Butterscotch Crunch Cake

Featured in Decadent Desserts.

Rich butterscotch layer cake with creamy frosting and crunchy pecan-pretzel topping. Takes about 70 minutes total. Makes 12 servings. Perfect for parties.
Sarah
Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:23:49 GMT
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A decadent combination of rich butterscotch and crunchy toppings, this Butterscotch Crunch Cake delivers layers of indulgent flavor in every bite. The moist cake layers, infused with melted butterscotch chips, are complemented by creamy frosting and a delightfully crunchy topping of caramelized nuts and pretzels.

During my years of cake development, this combination emerged as a unique favorite. The first time I added the pretzel crunch topping, I knew I'd discovered something special.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Butterscotch Chips: Use quality chips for best melting
  • Buttermilk: Creates tender, moist cake texture
  • Pecans: Fresh nuts provide optimal crunch
  • Pretzels: Add salty contrast to sweetness
  • Butter: Unsalted allows better flavor control
  • Heavy Cream: Makes silky smooth frosting

Creating Cake Magic

Layer With Care:
Stack cakes evenly for beautiful presentation.
Master The Frosting:
Beat until perfectly light and fluffy.
Create The Crunch:
Toast topping until golden and fragrant.
Assemble With Skill:
Apply frosting generously between layers.
Finish With Style:
Press topping gently into frosting.
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My pastry mentor always said, 'The secret's in the timing.' After countless cakes, this wisdom proves especially true with butterscotch.

Enhance Your Experience

Serve slightly chilled with coffee or milk. For special occasions, add a drizzle of warm butterscotch sauce.

Creative Variations

Transform this cake by adding different nuts, incorporating toffee bits, or trying a salted caramel drizzle.

Storage Success

Store covered in refrigerator for up to five days. Let come to room temperature before serving.

Through years of perfecting this recipe, I've discovered that success lies in attention to detail. When each component is executed with care, the result is a cake that brings joy to any celebration.

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Close-up Butterscotch Crunch Cake | kitchenscroll.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why are my cake layers dry?
Use room temperature ingredients and don't overmix the batter. Overbaking can also cause dryness.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake layers a day ahead and store in fridge. Make frosting fresh or store separately up to 2 days.
→ Can I freeze this cake?
Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before frosting. The crunch topping is best made fresh.
→ No butterscotch chips available?
Use white chocolate chips plus butterscotch extract as a substitute for similar flavor.
→ Why chill before serving?
Chilling helps set the frosting and makes the cake easier to slice cleanly.

Rich Butterscotch Crunch Cake

Two layers of moist butterscotch cake frosted with creamy butterscotch filling and topped with crunchy pecans and pretzels.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake

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

→ Butterscotch Frosting

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

→ Crunchy Topping

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

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 02

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in melted butterscotch and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately, then add to butter mixture alternating with buttermilk.

Step 03

Divide batter between pans. Bake 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn onto racks.

Step 04

Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, butterscotch sauce, cream, and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 05

Mix pecans, pretzels, brown sugar, and melted butter. Spread on baking sheet and bake 8-10 minutes until golden. Let cool.

Step 06

Stack layers with frosting between. Frost top and sides, then sprinkle with crunchy topping. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Let cakes cool completely before frosting
  2. Cake layers can be made a day ahead
  3. Add a pinch of salt to frosting to enhance flavor

Tools You'll Need

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Electric mixer
  • Cooling racks
  • Baking sheet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Tree nuts (pecans)
  • Wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 6 g