Butterscotch Crunch Cake – A Sweet & Crunchy Delight
If you love rich, buttery flavors with a satisfying crunch, this Butterscotch Crunch Cake is the perfect dessert! It combines a moist butterscotch cake with a crunchy topping, making it a unique and delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for butterscotch desserts, a crunch cake recipe, or butterscotch frosting ideas, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
What is Butterscotch Crunch Cake?
Butterscotch Crunch Cake is a decadent, buttery cake layered with a crispy, crunchy topping. The cake itself is soft and moist, with deep caramelized butterscotch flavors, while the topping provides a contrast of texture with a crispy, sweet crunch. This dessert is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you want a comforting and indulgent treat!
Ingredients for Butterscotch Crunch Cake
To make this rich and crunchy butterscotch cake, you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups (provides structure)
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons (helps the cake rise)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (balances the sweetness)
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, softened (adds moisture and richness)
- Brown Sugar: 1 ¼ cups (enhances the butterscotch flavor)
- Eggs: 3 large (adds structure and richness)
- Butterscotch Pudding Mix: 1 package (3.4 ounces) (intensifies the butterscotch taste)
- Milk: 1 cup (adds moisture)
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons (enhances the flavor)
For the Crunchy Topping:
- Crushed Butter Cookies or Graham Crackers: 1 ½ cups (adds crunch)
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup (caramelized crunch)
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: ½ cup (for extra texture)
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, melted (helps create a crunchy topping)
For the Butterscotch Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, softened
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups
- Butterscotch Sauce: ¼ cup (homemade or store-bought)
- Heavy Cream: 3 tablespoons (for a smooth consistency)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Kitchen Equipment Needed
For this butterscotch crunch cake recipe, you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls – for combining ingredients
- Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk – for creaming butter and sugar
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – for precise ingredient portions
- Cake Pan (9×13-inch or Two 9-inch Rounds) – for baking
- Wire Cooling Rack – for cooling the cake evenly
- Spatula or Offset Spreader – for frosting the cake
How to Make Butterscotch Crunch Cake
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a rich and crunchy butterscotch cake!
Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix crushed butter cookies, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir until combined.
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Let it cool.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in butterscotch pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Butterscotch Frosting
- In a bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Mix in butterscotch sauce, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Spread the butterscotch frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle the crunchy topping generously over the frosting.
- Slice and serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
Tips for the Best Crunch Cake Recipe
- Use High-Quality Butterscotch: Homemade butterscotch sauce enhances the flavor.
- Let the Topping Cool Completely: This keeps it crispy.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light.
- Add More Crunch: Double the topping for extra texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Pudding Mix: It adds moisture and butterscotch flavor.
- Not Cooling the Cake Before Frosting: Warm cake can melt the frosting.
- Overbaking the Crunch Topping: Watch it closely to prevent burning.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
This butterscotch crunch cake pairs well with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Adds a cool, creamy contrast
- Caramel Drizzle – Enhances the rich butterscotch flavor
- Chopped Toffee Bits – For extra crunch
- Coffee or Tea – A great pairing for a cozy dessert
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Ingredient Swaps
- Pineapple Crunch Cake: Add crushed pineapple to the batter for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Butterscotch Cake: Swirl melted chocolate into the batter.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit nuts and use extra cookies for crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free cookies.
FAQ About Butterscotch Crunch Cake
- Can I use a boxed cake mix? Yes! Use a yellow or vanilla cake mix and add butterscotch pudding mix for flavor.
- What if I don’t have butterscotch sauce? Use caramel sauce as a substitute.
- Can I make this in a bundt pan? Yes! Adjust baking time to 45-50 minutes.
- How do I keep the crunch topping from getting soggy? Store separately and sprinkle just before serving.
Conclusion
This Butterscotch Crunch Cake is a sweet, crunchy, and indulgent dessert, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for butterscotch recipes, cultural foods, or a new crunch cake recipe, this dish delivers a perfect combination of flavors and textures!
Try this butterscotch cake recipe today and enjoy a rich, buttery, and crispy treat! Don’t forget to share this recipe and subscribe for more delicious dessert ideas! 😊
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Butterscotch Crunch Cake – A Sweet & Crunchy Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Butterscotch Crunch Cake is a moist, buttery cake with a crispy, caramelized topping. The rich butterscotch flavor pairs perfectly with the crunchy pecan and cookie topping, making this an irresistible dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
✅ 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
✅ 2 teaspoons baking powder
✅ ½ teaspoon salt
✅ 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
✅ 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
✅ 3 large eggs
✅ 1 package (3.4 oz) butterscotch pudding mix
✅ 1 cup milk
✅ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Crunchy Topping:
✅ 1 ½ cups crushed butter cookies or graham crackers
✅ ½ cup brown sugar
✅ ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
✅ ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Butterscotch Frosting:
✅ ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
✅ 2 cups powdered sugar
✅ ¼ cup butterscotch sauce (homemade or store-bought)
✅ 3 tablespoons heavy cream
✅ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Mix the crushed cookies, brown sugar, pecans, and melted butter in a bowl.
3️⃣ Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
4️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
5️⃣ Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
6️⃣ Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in butterscotch pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract.
7️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
8️⃣ Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch cake pan.
9️⃣ Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
🔟 Let cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
1️⃣1️⃣ Beat butter until creamy.
1️⃣2️⃣ Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
1️⃣3️⃣ Stir in butterscotch sauce, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
1️⃣4️⃣ Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
1️⃣5️⃣ Sprinkle the crunchy topping over the frosting.
1️⃣6️⃣ Slice and serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use Homemade Butterscotch Sauce for richer flavor.
- Cool the Crunch Topping Completely before sprinkling for maximum crispiness.
- For Extra Butterscotch Flavor, drizzle more butterscotch sauce over the cake before serving.
