Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing

If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or simply indulge in a delicious homemade dessert, this Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing is the perfect choice. Combining rich butterscotch flavor with a luscious caramel icing, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Follow this easy recipe to create a moist, flavorful cake topped with a smooth and decadent caramel icing.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 Cups Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Butter
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 Large Eggs
• 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Cup Buttermilk

For the Caramel Icing:

• 1 1/2 Cups Brown Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
• 1/4 Cup Butter (plus 2 tablespoons for later)
• 1/4 Cup Milk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans or line them with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy.
• Add the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, then scrape down the bowl by hand.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans before frosting.

2. Make the Caramel Icing:

• In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, flour, and 1/4 cup butter. Add the milk and cook over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Let it boil for a solid minute (or until it reaches 238 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer).
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and the additional 2 tablespoons of butter. Cool the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to spread. The icing should be warm but not hot when you apply it to the cake.
• Frost the cooled cake with the caramel icing, spreading it quickly before it sets. The icing will form a thin layer over the cake.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Room Temperature: Serve the cake at room temperature to fully enjoy the rich flavors of the butterscotch and caramel icing. If the cake has been refrigerated, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to bring it back to a more pleasant texture.
• Portioning: Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into clean slices. For a more elegant presentation, you can garnish each slice with a sprinkle of sea salt or a few extra caramel drizzle swirls.

Storage Tips:

• Short-Term Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the cake’s moistness and the caramel icing’s texture.
• Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Ensure the cake is well-covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors.
• Freezing: If you need to store the cake for an extended period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Following these tips will help you keep your Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing fresh and delicious, ensuring that every slice is as enjoyable as the first!

Variations:

1. Nutty Butterscotch Cake: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.

2. Chocolate Butterscotch Cake: Mix 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder into the dry ingredients to give the cake a chocolatey twist. You can also add chocolate chips to the batter for added richness.

3. Spice-Infused Cake: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, or a pinch of ground cloves into the dry ingredients to give the cake a spiced, autumnal flavor.

4. Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace the caramel icing with a cream cheese frosting. Mix 8 oz. of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a tangy contrast to the sweet butterscotch flavor.

5. Maple Caramel Icing: Swap out the brown sugar in the caramel icing for pure maple syrup to infuse the icing with a distinct maple flavor. Adjust the amount of milk as needed for consistency.

6. Coconut Butterscotch Cake: Add 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical touch. You can also sprinkle some coconut on top of the caramel icing for added texture.

7. Pumpkin Spice Butterscotch Cake: For a seasonal twist, mix in 1 cup of canned pumpkin and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the batter. This will create a moist, flavorful cake with a hint of fall.

8. Almond Butterscotch Cake: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of almond extract into the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the caramel icing for a nutty, aromatic flavor.

9. Berry Butterscotch Cake: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) into the batter for a fruity addition. The tartness of the berries pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the butterscotch.

10. Layered Butterscotch Cake: For a more indulgent version, bake the cake in three 8-inch round pans and layer with a combination of caramel icing and whipped cream or butterscotch pudding between the layers.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to make your Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing uniquely yours!

FAQs:

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter in the cake? Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter. However, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture, so the taste and texture of the cake may vary slightly.

2. How can I make the caramel icing thicker? If your caramel icing is too thin, let it cool a bit longer and stir it occasionally until it thickens. You can also add a little more powdered sugar to help thicken it.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Bake and cool the cake completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Frost just before serving.

4. How should I store leftover cake? Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

5. Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. It’s best to freeze the cake without the frosting and add the caramel icing after thawing.

6. What can I use instead of buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with a mixture of 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

7. How can I avoid a dense cake? To avoid a dense cake, make sure not to overmix the batter and measure your flour correctly. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour, or weigh it if possible.

8. Can I make mini butterscotch cakes or cupcakes? Yes, you can make mini cakes or cupcakes using the same batter. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. What should I do if my caramel icing crystallizes? If your caramel icing crystallizes, you can try reheating it gently while stirring. If that doesn’t help, adding a little more cream and stirring can help restore a smooth texture.

10. Can I add nuts to the cake batter? Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor. Fold them in gently before baking.

Feel free to explore these FAQs to make your Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing a perfect treat for any occasion!