This delightful butterscotch creation takes inspiration from my popular Lotus Biscoff cake, a simple snack cake recipe known for its impactful flavor and effortless preparation. My goal with this recipe was to capture that same ease and deliciousness, but with a beloved classic twist: rich, homemade butterscotch. Crafting the butterscotch sauce from scratch elevates the entire cake, adding a depth of flavor that store-bought alternatives simply can’t match. It’s a truly rewarding baking experience that results in an unforgettable dessert.

One common question bakers ask is, “What exactly is the difference between caramel and butterscotch?” While both are sweet, golden sauces derived from sugar, the key distinction lies in the type of sugar used. Caramel typically uses white granulated sugar, which is melted and caramelized to create its signature deep amber color and complex flavor. Butterscotch, on the other hand, is predominantly made with dark brown sugar, giving it a naturally richer, molasses-infused taste right from the start. This makes the butterscotch-making process often feel more forgiving and simpler for home bakers. If you’re eager to explore more comforting cake recipes, don’t miss my decadent pumpkin spice latte cake, another perfect treat for any season!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Butterscotch Cake!

This isn’t just another cake recipe; it’s a labor of love that delivers exceptional results with minimal effort. Here’s why this homemade butterscotch cake is destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire:

• Truly Homemade Butterscotch Excellence: The star of this cake is undoubtedly the homemade butterscotch sauce. It’s incorporated directly into the cake batter for unparalleled moisture and flavor, and then whipped into the frosting for a truly decadent finish. You might be surprised at how simple it is to create this rich, velvety sauce right in your own kitchen – no fancy candy thermometers required! The deep, complex notes of homemade butterscotch elevate this cake far beyond any store-bought version.
• Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Forget specialty store runs. This recipe relies on readily available staples that you likely already have stocked in your pantry and refrigerator. We focus on quality ingredients, but nothing that will send you on a scavenger hunt, ensuring a stress-free baking experience from start to finish.
• Effortless One-Bowl Preparation: Say goodbye to a sink full of dirty dishes! The cake batter comes together beautifully in just one bowl, streamlining the mixing process and making cleanup a breeze. This simple approach proves that you don’t need elaborate equipment to bake a truly delicious and impressive cake.
• Surprisingly Quick to Prepare: From melting butter for the sauce to frosting the cooled cake, the active preparation time for this entire dessert is incredibly efficient – often less than 25 minutes! While the butterscotch sauce and cake do require cooling time, the hands-on baking is remarkably fast, allowing you to enjoy your delicious creation sooner. It’s the perfect recipe for when you crave something special but are short on time.

Essential Ingredients for Your Butterscotch Masterpiece

Crafting this phenomenal butterscotch cake requires a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing its rich flavor and perfect texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

Dark Brown Sugar: This is the secret star of our butterscotch sauce! Unlike caramel, which uses white sugar, dark brown sugar provides a deeper, more complex flavor profile with a delightful hint of molasses. It contributes to the signature rich hue and distinctive taste of authentic butterscotch. If dark brown sugar isn’t available, light brown sugar can be used, but note that the flavor will be slightly milder.

Liquor (Optional): For an added layer of sophistication and warmth, a splash of dark liquor like scotch, whisky, or even a good quality dark rum can be added to the butterscotch sauce. This addition deepens the flavor without making the cake taste overtly alcoholic, as much of the alcohol cooks off during the cooling process. In my testing, I successfully used both traditional whisky and a non-alcoholic liquor from Lyre’s, proving that you can achieve a wonderful depth of flavor regardless of your preference.

All-Purpose Flour: For consistency and reliability, this recipe has been thoroughly tested exclusively with all-purpose flour. Its balanced protein content provides the perfect structure for a tender yet sturdy cake. While other flours might work, using all-purpose ensures the best results for this specific recipe.

Yogurt: Full-fat plain yogurt is essential for contributing moisture and a delicate tang that balances the sweetness of the butterscotch. Its acidity also helps activate the baking soda, resulting in a lighter, more tender crumb. If you don’t have yogurt on hand, you can successfully substitute it with an equal amount of buttermilk or sour cream, ensuring all are full-fat for the best texture and richness.

Neutral Oil: Using a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola oil or vegetable oil, is crucial for achieving a moist cake without imparting any unwanted flavors. Oil keeps the cake tender and contributes to a beautiful, even crumb. Avoid strong-flavored oils like olive oil, as they can overpower the delicate butterscotch notes.

Beyond these key players, you’ll also need standard baking staples like unsalted butter, heavy cream, large eggs, vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for an even richer flavor), kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature (especially butter, eggs, and yogurt) before you begin will significantly impact the smoothness of your batter and the final texture of your cake.

Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Butterscotch Cake

Follow these detailed steps to create a truly irresistible butterscotch cake from scratch. Remember to read through all instructions before you begin!

Step 1: Master Your Homemade Butterscotch Sauce. Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering, add the dark brown sugar, kosher salt, and heavy cream. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, set a timer for exactly 3 minutes and allow it to boil without stirring or whisking. This hands-off approach is crucial for preventing a grainy texture. After 3 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in your chosen liquor (if using) and vanilla extract. Transfer the hot butterscotch sauce to a heat-proof jar or bowl and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This cooling period is essential as hot sauce can curdle your cake batter or melt your frosting.

Step 2: Initiate the Cake Batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar and large eggs. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the mixture lightens slightly in color and small, airy bubbles appear on the surface. This step incorporates air, contributing to a lighter cake texture. Next, gently whisk in ½ cup of your completely cooled homemade butterscotch sauce until thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure the sauce is cool to prevent scrambling the eggs.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. To the sugar, egg, and butterscotch mixture, whisk in the full-fat yogurt (or buttermilk/sour cream), neutral oil, vanilla extract (or paste), and the remaining kosher salt. Whisk until the batter is smooth and well-emulsified. Then, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and the cake batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection. Prepare an 8×8 inch square cake pan by greasing it thoroughly and lining the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius) for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key – a fully cooled cake is crucial for perfect frosting.

Step 5: Create the Dreamy Butterscotch Frosting. In a large mixing bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and confectioners’ sugar on low speed until just combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This aeration is key to a smooth, pipeable frosting. Now, add the remaining cooled butterscotch sauce and a pinch of salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed for another 2 minutes until the frosting is incredibly light, fluffy, and infused with that wonderful butterscotch flavor.

Step 6: Frost and Serve! Once your cake is completely cool to the touch, generously spread the luscious butterscotch frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula. You will likely have a little extra butterscotch sauce left over from your batch – this is perfect for drizzling decoratively over the frosted cake before serving, adding an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Slice, serve, and enjoy the rich, comforting taste of your homemade butterscotch cake!

Pro Baking Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Butterscotch Cake

Achieving baking perfection often comes down to a few critical techniques. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your butterscotch cake turns out absolutely flawless:

• Precision in Measuring – Use a Kitchen Scale: For truly consistent and professional baking results, I cannot stress enough the importance of using a digital kitchen scale. Measuring ingredients, especially flour, by weight (the metric way) is far more accurate than using volumetric cups. Just a slight difference in how flour is scooped can significantly alter the moisture content and texture of your cake, leading to dry or dense results. Investing in a scale will make a huge positive difference in all your baking endeavors!
• The “Fluff and Sprinkle” Method for Flour (if not weighing): If a kitchen scale isn’t an option, and you’re relying on measuring cups for your flour, employ the “fluff and sprinkle” method. First, fluff the flour in its container with a spoon. Then, gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, and finally, level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). Never pack the flour into the cup. For a detailed visual guide, refer to this helpful link: How to Measure Flour the Right Way. Accurate flour measurement is paramount for the tender crumb of this cake.
• Embrace Room Temperature Ingredients: This is a golden rule in baking! Ensure all your perishable ingredients – butter, eggs, and especially the yogurt and your homemade butterscotch sauce – are at room temperature before you start mixing. Room temperature ingredients emulsify more easily, creating a smoother, more uniform batter or frosting. Adding cold butterscotch sauce to your cake batter can cause it to seize or curdle, while cold butter for frosting won’t cream properly, resulting in a lumpy texture. Plan ahead and pull these ingredients out at least an hour before you begin.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, chewy cake rather than a tender, moist one. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
• Patience is a Virtue – Especially with Cooling: It’s tempting to frost a cake while it’s still warm, but resist the urge! A warm cake will melt your beautifully prepared butterscotch frosting, creating a messy situation. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before applying any frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Butterscotch Cake

Here are some common questions bakers have about making this delicious butterscotch cake:

Explore More Delicious Cake Recipes!

If you loved this butterscotch cake, you’re in for a treat with these other delightful cake recipes that are just as easy and satisfying to bake:

Have you made this delightful butterscotch cake? Please take a moment to rate the recipe below! Don’t forget to share your baking successes and tag me on Instagram @alpineella and Pinterest! I absolutely love seeing your creations!

Butterscotch Cake

Ella Gilbert

Nutrition