Classic butterscotch cake is rich and buttery and just a touch different from a vanilla or chocolate cake. Its interesting flavor profile makes it a fun choice for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays — and even regular days when you’re in the mood for an upgraded dessert. Try it for your next Women’s Day celebration (March 8), Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or your next family gathering.
Use this walk-through of a classic butterscotch cake recipe as your guide to prep a dessert that’s soft, moist, and packed with irresistible butterscotch flavor.
Why this recipe works
Butterscotch and cake is a winning flavor combo. Butterscotch is made by teaming brown sugar and butter. The brown sugar provides a rich, round molasses flavor, while butter adds fat. Think of butterscotch as caramel’s softer, friendlier cousin. This warm, creamy, buttery profile pairs beautifully with cake.
Butter and brown sugar create a soft, delicate texture. What sets this cake apart is the moisture. The use of butter and brown sugar in the batter ensures that the cake stays soft and delicate, even the next day.
You can personalize a butterscotch cake, or enjoy it as is. A butterscotch cake can suit any occasion. It suits romantic anniversary celebrations as well as casual gatherings with friends.
Serving suggestions for butterscotch cake
You really only need a plate and a fork to enjoy butterscotch cake. But if you want to elevate the experience, try:
- Serving butterscotch cake with a hot drink. Pair your slice of butterscotch cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink complements the richness of the cake, bringing out the deep butterscotch flavor.
- Decorate with colored frosting and candy decorations. Frosting and candy decorations can easily add some visual pop to this cake.
- Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A scoop of vanilla balances the cake’s richness.
- Topping butterscotch cake with fresh whipped cream. Whipped cream is light addition that enhances the buttery elements of the cake.
- Adding a caramel drizzle to the top. Caramel amplifies the butterscotch flavors.
- Serving alongside sauteed apples. Sauteed apples can add tartness that pairs nicely with the cake’s richness.
Butterscotch cake recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and buttery butterscotch cake with warm brown sugar flavor and a soft, tender crumb.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup butterscotch chips (optional for an extra dose of butterscotch goodness)
Instructions
- Do the prep. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the cake batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the melted butter and vanilla or butterscotch essence, then slowly mix in the milk until fully combined. Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and slightly creamy.
- Pour and prep for baking. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If using butterscotch chips, sprinkle them evenly over the top.
- Bake. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frost if desired. Once cooled, you can optionally frost evenly with buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25.6 g
- Sodium: 261.6 mg
- Fat: 12.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 44.3 g
- Protein: 4.9 g
- Cholesterol: 77.5 mg
More cakes to try
Your new special occasion dessert
Butterscotch cake could easily be your new signature dessert. It’s easy to make, tastes incredible, and is versatile enough to fit many occasions. From birthdays to random Thursdays, this cake can upgrade many celebrations. So the next time you want to bake something indulgent or need a cake for a gathering, reach for this recipe. Or, if baking’s not on your to-do list, remember it’s easy to order cake online and still enjoy the delicious taste of butterscotch.
Happy baking (or ordering)!
