Butterscotch Layer Cake is a moist, buttery cake layered with rich butterscotch frosting and drizzled with homemade butterscotch sauce. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The deep caramel-like flavor of butterscotch paired with fluffy layers and creamy frosting makes this cake irresistible. It’s decadent, beautiful, and surprisingly simple to make from scratch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
- Heavy cream (for sauce and frosting)
- Powdered sugar
- Butterscotch chips (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven and prepare two round cake pans with parchment.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients separately and alternate adding them with buttermilk to the wet mixture.
- Divide batter between pans and bake until golden and set.
- Let cakes cool completely.
- Prepare butterscotch frosting by combining butter, brown sugar, and cream, then beating in powdered sugar.
- Assemble the cake by layering frosting between and over the cooled cakes.
- Drizzle with butterscotch sauce and garnish if desired.
Servings and Timing
Serves 10–12.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour plus cooling
Variations
- Add chopped nuts between layers for texture.
- Use cream cheese in the frosting for a tangier flavor.
- Flavor the cake with a bit of bourbon for depth.
- Garnish with toffee bits or sea salt.
Storage/Reheating
Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving. Individual slices can be microwaved for 10–15 seconds if desired.
FAQs
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the layers a day ahead and frost them the next day.
What’s the difference between caramel and butterscotch?
Butterscotch is made with brown sugar, while caramel uses white sugar.
Can I use store-bought butterscotch sauce?
Yes, though homemade gives a fresher, richer flavor.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Substitute with milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How do I keep my layers even?
Use a scale to divide the batter equally and level them after baking if needed.
Can I make cupcakes with this batter?
Yes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes.
What’s the best frosting tip for decoration?
A star tip works beautifully for piping edges or rosettes.
Should I refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, especially if the frosting contains cream.
Conclusion
Butterscotch Layer Cake is a luxurious dessert that impresses in both taste and presentation. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want to indulge in something rich and special.
Print
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 1 3-layer cake
Description
This butterscotch layer cake is moist, buttery, and layered with a dreamy butterscotch frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for birthdays or special occasions!
Ingredients
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line 3 cake pans.
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Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs one at a time.
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Mix dry ingredients separately and alternate adding them with milk.
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Bake for 25–30 mins. Cool completely.
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Beat frosting ingredients until fluffy. Assemble and frost.
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Top with butterscotch chips or sauce.
Notes
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Chill cake before slicing for neater layers.
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Make it ahead—the flavor gets better!
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins