Description
Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting is a rich, moist cake topped with a smooth, sweet caramel frosting, combining the warm flavors of butterscotch and caramel in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients
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
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with dry ingredients.
- Fold in molasses until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
- For the caramel icing: In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and begins to bubble.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
- Let the icing cool slightly before spreading it over the cooled cake.
- Serve and store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- Optional add-ins: Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) to the cake batter for added texture.
- Spice it up: Add ground ginger or cloves for a deeper spice flavor.
- Alternative frosting: Use whipped cream for a lighter topping instead of caramel frosting.
- Molasses Substitute: If you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup or honey can be used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg