Creamy, buttery, and irresistibly sweet, butterscotch cake is the ultimate comfort dessert that brings a warm hug in every bite. Picture a moist, golden sponge layered with silky butterscotch frosting that melts on your tongue—pure heaven! Legend has it that the butterscotch candy was first created in Doncaster, England, in the early 19th century, but nothing says “modern classic” like tucking into a slice of homemade butterscotch cake with your family gathered around the table.
What makes this butterscotch cake so special? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up from pantry staples, yet it delivers impressive flavor that rivals any bakery creation. With a prep time under 20 minutes and total bake time around 30 minutes, you can have dessert ready faster than takeout arrives. Plus, it’s versatile enough to please kids and grown-ups alike—perfect for birthdays, casual get-togethers, or just because.
If you’ve fallen for our one-bowl chocolate zucchini cake, you’ll love how this butterscotch version brings a buttery twist to the same fuss-free baking style. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or testing your first cake recipe, this butterscotch cake will become your go-to for quick, homemade treats. Get ready to discover why everyone loves this dessert and why your next slice could be the best one yet!
What is Butterscotch Cake? (Wikipedia • Heavenly Pistachio White Chocolate Cheesecake
Ever wondered what makes butterscotch cake more than just another sweet treat? At its heart, butterscotch cake is a tender vanilla-butter sponge infused with rich brown sugar and buttery goodness, layered or frosted with a luscious butterscotch sauce. Why the quirky name? Rumor has it that early bakers mixed brown sugar with butter, letting it “scotch” (harden) before crumbling it into puddings—hence “butterscotch.”
Funny enough, my uncle once called it “the cake that stole Dad’s heart,” because, as the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. One bite, and he confessed his love for all things butterscotch! Ready to make your own sweetheart swoon? Give this recipe a try—you might just steal someone’s heart, too.
Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Cake and Red Velvet Cake
- Main Highlight: Unparalleled Buttery Flavor
The star of this recipe is the homemade butterscotch sauce—made from brown sugar, butter, and a touch of cream—that seeps into every crumb. You’ll taste deep caramel notes in each forkful. - Cost-Saving Benefits
Skip the bakery splurge! Making butterscotch cake at home uses pantry staples you likely already have: flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. A fraction of store-bought prices delivers double the joy. - Flavorful Toppings & Add-Ins
Customize with chopped pecans, sea salt sprinkles, or a swirl of whipped cream. My favorite is a handful of toasted walnuts for extra crunch and contrast.
If you loved our easy vanilla sheet cake, this butterscotch cake offers the same fuss-free method with a richer twist. Ready to bake? Let’s jump into the kitchen and whip up this crowd-pleaser at home!
How to Make Butterscotch Cake
Quick Overview
This butterscotch cake is delightfully simple: one bowl, five minutes of prep, and a rich, buttery frosting that sets it apart. Total time from start to finish is about 50 minutes, including baking and cooling—perfect for last-minute dessert emergencies!
Key Ingredients for Butterscotch Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
For the Butterscotch Frosting:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Cream Butter & Eggs: Add softened butter; beat on medium until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Combine with Buttermilk: Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk in three additions, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just incorporated.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly until bubbly, then whisk in cream. Remove from heat, cool 5 minutes, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the frosting on top. Top with second layer, then frost the sides and top. Let set 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions, Tips & Storage
What to Serve With Butterscotch Cake
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for creamy contrast
- Fresh berries or caramel-drizzled apples for brightness
- A cup of strong coffee or black tea to balance sweetness
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Butterscotch Cake
- Use room-temperature butter and eggs for even mixing
- Don’t overmix batter—stop when dry ingredients disappear
- Cool cake layers completely before frosting to prevent melting
Storing and Reheating Butterscotch Cake
- Refrigerate: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Thaw in fridge, then microwave a single slice for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked feel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Butterscotch Cake
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, but reduce added salt in the cake by half to keep flavors balanced.
Q: How do I make dairy-free butterscotch cake?
A: Substitute plant-based butter and oat milk; use coconut cream in the frosting.
Q: Why is my butterscotch frosting grainy?
A: Ensure brown sugar fully dissolves when cooking the sauce; strain if needed before adding powdered sugar.
Q: Can I turn this into cupcakes?
A: Absolutely! Bake in a 12-cup muffin tin for 18–20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a simple homemade treat, this butterscotch cake delivers buttery sweetness, easy prep, and crowd-pleasing flavor. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself and loved ones to a slice of golden delight. Happy baking!