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Incredible Butterscotch Cake Recipe

4.5 from 79 reviews

This Incredible Butterscotch Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring a tender cake base enhanced by rich dark brown sugar and buttery butterscotch chips. Finished with a luscious, creamy butterscotch frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations or satisfying any sweet tooth craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 2½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon + ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • 1½ cups dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1¼ cups whole milk
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips

Frosting

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 5 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Pan and Oven: Grease a sheet pan (or a 9×13 inch baking dish) thoroughly using baking spray, covering the bottom and sides. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later incorporation.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and canola oil. Beat this mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until it is light in color and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth.
  5. Add Milk: Pour in the whole milk and blend until the mixture is fully integrated.
  6. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense cake texture.
  7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. For a thinner sheet cake, bake for 15 to 20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick. For a thicker cake in a 9×13 inch pan, bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it onto a wire cooling rack. Let it cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting does not melt.
  9. Prepare Butterscotch Frosting: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butterscotch chips with 2 tablespoons of butter. Start with 1 minute on medium heat, then continue melting in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent burning.
  10. Mix Frosting Ingredients: Transfer the melted butterscotch and butter mixture into a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Alternate adding the powdered sugar and milk, blending thoroughly after each addition until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  11. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the butterscotch frosting evenly over the surface. Slice and serve as desired.

Notes

  • Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a light, fluffy cake texture.
  • Use whole milk for best flavor and texture in the cake.
  • Monitor the frosting carefully while melting to avoid burning the butterscotch chips.
  • This cake is delicious served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: butterscotch cake, butterscotch frosting, brown sugar cake, rich butterscotch dessert, easy baked cake