Hey friend! Before we dive into this sweet, sticky masterpiece, I just want to say thank you for being here – it makes my day that you’re ready to bake something special with me. If you love warm, nostalgic flavors that wrap you up like a cozy blanket, this Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting is exactly what your baking dreams are made of!
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Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Cake
Picture this: a soft, tender cake rich with brown sugar, molasses, and a touch of cinnamon, crowned with a buttery caramel frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s sweet, warm, and decadent without being fussy. Perfect for birthdays, cozy weekends, or anytime you’re craving an old-fashioned treat that feels a little extra special.
Here’s why you’ll adore it:
✔️ Buttery, brown-sugar rich butterscotch flavor in every bite.
✔️ The caramel frosting sets into a sweet, slightly fudgy layer – swoon!
✔️ Simple pantry ingredients – no fancy tricks here.
✔️ Easy to make ahead and share with friends and family.
What Does It Taste Like?
Each forkful is soft, moist, and filled with deep butterscotch notes from the brown sugar and molasses, with a whisper of cinnamon warmth if you choose to add it. The caramel frosting is thick, glossy, and just the right amount of sweet, pairing perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. The smell when this cake is baking? Incredible!!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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 ½ cup milk + ½ teaspoon vinegar)
- ¼ cup molasses (for rich butterscotch depth)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but so cozy!)
For the Caramel Icing:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk & spatula
- 8-inch round or square baking pan
- Saucepan for the icing
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
✨ Use dark brown sugar for an even richer flavor.
✨ Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for crunch.
✨ Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for an extra decadent finish.
✨ Add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes over the frosting for a sweet-salty twist.
How to Make Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking pan.
2️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.
5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
6️⃣ Stir in Molasses
Fold in the molasses until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
7️⃣ Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Cool Completely
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before frosting – patience is worth it!
9️⃣ Make Caramel Icing
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble.
Reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt.
🔟 Frost Cake
Let the icing cool slightly until it’s spreadable but still warm. Spread evenly over the cooled cake and let it set slightly before slicing.
What to Serve with This Cake
- A hot cup of coffee or chai latte
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert
- Fresh berries for a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness
Tips for Perfect Butterscotch Cake
✔️ Use room temperature butter and eggs for the best texture.