There’s something incredibly delightful about the rich, buttery flavor of butterscotch cake that makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. With its moist texture and the delightful sweetness of butterscotch, this cake is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes.
Why We Love This Butterscotch Cake Recipe
You might wonder why butterscotch cake holds a special place in the hearts of bakers and dessert lovers alike. The answer is simple: it combines rich flavors with a simple and approachable method. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious newbie, making butterscotch cake is a rewarding experience. The heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is simply irresistible. Each slice reveals a tender crumb, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients. Not to mention, the luscious butterscotch frosting adds a velvety finish that makes each bite sensational.
Not only is this cake delicious, but it also allows for creativity in presentation. You can drizzle extra butterscotch sauce on top, sprinkle nuts for added crunch, or even pair it with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat. The versatility and ease of this recipe make it a beloved choice among many.
Ingredients for Butterscotch Cake
To create your own butterscotch cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 cups cake flour (14 oz)
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (6 oz)
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed (6 oz)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 10 oz buttermilk, divided, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 8 oz browned butter, room temperature (requires about 19 tablespoons of unsalted butter before browning)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (4 oz)
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup butterscotch sauce, plus 1 tablespoon for swirling in frosting
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- Milk or heavy cream, as needed, to make frosting more spreadable
How to Make Butterscotch Cake Directions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these steps to create your amazing butterscotch cake:
Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Start by spraying a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray to ensure your cake releases easily once baked. Preheat your oven to 335°F (170°C) for optimal baking conditions.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Measure out 4 oz of buttermilk and mix it with the vegetable oil. Set this mixture aside for later use. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer, combine the cake flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients until they are well blended. Next, add the browned butter to the dry mixture, mixing until you reach a coarse, sand-like texture.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly mix in the buttermilk and oil mixture for about one minute, until the batter thickens. Gradually add the egg mixture and continue mixing until everything is fully combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 32 to 40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready to be removed from the oven. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Butterscotch Frosting: To prepare the frosting, beat the softened unsalted butter along with butterscotch sauce in a bowl until it becomes smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously. If the frosting is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding milk or heavy cream until it reaches the desired spreadable texture.
Frost the Cake: Once your cake has completely cooled, spread the butterscotch frosting generously over the top. Drizzle with additional butterscotch sauce and use a spatula to swirl it in for an artistic touch.
How to Serve Butterscotch Cake
After all your hard work in the kitchen, serving your butterscotch cake is where the real fun begins! You can cut generous slices to offer to friends and family, making it an excellent centerpiece for gatherings or parties. For an extra touch, consider pairing each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the dessert’s creamy and satisfying flavor profile.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try garnishing the cake with crushed nuts such as pecans or walnuts. This adds a delightful crunch and an appealing contrast to the smooth frosting. You can also cut the cake into smaller squares for a bite-sized treat, perfect for potlucks or casual get-togethers. Always remember to serve it with a smile; the joy of sharing delicious food only enhances the experience.
Expert Tips: Butterscotch Cake
To ensure your butterscotch cake turns out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your buttermilk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature before you begin. This helps to create a smoother batter and contributes to the cake’s moisture.
Browning the Butter: Pay close attention when browning the butter; you want it to achieve a deep golden color and nutty aroma without burning. Stir frequently and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired color.
Do Not Overmix: When combining your ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the wet ingredients. This can create a dense cake instead of the light and fluffy texture you desire.
Be Patient While Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. If you rush this step, the frosting may melt and slide off, making for a less appealing presentation.
Customize the Frosting: If you prefer a creamier frosting, feel free to add more butterscotch sauce or use a combination of milks and creams to achieve your desired consistency.
How to Store Butterscotch Cake
Proper storage is essential to keep your butterscotch cake fresh and delicious. Once frosted, you can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, if you want to preserve its freshness even longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for up to a week.
For longer storage, you might also freeze the cake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container. This method keeps the cake safe for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy your frozen cake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, bringing it back to room temperature before serving.
Variations of Butterscotch Cake
While the classic butterscotch cake recipe is truly delightful, feel free to get creative with some fun variations:
Nutty Butterscotch Cake: Add chopped nuts like macadamia or pecans to the batter for a delicious crunch that pairs beautifully with the butterscotch flavor.
Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Cake: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cake batter for a delightful combination of flavors that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
Spiced Butterscotch Cake: Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, giving your cake a warm and aromatic twist that’s perfect for autumn.
Layered Butterscotch Cake: Instead of a single layer, bake two or three layers of the cake, stack them with frosting in between, and finish with a smooth layer of frosting on the top and sides.
Fruit-Inspired Butterscotch Cake: Incorporate mashed bananas or applesauce into the batter to add moisture and natural sweetness, creating a delightful fruit-infused version of the classic cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes butterscotch cake unique?
Butterscotch cake stands out due to its rich flavor profile, derived from a combination of brown sugar and butter, creating a sweet and nutty taste. The butterscotch frosting enhances this flavor, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free cake flour as a substitute for regular cake flour to make this delightful cake gluten-free. Be sure to check the other ingredients as well to ensure they are gluten-free.
Why did my cake turn out dense?
A dense cake can result from overmixing the batter, using cold ingredients, or not measuring ingredients accurately. To prevent density, avoid overmixing and ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
What should I do if my butterscotch sauce is too thick for the frosting?
If your butterscotch sauce is too thick, simply add a little milk or heavy cream to thin it out. Mix until you reach a desired consistency that’s spreadable.
Butterscotch Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowls:
- Stand Mixer
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 3 cups cake flour (14 oz)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (6 oz)
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar packed (6 oz)
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
- 10 oz. buttermilk divided, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 8 oz. browned butter room temperature (requires about 19 tablespoons of unsalted butter before browning)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (4 oz)
- 10 Tbsp. unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup butterscotch sauce plus 1 tablespoon for swirling in frosting
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- Milk or heavy cream as needed to make frosting more spreadable
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 335°F (170°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, mix 4 oz of buttermilk with vegetable oil and set aside. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a stand mixer, combine cake flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until blended.
- Add browned butter to the dry mixture, mixing until a coarse texture forms. Slowly mix in the buttermilk and oil mixture for about one minute until thickened.
- Gradually add the egg mixture, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 32 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- To make the frosting, beat softened butter and butterscotch sauce together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing continuously. Adjust consistency with milk or cream as needed.
- Once the cake is cooled, frost generously and drizzle with additional butterscotch sauce.
- Serve and enjoy!
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!