Incredible Butterscotch Cake Recipe
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.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Milk: Pour in the whole milk and blend until the mixture is fully integrated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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