recipes
Ingredients Breakdown and Substitutions
Essential Ingredients for Butterscotch Cake
Creating the perfect butterscotch cake with caramel frosting starts with the right mix of quality ingredients. Each element plays a unique role in building that rich, nostalgic flavor and soft texture.
Here’s what you’ll need for the cake base:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) | Provides richness and moisture |
| 1 cup granulated sugar | Sweetens and supports structure |
| ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed) | Adds that signature butterscotch flavor |
| 2 large eggs | Bind the batter and add lift |
| 1½ cups all-purpose flour | Base structure of the cake |
| 1 tsp baking soda | Helps the cake rise |
| ½ tsp salt | Enhances all the flavors |
| ½ tsp ground cinnamon | Subtle spice that pairs perfectly with butterscotch |
| ½ cup buttermilk | Keeps the cake moist and tender |
| ¼ cup molasses | Deepens the flavor and color of the cake |
These ingredients work together to create a cake that’s soft, rich, and bursting with that classic brown sugar sweetness.
Ingredients for Caramel Frosting & Substitutes
Caramel frosting transforms a simple cake into an indulgent delight. Here’s what goes into it:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ½ cup unsalted butter | Forms the base and adds creaminess |
| 1 cup light brown sugar (packed) | Delivers the deep caramel taste |
| ¼ cup heavy cream | Creates smoothness and spreadability |
| 1 tsp vanilla extract | Balances and enhances flavor |
| Pinch of salt | Cuts sweetness and intensifies the caramel notes |
Need substitutions?
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Out of buttermilk? Combine ½ cup milk with 1½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes it’ll turn slightly tangy, like homemade buttermilk.
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No molasses? Use dark brown sugar instead, but note the flavor won’t be as rich.
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No heavy cream for frosting? Try full-fat coconut cream or half-and-half, but the consistency may vary slightly.
Don’t miss our Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Eggrolls – The Best 2025 Crispy Dessert Twist for another fun recipe with a creamy twist.
Next, let’s get baking follow the step-by-step process to create this dreamy butterscotch cake.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting
Preparing the Cake Batter
Making a rich and moist butterscotch cake with caramel frosting starts with getting your batter just right. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 8-inch round pans and line the bottoms with parchment for easy release.
In a large bowl, beat ½ cup butter with 1 cup sugar and ¾ cup brown sugar until smooth and airy. This step is key it creates a light texture and enhances the cake’s deep, caramel-like flavor.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each for a smooth blend. Each egg helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the batter.
In another bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp cinnamon. Whisk to distribute evenly.
Alternate adding the dry mix and ½ cup buttermilk into the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Finally, fold in ¼ cup of molasses, which gives the cake its signature butterscotch depth.
Baking and Cooling Tips for Perfect Texture
Split the batter between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
To avoid common mistakes and improve baking success, here’s a great cake baking tips guide from Sally’s Baking Addiction that covers temperature control, batter handling, and pan prep.
To keep the cake layers moist and avoid crumbling, allow them to cool completely before assembling. You can even wrap the layers in plastic and chill them if frosting later.
Looking for inspiration? Try Brownie Bread – The Best 9-Step Fudgy Recipe You Must Try for another crowd-pleasing bake.
Crafting the Creamy Caramel Frosting
Making Caramel Frosting from Scratch
This frosting isn’t just a topping it’s the crown jewel of your butterscotch cake. Melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat to begin. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and ¼ cup of heavy cream.
Stir as it gently boils, then simmer 2–3 minutes until the sugar melts and the mix thickens slightly. Remove from heat, then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
Allow the caramel to cool slightly. It should be warm and easy to spread never hot or too runny. If you overcook it or let it sit too long, it may become too thick just warm it briefly to fix this.
Tips to Get the Ideal Frosting Consistency
For a perfect frosting texture, let it cool until it thickens but remains soft enough to spread easily. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of cream and warm gently. If it’s too thin, let it cool a bit longer or whip it slightly to incorporate air.
Don’t frost warm cake layers! Always make sure your cakes are completely cool, or the frosting will melt and slide off.
Discover great ideas like Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake – Cool 4th of July Dessert Idea!! if you’re into chilled desserts too.
If you’re new to working with caramel, understanding how sugar transforms is key. This step-by-step guide from King Arthur Baking walks you through the caramelization process with visuals and tips to prevent burning or crystallizing.
Next up: Learn how to assemble your cake like a professional and add the finishing butterscotch drizzle.
Cake Assembly and Finishing Touches
Layering and Frosting Like a Pro
Once your butterscotch cake with caramel frosting layers are completely cool, it’s time to assemble the masterpiece. Start by placing one cake layer on your serving plate. Spoon on the caramel frosting and gently spread it to the edges with an offset spatula.
Carefully add the second layer and frost just like before. For the smoothest finish, apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting around the sides and top, then chill the cake for 15–20 minutes to set the base. This trick locks in loose crumbs and makes your final layer cleaner.
After chilling, add a second, thicker layer of frosting. Smooth it out for a classic finish or swirl for a rustic, homemade look. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell like a professional bakery!
The Signature Butterscotch Drizzle Finish
Now, it’s time for the show-stopping butterscotch caramel drizzle. If you have leftover warm frosting, pour it slowly over the top of the frosted cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides. This creates a golden, glossy finish that screams indulgence.
Want to go even fancier? Top with crushed pecans, sea salt, or butterscotch chips for extra texture and flavor.
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Pro Tips for a Bakery-Level Finish
Decoration Ideas That Wow
Presentation elevates your butterscotch cake with caramel frosting from homemade to high-end. Pipe rosettes around the edges using leftover frosting, or garnish with edible gold flakes for special occasions. Use a cake comb to create patterns on the sides for a polished, professional look.
Texture, Moisture & Storage Hacks
To lock in moisture, store your frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for up to five. Bring it to room temp before serving to let the caramel soften.
Want more decadent dessert ideas? Learn more about Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake – Cool 4th of July Dessert Idea!!—a chilled treat with zesty flavor!
Storing and Serving Suggestions
How to Store Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting
To keep your butterscotch cake with caramel frosting fresh and flavorful, proper storage is key. Serving soon? Cover with a dome or store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. The frosting will stay creamy and the cake moist.
For longer keeping, wrap well and refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep it moist. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes. This allows the caramel frosting to soften and the flavors to bloom.
Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions
Butterscotch cake with caramel frosting is perfect for celebrations like birthdays, Thanksgiving, or Sunday dinners. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for added decadence. For a polished look, slice with a warm knife and add mint or chocolate shavings on top.
Check out Roasted Carrot Lettuce Wraps – 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them – Kinsley Recipes for a savory balance to this rich dessert.
Customizing Your Cake Recipe
Flavor Twists: Nuts, Fillings, and More
Want to mix things up? Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. You can also include a layer of spiced apple compote between the cake layers for a fall-inspired twist.
Turning It Into Cupcakes or Sheet Cake
Transform this recipe into cupcakes by adjusting the bake time to 18–22 minutes. Or, pour the batter into a 9×13 sheet pan for easier slicing perfect for parties or potlucks.
Discover great ideas like Dubai Chocolate Dessert – The Best 9 Luxurious & Unique Treats to Try Now.
Troubleshooting Common Baking Issues
Why Is My Cake Too Dense or Dry?
If your butterscotch cake with caramel frosting turns out dry or dense, it’s likely due to overmixing or incorrect measurements. Spoon and level your flour, don’t scoop. Stir gently once dry ingredients are in, and use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking. Baking at too high a heat can dry the cake out quickly.
Another common mistake? Overbaking. Always test your cake a few minutes before the suggested time with a toothpick. It’s done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Fixing Frosting That’s Too Runny or Hard
Runny frosting usually means the caramel mixture was too hot when you tried to spread it. Let it cool longer or place it in the fridge briefly. If it becomes too stiff, reheat slightly and stir in a teaspoon of cream until it reaches the right texture.
FAQs About Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting
What is butterscotch cake with caramel frosting?
It’s a tender cake with brown sugar and molasses notes, crowned with a buttery caramel frosting.
How do I make caramel frosting for a butterscotch cake?
Melt butter, add brown sugar and cream, simmer, then stir in vanilla and salt. Let it cool slightly before spreading.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of caramel frosting?
You can, but the texture will be thinner and less stable than traditional frosting.
How should I store butterscotch cake with caramel frosting?
Store at room temp for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4–5 days. Always bring to room temperature before serving.
Conclusion: A Sweet Finish Worth Every Bite
There’s something timeless and heartwarming about a slice of butterscotch cake with caramel frosting. With its rich, buttery flavor, soft crumb, and silky caramel layers, this dessert isn’t just a treat it’s a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, family dinner, or a cozy Sunday at home, this cake is bound to impress.
What makes a butterscotch cake with caramel frosting so irresistible isn’t just its sweet, comforting taste it’s how easy it is to recreate that nostalgic flavor in your own kitchen. From pantry staples to expert tips, you’re now equipped to bake, assemble, and serve a cake that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
Even better, this recipe adapts beautifully. Whether you serve it as a layer cake, transform it into cupcakes, or try it as a homemade butterscotch caramel cake for a special event, it’s sure to be a hit. The glossy caramel drizzle and melt-in-your-mouth texture bring everything together.
So preheat that oven, grab your whisk, and enjoy a dessert that’s rich in flavor and made with love. One slice and you’ll understand why this cake belongs in your permanent recipe collection.
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