Description
This Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing is rich, buttery, and irresistibly nostalgic—featuring layers of moist butterscotch-flavored cake topped with a silky caramel icing. It’s a comforting dessert perfect for birthdays, holidays, or cozy gatherings, with warm brown sugar notes and a sweet, glossy finish that’s pure indulgence in every slice.
Ingredients
For the Butterscotch Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sour cream or buttermilk
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup butterscotch chips (optional)
For the Caramel Icing:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream/milk mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in butterscotch chips if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Make the Caramel Icing:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 2–3 minutes until sugar dissolves.
- Add cream and bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla and salt, then gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
- Let cool slightly and spread over cooled cake.
Notes
- Add toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle on top for a nutty crunch.
- Add 1–2 teaspoons bourbon to the icing for a grown-up twist.
- Bake as cupcakes (18–22 minutes) for individual servings.
- Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel for extra indulgence.
