Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake Recipe

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a cake that perfectly balances sweet, buttery richness with just the right touch of salt, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake. Imagine moist, tender layers infused with creamy butterscotch and studded with toasted pecans, all wrapped in a luscious browned butter frosting that’s drizzled with golden salted caramel sauce. Each bite is a heavenly blend of flavors and textures that will have you savoring every crumb. This cake is the ultimate treat to impress guests at a celebration or to pamper yourself on any special day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you. Each component is simple but vital, working together to create the rich taste, beautiful texture, and irresistible color of this cake. From the toasted pecans that add crunch to the browned butter that brings depth to the frosting, every ingredient has a star role.

• Pecans (2 cups, toasted & divided): Adds a crunchy nutty contrast that brightens each bite and complements the sweetness perfectly.
• White Cake Mix (1 box, 15 oz): The easy, fluffy base that ensures a tender crumb without fuss.
• Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix (1 pkg, 3.4 oz): Infuses that unmistakable smooth, buttery butterscotch flavor and moisture.
• Light Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): Gives a touch of deep caramel notes that marry beautifully with the butterscotch.
• Butterscotch Chips (½ cup, 5 oz): Melted right into the batter for an extra burst of creamy, buttery sweetness.
• Eggs (3 large): Provides structure and richness, helping to hold the cake together with a silky texture.
• Buttermilk (1 cup, 236ml): Adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness and keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Vegetable Oil (½ cup, 118ml): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and fluffy, locking in all those flavors.
• Sour Cream (¾ cup, 180g): Creates a soft crumb while contributing a hint of tang to balance the sweet elements.
• Bourbon (2 tablespoons, 30ml, optional): Lends a sophisticated warmth and complexity, though it’s just as delightful without it.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, 5ml): Enhances every flavor, rounding out the sweetness with its delicate fragrance.
• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, 113g, browned): The secret ingredient in the frosting — nutty, caramelized, and utterly luxurious.
• Unsalted Butter (1 ½ cups, 339g, room temperature): The creamy base of the frosting that makes spreading a dream.
• Powdered Sugar (7 cups, 911g): Sweetens and fluffs the frosting to the perfect consistency for layering and decorating.
• Vanilla Extract (1–2 teaspoons, 10ml): Adds warmth and depth to the frosting, harmonizing perfectly with the brown butter.
• Heavy Whipping Cream (1 tablespoon, 15ml) or Bourbon: Loosens the frosting just enough, making it smooth and easy to work with.
• Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance sweetness and highlight that divine caramel flavor.
• Salted Caramel Sauce (½ cup): The crowning glory drizzled over the cake, combining sweet and savory in every luscious drop.

How to Make Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides—a simple trick to ensure your layers come out perfectly. Toast your pecans on a baking sheet for about 5 to 8 minutes until fragrant and golden, then let them cool before chopping. Toasting amplifies their natural nutty flavor and crunch that will elevate the cake.

Step 2: Melt the Butterscotch Chips

Place the butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly; this step adds luscious buttery pockets of flavor straight into the batter.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, instant butterscotch pudding mix, and light brown sugar for a well-blended dry base. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, sour cream, bourbon (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix on low until everything is combined. Slowly fold in the melted butterscotch chips and toasted pecans; your batter should be smooth and positively inviting.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 21 to 25 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the layers cool completely before frosting. This ensures clean slicing and a flawless finish.

Step 5: Make the Brown Butter Frosting

Brown ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns amber and smells nutty. Let it cool until spreadable but not hard. In a stand mixer, beat the remaining butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, browned butter, vanilla, cream or bourbon, and salt. Continue mixing until your frosting is light, airy, and irresistibly smooth.

Step 6: Assemble Your Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake

Level your cooled cake layers by trimming off the domes for even stacking. Spread a generous layer of frosting on the first tier, piping a ring around the edges to trap more frosting in the center. Repeat with the second layer. Place the final layer inverted (bottom side up) and apply a thin crumb coat. Chill the cake to firm it up, then finish with a smooth outer layer of frosting.

Step 7: Finish Decorating

Press toasted pecans along the cake’s bottom edge for a gorgeous decorative touch that adds crunch. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce luxuriously over the top right before serving to bring that sweet-salty magic to the forefront.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra toasted pecans or a few butterscotch chips atop the cake adds texture and visual appeal. For an elegant touch, add edible gold leaf or a few sea salt flakes on the caramel drizzle to highlight the salty-sweet contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a scoop of salted caramel gelato for those wanting an extra caramel kick. A hot cup of coffee or robust black tea also complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice into generous wedges on rustic wooden platters, add small piped dollops of frosting alongside, or serve mini individual versions in pretty ramekins topped with a caramel drizzle. For a party, layer small cake pieces in transparent jars with frosting layers and salted caramel ribbons to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, with each slice continuing to develop those delicious flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frosted cakes can be carefully wrapped and frozen too, but it’s best to thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to keep the frosting’s texture perfect.

Reheating

This cake is meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. To revive any chilled cake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture of the frosting and cake layers.

FAQs

Can I make this cake nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans or swap them with shredded coconut or chocolate chips to maintain texture and flavor without the nuts.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Is bourbon essential?

Bourbon adds a lovely depth and warmth, but you can leave it out or replace it with extra vanilla extract or a splash of rum extract for a non-alcoholic option with great flavor.

How do I brown butter without burning it?

Use medium heat and stir frequently. Once the butter foams and turns a deep amber color with a nutty aroma, remove it from heat immediately and cool slightly before using it.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Definitely! Homemade salted caramel sauce works beautifully and adds a personal touch. Just ensure it’s thick enough to drizzle but not too runny.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake is like giving yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share it) a little piece of dessert heaven. The combination of sweet butterscotch, rich browned butter frosting, crunchy pecans, and that perfectly salted caramel drizzle creates a multi-layered experience you’ll want to savor again and again. Trust me, once you make this cake, it’ll quickly become one of your absolute favorites to bake and share. So grab your ingredients and let the magic begin!

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