Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake

Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake is a show-stopping dessert that brings together the deep richness of butterscotch, the luxurious sweetness of caramel, and a perfectly balanced touch of sea salt. Moist, flavorful, and indulgent, this cake is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or anytime you want to impress with a decadent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layers of rich, buttery butterscotch cake and silky salted caramel
• Sweet and salty flavor balance that hits all the right notes
• Great for birthdays, celebrations, or weekend baking projects
• Can be made ahead and assembled easily
• Makes a beautiful centerpiece for any dessert table

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Butterscotch chips (melted and cooled slightly)
• Whole milk or buttermilk
• Sour cream

Salted Caramel Sauce

• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Sea salt

Frosting

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salted caramel sauce (from above)
• A splash of milk or cream (if needed for consistency)

Directions

1. Make the salted caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until it turns a deep amber color. Stir in butter until melted, then slowly whisk in cream. Add sea salt and let cool completely before using.
2. Prepare the cake batter: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and melted butterscotch chips. Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk and sour cream until just combined.
3. Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Make the frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla and salted caramel sauce. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream.
5. Assemble the cake: Layer the cakes with frosting and a drizzle of caramel between each layer. Frost the outside of the cake and drizzle with extra salted caramel. Optional: sprinkle sea salt flakes on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling and assembly time)

Variations

• Cupcakes: Make this recipe as cupcakes by baking for 18–20 minutes.
• Chocolate swirl: Add melted chocolate or cocoa powder to one layer for a marbled effect.
• Nutty twist: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for texture.
• Boozy boost: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel or cake batter for depth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
• Reheating: Individual slices can be microwaved for 10–15 seconds to slightly warm and soften before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the salted caramel in advance?

Yes, you can make it up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight jar in the fridge and reheat slightly before using.

What’s the best way to melt butterscotch chips?

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or melt gently over a double boiler.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

You can, but homemade salted caramel provides a deeper, richer flavor that makes the cake extra special.

What’s the difference between butterscotch and caramel?

Butterscotch is made with brown sugar and butter, while caramel uses white sugar and may include cream. They have different but complementary flavors.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Don’t overbake and be sure to use sour cream and buttermilk, which add moisture and richness.

Can I use this recipe for a layered celebration cake?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive occasion.

How should I decorate the cake?

Drizzle with caramel, sprinkle with sea salt flakes, and add toffee bits or butterscotch chips on top for a decorative touch.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and check that all other ingredients (like chips) are certified gluten-free.

Is this cake very sweet?

It is sweet, but the salt in the caramel helps balance the richness and prevents it from being overly sugary.

Can I use cream cheese frosting instead?

Yes, cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the flavors of butterscotch and caramel for a tangy contrast.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake is the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and indulgent. From its soft, moist layers to the gooey drizzle of caramel on top, every slice delivers comforting flavors and bakery-quality results. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply craving a decadent dessert, this cake is a must-bake masterpiece.

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