Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting: A Golden Classic

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Absolutely! Here’s a complete, indulgent deep-dive into the world of Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting – one of the most luxurious, old-fashioned desserts that truly stands the test of time. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a holiday gathering, or simply to treat yourself on a rainy afternoon, this cake is sure to win hearts and earn praise. Let’s begin the flavorful journey.

🍰 Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting: A Golden Classic

📜 Introduction

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about butterscotch — the deep, rich notes of brown sugar and butter evoke cozy kitchens, Sunday dinners, and old-fashioned candy shops. Combine that with a luscious, homemade caramel frosting and you’ve got a dessert that’s not only mouth-watering but unforgettable.

Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting is more than just a cake — it’s a love letter to classic baking traditions. Moist, dense, and full of caramelized flavor, it’s perfect for celebrations or whenever your soul craves comfort.

🧾 Ingredients

🟡 For the Butterscotch Cake:

  • 2½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • ¾ cup (180ml) butterscotch sauce (store-bought or homemade, see below)

🟤 For the Homemade Butterscotch Sauce (optional but heavenly):

  • ½ cup (1 stick or 115g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (220g) light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

🟠 For the Caramel Frosting:

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups (440g) packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3–4 cups (360–480g) powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Butterscotch Sauce (if using homemade):

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
  3. Slowly whisk in cream and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt. Let cool.

2. Prepare the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Sift dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and light (about 3–4 minutes).
  4. Add eggs and vanilla one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Alternate wet & dry ingredients: Mix in the dry ingredients alternately with milk and sour cream, starting and ending with dry.
  6. Fold in butterscotch sauce until just combined.
  7. Divide the batter evenly into prepared pans. Smooth the tops.
  8. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

3. Make the Caramel Frosting:

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  2. Stir in cream and salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  3. Cool slightly, then beat in vanilla.
  4. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.

🧁 Assembly

  1. Place one cake layer on your serving plate.
  2. Spread a generous layer of caramel frosting over the top.
  3. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides.
  4. Drizzle with extra butterscotch sauce if desired.
  5. Sprinkle with crushed toffee bits or flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish.

🕰️ A Brief History of Butterscotch

The term “butterscotch” dates back to 19th-century England, originally referring to a hard candy made from brown sugar and butter. Over time, it evolved into a creamy sauce and eventually a flavor base for cakes, puddings, and frostings. The cake itself is a North American innovation, bringing old-world candy into baked form, capturing the deep, toasty flavors of caramelized sugar in a tender, buttery crumb.

💞 Who Loves It? (Hint: Almost Everyone!)

  • Caramel Addicts: That frosting is basically liquid gold.
  • Nostalgia Seekers: Childhood in a bite.
  • Bakers at Heart: A perfect balance of challenge and reward.
  • Party Hosts: This cake impresses. Period.
  • Date Night Dreamers: A romantic dessert that says “I made this with love.”

🛠️ Baking Tips & Methods

  • Room Temp Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.
  • Don’t Overmix: Fold gently once flour is added to keep the cake light.
  • Use a Cake Leveler: For even, beautiful layers.
  • Chill Before Frosting: A cooler cake prevents melting the frosting.
  • Double the Sauce: Because there’s no such thing as too much butterscotch.

🎉 Conclusion: A Cake Worth Celebrating

If cakes could tell stories, the Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting would whisper tales of candlelit tables, grandmother’s kitchen, and stolen spoonfuls of frosting from the bowl. It’s rich, classic, and timeless — a showstopper on any dessert table and a hug for your taste buds.

So go on. Bake it. Share it. Fall in love with it. 💛

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