Butterscotch Cake

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of Butterscotch Cake. With its rich, buttery flavor and sweet, caramel-like essence, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or simply indulging in a weekday dessert, this Butterscotch Cake will surely bring joy to your taste buds. Made with a simple yellow cake mix and instant butterscotch pudding, this recipe is as straightforward as it is scrumptious. Let’s dive in and discover why this cake is a crowd favorite!

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this Butterscotch Cake lies in its simplicity and flavor. Using a yellow cake mix as the base allows for a quick and easy preparation while ensuring a moist and tender crumb. The addition of instant butterscotch pudding not only intensifies the butterscotch flavor but also adds an incredible creaminess to the cake. With just a few ingredients, you can create a bakery-worthy cake that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredient Rundown

• 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix: This serves as the foundation for the cake, providing a fluffy texture and sweet flavor.
• 3.4 ounces instant butterscotch pudding: This adds rich butterscotch flavor and moisture to the cake. You can substitute it with a 1-ounce box of sugar-free pudding if desired.
• 3 large eggs (room temperature): Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s rise and texture.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: This adds moisture and ensures a tender crumb in the cake.
• 1 cup whole milk: The milk brings richness and also aids in achieving the desired consistency of the batter.
• 2 cups unsalted butter (softened): Used for the frosting, it creates a creamy and luscious texture.
• 12 ounces butterscotch: This is used to flavor the frosting, giving it that unmistakable butterscotch taste.
• 5 cups powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the perfect consistency for spreading.
• 3 tablespoons milk (or cream): This is added to the frosting to achieve the desired spreadable consistency.
• Additional butterscotch for decorating (optional): A drizzle of butterscotch adds a beautiful finishing touch.
• Butterscotch chips for decorating (optional): These can be sprinkled on top for added texture and flavor.

Equipment at a Glance

• Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
• Hand or stand mixer: To beat the batter and frosting until fluffy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect for baking the cake.
• Spatula: For spreading the frosting smoothly.

From Start to Finish: Butterscotch Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant butterscotch pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and whole milk. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed until the batter is well blended and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Then, add the butterscotch and 3 tablespoons of milk (or cream) and beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, use a spatula to spread the butterscotch frosting evenly over the top of the cake. If desired, drizzle additional butterscotch and sprinkle butterscotch chips on top for decoration.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy this delightful Butterscotch Cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat!

Seasonal Twists

• Fall Spice Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Top the frosted cake with a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent combination.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cake batter for added crunch.
• Fruit Layer: Add a layer of sliced bananas or apples between the cake and frosting for a fruity surprise.

Mistakes That Ruin Butterscotch Cake

• Not using room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can result in a dense texture.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined.
• Skipping the cooling step: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
• Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking supplies, especially the cake mix and pudding.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can make this Butterscotch Cake ahead of time. Bake the cake and let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, frost the cake and enjoy!

Quick Q&A

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of pudding mix, such as vanilla or chocolate, to create unique variations of this cake.

How can I make the frosting creamier?

If you want a creamier frosting, add an extra tablespoon of milk or cream to the frosting mixture and beat until smooth.

Can I freeze the Butterscotch Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

What should I do if the cake is too dry?

If your cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking. To keep it moist, ensure you check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.

Next Steps

Now that you have the perfect recipe for Butterscotch Cake, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Remember to enjoy the process and get creative with your decorations. Whether you share this cake with friends or savor it all to yourself, this Butterscotch Cake is bound to be a hit. Happy baking!