Decadent Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake Recipe

Sweet & Salty Butterscotch Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Flavor Marriage

Sweet aromas of butter and caramel dance through kitchens when making this decadent salted caramel butterscotch cake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich layers of soft cake mingle with sultry caramel notes and delicate salt crystals.

Butterscotch brings depth and complexity to every delectable bite.

Warm golden tones hint at the luxurious experience awaiting you.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and elegance.

The balanced blend of sweet and salty creates a memorable dessert that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible cake that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 13

All You Need For Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the essential structure and tender crumb for the cake's foundation.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
For Moisture and Flavor:
  • Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and contributes to the cake's soft texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the cake.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, complex depth to the cake's flavor profile.
  • Butterscotch Sauce: Infuses the cake with a luxurious, sweet-and-salty caramel essence.
  • Milk: Ensures a moist, tender cake with smooth consistency.
For Final Touch:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cake from sticking and ensures easy removal from pans.

Baking Tools For Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake

  • Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing cake batter smoothly.
  • Mixing Bowls: Large bowl for mixing dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients.
  • Cake Pans (8-inch, round): Three pans needed for layering the cake.
  • Parchment Paper: Critical for lining cake pans and preventing cake from sticking.
  • Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients evenly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure cake success.
  • Toothpick or Cake Tester: Helps check cake doneness by testing for clean insertion.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows cake layers to cool evenly after baking.

Steps To Bake Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake

  • Prepare Baking Station

Grab your baking gear and set up the oven at a toasty 350 degrees. Coat three cake pans with a light butter layer and line with parchment paper.

  • Create Dry Mix

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl until perfectly blended.

  • Whip Butter Base

Using an electric mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and light, almost cloud-like.

  • Build Cake Foundation

Gently fold in eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla extract and a swirl of butterscotch sauce. Mix until everything looks smooth and consistent.

  • Combine Ingredients

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two. Stir carefully to keep the batter silky and prevent overmixing.

  • Bake and Cool

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Slide into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cakes cool completely before adding frosting.

Flavor Ideas For Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake

  • Caramel Sauce Tip: Always stir caramel sauce constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown color.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Bake cake layers up to two days in advance and store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature to save time on event day.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Replace butter with dairy-free margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk for a lactose-free version.
  • Frosting Flexibility: Transform the cake by experimenting with different frosting styles like naked cake design or adding chopped pecans between layers for extra crunch and texture.

Serving Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake Sweet And Smooth

  • Sweet Companion Pairings: Serve this decadent salted caramel butterscotch cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to enhance its rich, buttery flavors.
  • Beverage Harmony: Complement the cake's sweet and caramel notes with a warm cup of dark roast coffee or a smooth butterscotch-infused hot toddy for an indulgent dessert experience.
  • Elegant Presentation: Garnish each slice with a drizzle of extra butterscotch sauce, a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, and a few caramelized pecans to add texture and elevate the cake's visual appeal and taste profile.
  • Seasonal Twist: During holiday gatherings, pair this cake with a scoop of cinnamon or maple walnut ice cream to create a festive dessert that will delight guests and showcase the cake's versatile flavor.

Best Storage For Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake

  • Smart Storage Strategy: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture loss.
  • Refrigeration Wisdom: When topped with frosting, store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to maintain texture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Freezing Finesse: Wrap individual cake layers or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to retain moisture and flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake layers in advance and store them wrapped at room temperature for 24 hours or refrigerated for 2-3 days. This technique helps develop deeper, richer butterscotch and caramel notes, enhancing the overall taste experience.
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Decadent Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake Recipe

Decadent Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Indulgent salted caramel butterscotch cake blends rich flavors of deep brown sugar and smooth caramel. Layers of moist cake combine with silky frosting, creating a dessert that delights sweet seekers with its complex, balanced profile.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (330 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) butterscotch sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 ½ tsps baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (85 grams) butterscotch chips, melted
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) salted caramel sauce, for drizzling
  • Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and meticulously prepare cake pans by brushing with butter and lining with parchment paper to guarantee effortless cake release.
  2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly blended, creating a foundational powder mixture for the cake’s structure.
  3. Butter Transformation: Utilize an electric mixer to cream butter and brown sugar, whipping the combination until it achieves a light, fluffy consistency with a pale golden hue.
  4. Wet Ingredient Integration: Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring complete blending after each addition. Introduce vanilla extract and butterscotch sauce, mixing until the batter becomes silky and homogeneous.
  5. Batter Harmonization: Delicately fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Maintain a gentle technique to preserve the batter’s smooth texture, avoiding overmixing which could compromise the cake’s delicate structure.
  6. Baking Performance: Evenly distribute batter across prepared pans and transfer to preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, confirming doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – a clean removal indicates perfect baking.
  7. Cooling Finale: Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack, creating an ideal surface for frosting application and ensuring a professional, polished presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Cake Sticking: Use parchment paper and butter generously to ensure easy cake removal and perfect layer separation.
  • Mix Ingredients Carefully: Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light, tender cake texture; blend just until ingredients are combined.
  • Temperature Control: Let ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk reach room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more uniform batter.
  • Check Doneness Accurately: Use the toothpick test for precise baking; a clean toothpick indicates the cake is fully baked without being dry.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 48 g
  • Sodium: 270 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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