Here’s a rich, decadent Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing—moist brown sugar cake layered with silky caramel frosting, dripping with butterscotch sauce. A nostalgic dessert that’s pure comfort!
Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing 🍰🍯
Prep Time: 20 mins | Bake Time: 25-30 mins | Servings: 12
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (300g) packed dark brown sugar (key for butterscotch flavor!)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
For the Caramel Icing:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
For Garnish (Optional):
- Butterscotch chips
- Sea salt flakes
- Caramel drizzle
Instructions:
1. Make the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans. Bake 25-30 mins until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
2. Make the Caramel Icing
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Boil 2 mins, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, add vanilla, then gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Cool slightly (it will thicken as it cools).
3. Assemble
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread ½ cup icing on top. Add the second layer.
- Pour remaining warm icing over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Garnish with butterscotch chips and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Tips & Variations:
🔥 Extra Butterscotch: Add ½ cup butterscotch chips to the batter.
🍰 Single Layer: Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake 30-35 mins.
🌰 Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted pecans or walnuts.
🚫 No Buttermilk? Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar (let sit 5 mins).
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Deep, caramelized flavor from dark brown sugar.
✅ Velvety icing that sets just enough to slice neatly.
✅ Perfect for holidays or birthday celebrations!
Serve with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat. Want a sheet cake version or gluten-free adaptation? Ask below! 😊