Savor the Sweet Indulgence of Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing
Step into a world of rich sweetness with this Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing, a recipe that brings classic comfort and bakery-level indulgence right to your home kitchen. Every bite offers a moist, buttery crumb infused with deep butterscotch flavor, topped with a silky caramel icing that sets into a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth layer.

Whether you're baking for a family gathering or a cozy Sunday treat, this cake delivers warmth and sweetness that make every moment special. Perfect for any celebration, it captures the essence of homemade goodness while offering a flavor that’s both nostalgic and timeless.
The Ultimate Butterscotch Cake Experience
This Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing isn’t just another dessert—it’s a statement of love baked to perfection. The deep, caramelized brown sugar flavor in every slice pairs beautifully with the creamy icing, creating a rich yet balanced sweetness.
Unlike many cakes that lean too sugary, this one achieves harmony with a smooth butterscotch base and a light caramel topping. Every layer is soft, moist, and tender, making it an irresistible treat for anyone who appreciates old-fashioned desserts done right.
If you adore cakes that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen, this is the one for you. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea and makes a stunning addition to any dessert table.
For another nostalgic favorite, you might enjoy trying this Peaches and Cream Cake that’s equally rich and comforting.
Secrets to Perfecting Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing
Creating the perfect Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing is all about balance and patience. Here are a few helpful tips that ensure success every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always start with fresh eggs, butter, and buttermilk for the best texture and flavor.
- Cream Thoroughly: Beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—this step traps air and ensures a soft crumb.
- Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: This helps the batter stay smooth and prevents overmixing, keeping the cake moist.
- Don’t Rush the Icing: Allow the caramel icing to cool slightly before spreading. It should be thick enough to coat but still spreadable.
- Serve at Room Temperature: This cake tastes best when the icing has fully set and the flavors have melded beautifully.
You can also explore a similar comforting dessert like this Cinnamon Zucchini Cake—it’s moist, spiced, and perfect for sharing.

Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Equipment: 2 round 9-inch cake pans, electric mixer, cooling rack, saucepan
This cake will fill your kitchen with the rich aroma of caramel and butter, creating a cozy, irresistible atmosphere.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Caramel Icing:
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the brown sugar and butter together until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix again.
- Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time on low speed, just until incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Batter: Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Beat on low speed until smooth, scraping the sides as needed.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Layers: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Then loosen the edges with a knife and carefully invert onto a wire rack. Allow to cool completely for about 30 minutes.
Make the Caramel Icing
- Cook the Base: In a saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups brown sugar, ¼ cup butter, milk, and flour. Stir constantly and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Thicken the Icing: Boil for 1 minute, stirring to prevent burning. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and vanilla extract.
- Cool Slightly: Let the icing cool until warm and thickened but still spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the caramel icing evenly over the cooled cake layers. Work quickly—this icing sets fast as it cools.
For a delightful morning variation, pair this with a slice of Bundt Cake Breakfast or a comforting Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring.
Enjoy the Butterscotch Bliss
This Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing is more than just dessert—it’s a warm memory wrapped in golden sweetness. The texture is tender, the flavor is nostalgic, and the caramel icing adds a luscious finish that melts beautifully on the tongue.
Every slice feels like a hug from the past, offering that old-fashioned bakery flavor with a modern homemade touch. Whether you serve it for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this cake promises to delight.
If you love rich, classic cakes, try pairing this with a comforting Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding or a slice of Lemon Custard Pudding Cake.
Ready to Relish!
Celebrate life’s sweetest moments with a homemade Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing. It’s a delightful combination of rich flavor, tender crumb, and buttery caramel glaze that satisfies every craving. One bite and you’ll understand why this dessert stands the test of time—warm, simple, and utterly irresistible.
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Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing
This cake will fill your kitchen with the rich aroma of caramel and butter, creating a cozy, irresistible atmosphere.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
2 cups brown sugar
-
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 large eggs
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
1 cup buttermilk
For the Caramel Icing:
-
1 ½ cups brown sugar
-
¼ cup unsalted butter
-
¼ cup milk
-
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
-
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the brown sugar and butter together until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix again.
-
Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time on low speed, just until incorporated.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
-
Mix the Batter: Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Beat on low speed until smooth, scraping the sides as needed.
-
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Cool the Layers: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Then loosen the edges with a knife and carefully invert onto a wire rack. Allow to cool completely for about 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes





