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This image shows a full butterscotch cake resting on a cooling rack, topped with smooth, rich butterscotch frosting. The cake's golden sponge layers are visible beneath the frosting, and the cake is decorated with simple garnishes like mint leaves or fresh berries, giving it an inviting and decadent appearance. Perfectly sliced, this cake is ready for serving.

Butterscotch Cake Recipe

This rich butterscotch cake features layers of moist, buttery sponge infused with sweet butterscotch flavor, topped with a velvety butterscotch frosting. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat, it’s a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cool Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15 people
Calories 545 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Whisk
  • Baking tin
  • Measuring cups and spoon
  • Piping bag

Ingredients
  

frosting

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup butterscotch chips melted and cooled
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp whole milk

Cake

  • 1 ¼ cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup sour cream room temp
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter room temp
  • ¾ cup whole milk room temp
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • 3 large eggs room temp
  • ⅓ tsp baking soda

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda, and set aside.
    This image shows the process of creating the cake batter in a stand mixer. A blend of softened butter, packed dark brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract is being creamed until light and fluffy, while the bowl of dry ingredients sits nearby, ready to be incorporated. The mixer paddle shows the smooth, buttery texture forming, which is the base for a rich butterscotch cake.
  • Cream the butter and dark brown sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy.
  • Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  • Mix in the milk and vanilla until well combined, then scrape the sides of the bowl.
  • Gradually add half of the flour mixture, mixing until combined.
  • Follow with half of the sour cream, then repeat with the remaining flour mixture and sour cream.
    his image shows a mixing bowl filled with creamed butter and sugar as flour, baking soda, and sour cream are gradually added. The ingredients are being mixed together to form a thick and smooth cake batter. The mixer bowl has a spatula resting on the side, demonstrating the careful folding of wet and dry elements to achieve the perfect consistency.
  • Scrape the sides as needed.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared dish, smoothing the top.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    This image shows a greased 9x13-inch baking dish filled with the prepared butterscotch cake batter, placed in a preheated oven at 350°F. The batter is spreading evenly in the pan, and the oven light illuminates the golden top as it begins to rise. The scene captures the cake's baking process as it turns a light brown, signaling it’s almost ready to be tested for doneness.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • For the frosting, melt the butterscotch chips according to the package instructions, and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, whip the butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
    This image shows butterscotch chips being melted and mixed into softened butter to create the frosting. A large mixing bowl sits on the counter, and powdered sugar is gradually being added while the electric mixer whips everything into a smooth, creamy consistency. The mixture is turning into a rich, velvety butterscotch frosting ready to top the cake.
  • Gradually mix in the melted butterscotch chips, then add powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing until combined.
  • Add vanilla and milk, then whip on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
    This image shows a cooled butterscotch cake being generously frosted with a thick layer of smooth butterscotch frosting. A spatula spreads the frosting evenly across the top, creating swirls and peaks. The golden-brown cake peeks out from beneath the frosting as the scene captures the final step before serving.
  • Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
    This image shows a slice of butterscotch cake on a dessert plate, topped with a layer of creamy butterscotch frosting. The moist cake layers are clearly visible, with the frosting spread evenly over the top. Fresh berries or mint leaves are added for garnish, presenting a beautifully served slice ready to be enjoyed.

Notes

  • Try adding a bit of butterscotch extract to the batter and frosting for an extra boost of butterscotch taste.