Decadent Butterscotch Cake with silky Caramel Frosting Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that craves something truly special, nothing compares to making this Decadent Butterscotch Cake with silky Caramel Frosting. This cake is a luxurious treat that combines moist, tender layers infused with rich butterscotch flavor and is crowned with a luscious caramel frosting that melts in your mouth. Every bite delivers a symphony of warm, buttery sweetness with just a hint of salty contrast, making it the ultimate comfort dessert you’ll want to share with friends and family—and keep as your own secret indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this beautiful cake. Each component serves a specific purpose, from the fluffy texture to the deep golden color and that unmistakable butterscotch flavor that makes this cake sing.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors throughout the cake layers.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Light brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel note and crumb softness to the cake and frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Assists in tenderizing and gives a subtle crunch to balance the brown sugar’s molasses flavor.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and offer structure, while contributing to the cake’s fluffiness.
• Vanilla extract: A warm, aromatic accent that elevates all the other flavors.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that cuts through sweetness, helping the cake stay fresh longer.
• Warm water: Makes the batter perfectly smooth and pourable for even baking.
• Butterscotch sauce: The star ingredient that infuses the cake with indulgent butterscotch richness.
• Heavy cream: Gives the caramel frosting its silky, luscious consistency.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for spreading.
• Pinch of salt: Heightens the caramel notes, making the frosting irresistible.
• Optional garnishes: Extra caramel drizzle, butterscotch chips, and sea salt flakes for an elegant finishing touch.

How to Make Decadent Butterscotch Cake with silky Caramel Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking, which helps you achieve perfect layers when assembling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these now helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning, setting the foundation for a fluffier cake with balanced flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter together with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step incorporates air and ensures your cake will have a tender crumb with rich sweetness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which infuses the batter with that warm, familiar aroma that makes this Decadent Butterscotch Cake with silky Caramel Frosting so comforting.

Step 5: Blend in Butterscotch Sauce

Mix in the butterscotch sauce until smooth—this is where the magic happens! This luscious addition gives the cake its signature flavor, bringing a deep, buttery sweetness throughout every bite.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Alternately

Add the dry flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry. This technique helps maintain a tender crumb while keeping the batter moist. Stir in warm water just until the batter is smooth and pourable—avoid overmixing to prevent toughness.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops for even rising. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Silky Caramel Frosting

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine light brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil. Boil gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes until just warm. Gradually beat in sifted powdered sugar until the frosting is thick yet spreadable.

Step 9: Assemble Your Decadent Butterscotch Cake with silky Caramel Frosting

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of the caramel frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly. For an extra touch, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the frosted cake and sprinkle with butterscotch chips or sea salt flakes if you like. To keep the cake moist, brush each layer lightly with warm caramel or simple syrup before frosting. Chill the cake for 20 to 30 minutes so the frosting can set beautifully before slicing.

How to Serve Decadent Butterscotch Cake with silky Caramel Frosting

Garnishes

Enhance your cake’s appeal by adding glossy caramel drizzle, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a scattering of butterscotch chips. These little extras create elegant texture contrasts and make each slice feel festive and special.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For those who love coffee or tea, a warm latte or black tea balances the sweetness beautifully and rounds out the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Decadent Butterscotch Cake with silky Caramel Frosting on a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe or on a sleek cake stand for a more elegant affair. You can also slice into small squares for party bites or build mini individual cakes using ramekins for a fun twist. Presentation is half the joy when sharing this dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it soft and moist. For longer storage, refrigeration extends freshness for up to five days, though the cake might firm up slightly—just bring it to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save cake for later, freeze unsliced layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and then frost as usual. Freezing the frosted cake isn’t recommended as the texture of the frosting may change.

Reheating

To refresh the cake after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This helps revive the soft, buttery texture and enhances the caramel aroma.

FAQs

Can I make the butterscotch sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade butterscotch sauce made with butter, brown sugar, cream, and vanilla adds even more depth to this cake and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

Yes, you can create a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—this acidity helps tenderize the cake for perfect moistness.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking can work well. Be sure to use one with xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the cake’s structure.

How do I prevent the caramel frosting from being too runny?

Make sure to cool the caramel mixture enough before adding the powdered sugar. Gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a spreadable thickness. If it’s still too thin, refrigerate briefly to set.

Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, doubling works perfectly for bigger gatherings. You might need to increase the baking time slightly and consider using larger pans or stacking layers.

Final Thoughts

Making this Decadent Butterscotch Cake with silky Caramel Frosting is a delightful adventure that rewards you with a truly memorable dessert. From the first bite to the last crumb, it’s an irresistible celebration of rich, buttery sweetness that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch how everyone raves—because some cakes aren’t just good, they’re unforgettable.

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