Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting

This Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the warm, rich flavors of butterscotch with a luscious caramel icing. It’s the perfect treat for anyone who enjoys moist, flavorful cakes with a sweet, velvety topping. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butterscotch cake is a classic dessert that delivers incredible flavor in every bite. The cake itself is rich and moist, thanks to ingredients like buttermilk and molasses. The addition of brown sugar and cinnamon (if you choose to include it) enhances the depth of flavor, creating a warm and inviting treat. The homemade caramel frosting is the perfect complement to the cake—smooth, silky, and sweet with a touch of vanilla and salt to balance out the richness. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it also looks gorgeous when served, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + ½ tsp vinegar)

• ¼ cup molasses (for rich butterscotch flavor)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

For the caramel icing:

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking pan.

2. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with dry ingredients.

6. Stir in Molasses: Gently fold in molasses until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool Completely: Allow cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before frosting.

9. Make Caramel Icing: In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to bubble.

10. Simmer & Finish: Reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.

11. Frost Cake: Let the icing cool slightly—just enough so it doesn’t melt the cake. Spread evenly over cooled cake.

12. Serve & Store: Slice and enjoy! Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 30-35 minutes

• Cooling time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter before baking.

• Spice it up: For extra flavor, add ½ tsp of ground ginger or cloves to the dry ingredients.

• Frosting alternative: For a lighter option, try topping the cake with whipped cream instead of caramel frosting.

• Molasses substitute: If you don’t have molasses, substitute with dark corn syrup or honey for a slightly different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake. To reheat, slice the cake and microwave it for 10–15 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make sure the cake stays moist?

To keep the cake moist, be sure not to overmix the batter, and allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before frosting.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead, store it at room temperature, and frost it just before serving.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with ½ teaspoon of vinegar as a substitute for the tangy flavor of buttermilk.

Can I use margarine instead of butter for the cake?

While margarine can be substituted for butter, it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake, so it’s best to use unsalted butter for optimal results.

What can I use instead of molasses in the cake?

Dark corn syrup or honey can be used as a substitute, but molasses gives the cake its signature rich flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready to remove from the oven.

Can I make the caramel icing ahead of time?

Caramel icing is best when made fresh. However, if you need to make it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before frosting the cake.

How thick should the caramel frosting be?

The frosting should be pourable but not runny. Allow it to cool slightly before spreading it on the cake to prevent it from melting the cake.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw before frosting and serving.

Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

Yes, you can use a different size pan, but the baking time may vary. Adjust accordingly and check doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion

This Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting is a delightful dessert that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its moist, flavorful cake and sweet, creamy caramel topping, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or indulging in a sweet moment by yourself, this cake promises to satisfy every craving for something rich and comforting.