If you love butterscotch desserts with a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, this Butterscotch Crunch Cake is a must-try! Made with layers of soft, buttery cake, rich butterscotch frosting, and a delicious crunchy topping, this crunch cake recipe delivers the ultimate dessert experience. Whether you’re looking for a unique butterscotch cake, a fun butterscotch recipe, or a dessert inspired by foods around the world, this cake will be a showstopper at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Buttery Flavor – A perfect balance of caramelized butterscotch and crunchy topping.
- Unique Texture – Moist cake meets a crispy topping for a delightful contrast.
- Easy to Make – No complicated techniques, just delicious results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday, a party, or a family gathering, this cake impresses every time.
- Inspired by Cultural Foods – Butterscotch is enjoyed in many foods around the world, making this a truly special dessert.
Ingredients Needed
For the Butterscotch Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Butterscotch Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crunch Topping:
- ½ cup crushed butterscotch candies
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make this butterscotch crunch cake, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Cake pans (two 9-inch round or one 9×13-inch pan)
- Saucepan
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Butterscotch Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
2. Make the Butterscotch Frosting
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add brown sugar and salt. Stir for 2 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a light boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Once cooled, beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Let the frosting cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
3. Prepare the Crunch Topping
In a bowl, mix together crushed butterscotch candies, chopped nuts, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of butterscotch frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. Sprinkle the crunch topping over the cake for added texture and flavor.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Slice and serve this butterscotch cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for the Best Butterscotch Crunch Cake
- Use fresh buttermilk – It keeps the cake extra moist.
- Crush the butterscotch candies finely – This ensures even crunch throughout the cake.
- Let the frosting cool slightly – It thickens as it cools, making it easier to spread.
- For extra flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the crunch topping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter – This can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Skipping the cooling step – If the cake is too warm, the frosting will melt.
- Not crushing the candy enough – Large chunks may be too hard to bite into.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
For a stunning dessert:
- Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Decorate with butterscotch drizzle for an elegant look.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Variations and Recipe Swaps
- Pineapple Crunch Cake – Add crushed pineapple to the cake batter for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Butterscotch Cake – Swirl melted dark chocolate into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Checkerboard Cake – Create a checkerboard pattern inside using vanilla and butterscotch layers, similar to checkerboard cookies.
- Nut-Free Version – Skip the pecans and add crushed graham crackers for crunch.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
- Reheating: Warm a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds for a gooey texture.
What to Serve with Butterscotch Crunch Cake
This cake pairs well with:
- Caramel latte – Complements the butterscotch flavor.
- Whipped cream & berries – Adds freshness and balance.
- Toasted almonds – A crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought butterscotch sauce?
Yes! If short on time, use store-bought sauce for the frosting.
2. How do I make this cake gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day ahead and frost before serving.
4. How do I make the frosting thicker?
Add more powdered sugar or let it cool longer to thicken naturally.
Conclusion
This Butterscotch Crunch Cake is the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re craving butterscotch desserts, looking for a crunch cake recipe, or want to explore cultural foods with a delicious butterscotch recipe, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Try it out and let us know how you like it! If you loved this recipe, share it and subscribe for more butterscotch cake and dessert recipes.
Butterscotch Crunch Cake : A Sweet Dessert
If you love butterscotch desserts with a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, this Butterscotch Crunch Cake is a must-try!
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Cake pans (two 9-inch round or one 9×13-inch pan)
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- For the Butterscotch Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- For the Butterscotch Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Crunch Topping:
- ½ cup crushed butterscotch candies
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Prepare the Butterscotch Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
- Make the Butterscotch Frosting
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add brown sugar and salt. Stir for 2 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a light boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Once cooled, beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Let the frosting cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Prepare the Crunch Topping
- In a bowl, mix together crushed butterscotch candies, chopped nuts, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of butterscotch frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. Sprinkle the crunch topping over the cake for added texture and flavor.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice and serve this butterscotch cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Use fresh buttermilk – It keeps the cake extra moist.
Crush the butterscotch candies finely – This ensures even crunch throughout the cake.
Let the frosting cool slightly – It thickens as it cools, making it easier to spread.
For extra flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the crunch topping.