Name: Toffee Butterscotch Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 cup toffee bits (such as Heath Bits-O-Brickle); 1 cup butterscotch chips (optional); 1/2 cup butter; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a beautiful blend of sweet, buttery, and slightly nutty flavors. The butterscotch adds warmth and richness, while the toffee bits give a delightful crunch in every bite. Whether served with coffee or as a centerpiece dessert, this cake is easy to love and even easier to impress with.

Ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Buttermilk
Toffee bits (such as Heath Bits-O-Brickle)
Butterscotch chips (optional, for added richness)

For the frosting or glaze (optional):

Butter
Brown sugar
Heavy cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry.
Fold in toffee bits and butterscotch chips if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing or frosting.

Optional glaze/frosting:

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar until bubbly. Add heavy cream and stir until smooth.
Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until you reach a pourable consistency.
Pour or spread over cooled cake and let set before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12–16 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling and optional glazing time: 30–40 minutes
Total time: approximately 1.5 hours

Variations

Make it a layer cake by doubling the frosting and baking in two 9-inch round pans.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
Top with a butterscotch buttercream instead of glaze for a richer finish.
Drizzle with salted caramel sauce instead of glaze for extra indulgence.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
To reheat individual slices, microwave for 15–20 seconds.
To freeze, wrap the cake (unfrosted or glazed) tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

What is the difference between butterscotch and caramel?

Butterscotch is made with brown sugar and butter, while caramel typically uses white sugar and may be cooked longer for a more bitter edge.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well. Bake the day before and glaze it before serving for best texture.

What are toffee bits?

Toffee bits are small chunks of hard, buttery caramel candy often used in baking for flavor and crunch.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes, simply divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18–20 minutes.

Is sour cream necessary?

Sour cream adds moisture and richness. You can substitute plain Greek yogurt if needed.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but check that your toffee bits are also gluten-free.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the brown sugar slightly, but keep in mind it’s essential for the butterscotch flavor.

What kind of butterscotch glaze works best?

A cooked glaze with butter, brown sugar, cream, and powdered sugar gives the best texture and flavor.

Can I skip the butterscotch chips?

Yes, the cake is still flavorful with just toffee bits, but the chips enhance richness.

Why did my glaze harden too fast?

If it cools too much before pouring, it will thicken quickly. Reheat briefly or pour immediately after mixing.

Conclusion

Toffee Butterscotch Cake is a celebration of rich, buttery flavors with a satisfying crunch from sweet toffee bits. Whether topped with a silky glaze or a generous layer of frosting, this cake is a show-stopper for any occasion. Simple to make yet full of flavor, it’s a dessert that’s sure to become a repeat favorite.