Best Butterscotch Cake
This Best Butterscotch Cake is a showstopper that combines rich flavors with a delightful texture. Perfect for celebrations or just a sweet treat at home, this cake features moist brown sugar layers and a creamy butterscotch buttercream frosting. Its unique homemade butterscotch sauce adds an irresistible depth that will leave everyone craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of dark brown sugar and butterscotch creates a rich taste that delights the palate.
- Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual gathering, this cake fits perfectly into any event.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve professional results.
- Moist Texture: Thanks to the sour cream and buttermilk, every slice is tender and flavorful.
- Beautiful Presentation: The layers of butterscotch buttercream make this cake visually stunning as well.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking the Best Butterscotch Cake, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Electric mixer
- Baking pans
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool ensures your batter is mixed thoroughly, achieving the perfect consistency for your cake.
- Baking pans: Using quality pans helps in even baking, preventing any burnt edges or undercooked centers.

Ingredients
This butterscotch cake is made with moist and tender brown sugar cake layers, homemade butterscotch sauce, and topped and filled with butterscotch buttercream.
For the Cake
- 150 g Butter
- 1 1/2 cups Dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 4 Eggs
- 2 tsp Vinegar
- 1/3 cup Sour cream
- 1/4 cup Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3 cups Flour
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 cup Buttermilk
For the Butterscotch Buttercream
- 115 g Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 3/4 cup Heavy cream
- 1 1/3 cup Dark brown sugar
- 350 g Butter (soften)
- 4 1/2 cups Powder sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp Milk
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup Butterscotch sauce
How to Make Best Butterscotch Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pans to ensure easy release after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in vinegar, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with buttermilk until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans:
– Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
– Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 4: Make Butterscotch Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat:
– Combine heavy cream and dark brown sugar.
– Stir until dissolved and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
– Remove from heat; let it cool slightly before using.
Step 5: Prepare Butterscotch Buttercream
In a large bowl:
1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Pour in cooled butterscotch sauce along with milk, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix until fluffy.
Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
Once cooled:
– Place one layer of cake on a serving plate.
– Spread a layer of butterscotch buttercream over it.
– Top with the second layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Enjoy this delightful Best Butterscotch Cake as a delicious centerpiece for any gathering!
How to Serve Best Butterscotch Cake
This decadent butterscotch cake is perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your butterscotch cake experience.
Classic Slice
- Serve a generous slice of butterscotch cake on its own for a simple yet satisfying treat.
A La Mode
- Top a slice with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair the cake with fresh berries or sliced bananas to add a refreshing element and balance the sweetness.
Drizzle with Extra Sauce
- Add more homemade butterscotch sauce on top for an indulgent finish that elevates each bite.
Coffee Companion
- Enjoy your slice with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, enhancing the rich flavors of the cake.
How to Perfect Best Butterscotch Cake
To achieve the best results when making your butterscotch cake, consider these helpful tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better blending and a smoother batter.
- Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to maintain the right texture and moisture levels in your cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough layers.
- Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when done baking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures even spreading of buttercream.
Best Side Dishes for Best Butterscotch Cake
While this butterscotch cake is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a lovely texture that balances the richness of the cake.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and acidity that contrasts beautifully with sweet butterscotch flavors.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over the cake adds an extra layer of decadence that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Caramelized Nuts: Crunchy caramelized nuts like pecans or walnuts bring texture and nutty flavor to round out each bite.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of soft cheeses pairs well with sweet desserts, creating an interesting flavor combination.
- Tea Selection: Offer various teas such as chamomile or Earl Grey to cleanse the palate between bites of rich cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Best Butterscotch Cake can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common pitfalls is essential for achieving perfection.
- Boldly measuring ingredients: Improper measurements can ruin your cake. Always use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially with flour and sugar.
- Not checking oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your cake bakes perfectly.
- Skipping the room temperature step: Using cold ingredients can affect the batter’s texture. Make sure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create a dense cake instead of a light one. Mix until just combined for the best results.
- Ignoring cooling times: Removing the cake from the pan too soon can cause it to break. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover slices in an airtight container.
- The cake will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Best Butterscotch Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Best Butterscotch Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat slices on low power for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Best Butterscotch Cake.
How do I make homemade butterscotch sauce?
To make homemade butterscotch sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add dark brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Let it simmer until thickened.
Can I substitute other sugars in the Best Butterscotch Cake?
You can experiment with light brown sugar or coconut sugar, but this may alter the flavor and color of your cake slightly.
How can I make this cake dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free sour cream alternatives like coconut yogurt for a delicious dairy-free version of the Best Butterscotch Cake.
What should I serve with the Best Butterscotch Cake?
It pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Fresh fruit like bananas or apples also complements its rich flavor nicely.
Final Thoughts
The Best Butterscotch Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different frostings or even add nuts for extra crunch. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Best Butterscotch Cake
Indulge in the Best Butterscotch Cake, a delightful combination of rich flavors and moist textures that will wow your guests at any celebration or serve as a perfect sweet treat at home. This cake features layers of tender brown sugar cake complemented by a luscious homemade butterscotch buttercream frosting. With its irresistible depth of flavor and beautiful presentation, this cake not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on any dessert table.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 150 g Butter
- 1 1/2 cups Dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 4 Eggs
- 2 tsp Vinegar
- 1/3 cup Sour cream
- 1/4 cup Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3 cups Flour
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 115 g Butter (for buttercream)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt (for buttercream)
- 3/4 cup Heavy cream (for buttercream)
- 1 1/3 cup Dark brown sugar (for buttercream)
- 350 g Butter (soften, for buttercream)
- 4 1/2 cups Powder sugar (for buttercream)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- 4 tbsp Milk (for buttercream)
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt (for buttercream)
- 1/4 cup Butterscotch sauce (for buttercream)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pans.
- In a bowl, cream together softened butter and dark brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vinegar, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with buttermilk until smooth.
- Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the buttercream, beat softened butter before gradually adding powdered sugar. Mix in cooled butterscotch sauce and milk until fluffy.
- Once cakes are cooled, layer with buttercream between layers and frost the top and sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
