Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that brings together the deep, buttery flavor of butterscotch with the sweet-salty balance of salted caramel. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you’re craving something decadent, this cake layers moist sponge, silky butterscotch frosting, and a luscious caramel drizzle for the ultimate treat.

ingredients

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

flour
unsalted butter
brown sugar
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
baking powder
baking soda
salt
buttermilk
heavy cream
caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
butterscotch chips
powdered sugar
sea salt flakes (for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.

In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.

Fold in melted butterscotch chips to the batter for added richness.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

To make the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in butterscotch sauce and a splash of heavy cream until fluffy.

Stack the cake layers with butterscotch frosting between each, then frost the outside.

Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top and allow it to drip down the sides.

Sprinkle with sea salt flakes just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields one 3-layer 8-inch cake (12-14 slices).
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling and frosting time: 45–60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes–2 hours

Variations

Add chopped toffee bits between layers for extra crunch.
Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
Try a cream cheese caramel frosting for a tangy twist.
Make it a poke cake by pouring caramel sauce into holes in the cake before frosting.

storage/reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap slices individually and store for up to 2 months.
Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving to enhance the caramel flavor.

FAQs

What’s the difference between butterscotch and caramel?
Butterscotch is made with brown sugar and butter, while caramel uses white sugar, giving each a distinct flavor.

Can I make the cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and frost the next day.

Is homemade caramel better than store-bought?
Homemade caramel offers a richer flavor, but high-quality store-bought works well too.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking.

Can I skip the salt on top?
Absolutely, but the salt enhances the sweetness and adds contrast.

Why did my caramel drip too much?
It may have been too warm—let it cool slightly before drizzling.

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly to balance the flavors.

What kind of butterscotch chips should I use?
Use high-quality chips for the best melt and flavor.

How do I get clean cake slices?
Wipe the knife clean between cuts and chill the cake slightly before slicing.

Is this cake kid-friendly?
Yes! The flavors are rich but sweet enough to appeal to all ages.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake is a luxurious dessert that delivers layers of complex flavor with every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a special event or simply to satisfy a craving, this cake is guaranteed to impress and indulge. With its moist texture, rich frosting, and caramel drizzle, it’s sure to become a favorite for cake lovers everywhere.