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Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting

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This Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Frosting is a rich, moist dessert layered with buttery butterscotch flavor and topped with a creamy, homemade caramel frosting—perfect for any celebration or cozy treat.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • For the cake:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • For the caramel frosting:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
  • 2 1/2–3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
  4. Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Stir in boiling water until smooth.
  5. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
  6. To make frosting: Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until golden. Carefully whisk in cream and butter until smooth.
  7. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt, and let cool slightly.
  8. Beat in powdered sugar until thick and spreadable. Add a splash of cream if needed to loosen.
  9. Frost the cooled cake layers generously, allowing caramel to drip slightly over the sides if desired.

Notes

  • Add butterscotch chips or toffee bits between layers for texture.
  • Sprinkle sea salt on top for a salted caramel version.
  • Incorporate chopped nuts into the batter for added crunch.
  • Top with caramel drizzle and crushed candies for decoration.
  • Bake in a bundt pan and use the frosting as a glaze for variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/butterscotch-cake-with-caramel-frosting/