Crunchy Butterscotch Cake

Category: Sweet Treats and Baked Delights

Moist butterscotch cake with creamy layers and a crunchy topping. Ready in 70 mins. Serves 12, great for gatherings.
Mena
Updated on Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:53:01 GMT
Crunchy Butterscotch Cake Save
Crunchy Butterscotch Cake | delishdocket.com

A mouthwatering mix of velvety butterscotch and crispy add-ons, this Butterscotch Crunch Cake offers multiple levels of luxurious taste with each mouthful. The soft, damp cake portions, soaked with liquified butterscotch morsels, pair perfectly with smooth frosting and an amazingly crunchy finish of sugar-coated nuts and pretzels.

Throughout my cake-making journey, this mix stood out as something different. The moment I sprinkled that pretzel crunch on top, I realized I'd created something truly exceptional.

Complete Ingredients Breakdown

  • Butterscotch Chips: Pick premium brands for smoother melting
  • Buttermilk: Gives you a softer, juicier cake structure
  • Pecans: Always go with new nuts for maximum crunch
  • Pretzels: Bring a nice salty kick against the sweetness
  • Butter: Go with unsalted to better manage the flavor
  • Heavy Cream: Creates an ultra-smooth frosting texture

Baking Success Steps

Stack Carefully:
Put cakes together flat for a good-looking result.
Perfect Your Frosting:
Mix until it's super airy and smooth.
Make It Crunchy:
Brown toppings until they smell amazing.
Build Properly:
Spread lots of frosting between each layer.
Top It Off:
Lightly push toppings into the frosting.
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Butterscotch Crunch Cake Recipe | delishdocket.com

The pastry expert who taught me always said, 'It's all about when you do things.' After making tons of cakes, I've found this advice works especially well with butterscotch.

Tasty Serving Ideas

Try it slightly cool with a cup of coffee or glass of milk. For fancy events, pour some warm butterscotch sauce over the top.

Fun Twists To Try

Switch things up by using different nuts, mixing in bits of toffee, or adding some salty caramel drizzle.

Keeping It Fresh

Keep it in the fridge with a cover for about five days. Warm it up a bit before you eat it.

As I've worked on this cake over the years, I've learned that getting everything just right makes all the difference. When you nail each part, you end up with a cake that makes any party better.

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Close-up Butterscotch Crunch Cake | delishdocket.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Why is my cake dry?
Make sure to start with room temperature ingredients. Mix just until combined, and avoid overbaking at all costs.
→ Can I prep this in advance?
Sure! You can refrigerate the baked cake layers a day early. Frost them fresh or store separately for up to 2 days.
→ Is freezing an option?
Yes! Wrap the unfrosted layers tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw completely before decorating. Always make the topping fresh.
→ What if I can't find butterscotch chips?
You can swap in white chocolate chips with a little butterscotch extract. You'll get a similar result!
→ Why chill it before serving?
Chilling allows the frosting to set, helping you make neat, tidy slices.

Crunchy Butterscotch Cake

Soft butterscotch cake stacked with smooth filling and finished off with a pecan and pretzel crunch.

Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
70 min
By: Mena

Category: Desserts & Baking

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake

01 1 cup buttermilk
02 1 cup butterscotch chips, melted
03 2½ cups all-purpose flour
04 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 3 large eggs
07 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 2 teaspoons baking powder
09 1½ cups granulated sugar
10 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Butterscotch Frosting

11 3 cups powdered sugar
12 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 1/4 cup butterscotch sauce
14 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 2 tablespoons heavy cream

→ Crunchy Topping

16 1/4 cup brown sugar
17 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
18 1/2 cup chopped pecans
19 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F. Coat two 9-inch cake pans with grease and add a dusting of flour.

Step 02

Start by creaming sugar and butter until fluffy. Drop in eggs, one by one, then blend in melted butterscotch and vanilla. Mix your dry ingredients in a separate bowl and alternate adding them and buttermilk to the butter mix.

Step 03

Pour the batter evenly into the pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool for 10 minutes in pans, then flip onto racks to cool fully.

Step 04

Cream the butter until smooth. Toss in powdered sugar, butterscotch sauce, cream, and vanilla. Mix everything together until it's nice and airy.

Step 05

Combine pecans, crushed pretzels, brown sugar, and melted butter. Spread the mix on a baking tray, then bake for 8–10 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely.

Step 06

Layer the cakes with frosting in between. Cover the outside in frosting and sprinkle the topping over the cake. Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  1. Wait until cakes are completely cool before adding frosting
  2. You can bake the layers a day in advance
  3. Add a small pinch of salt to the frosting for extra flavor

Required Tools

  • Two 9-inch round pans
  • Mixer (electric)
  • Wire racks
  • Baking tray

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy
  • Includes eggs
  • Contains pecans (tree nuts)
  • Made with wheat

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbs: 65 g
  • Proteins: 6 g