Butterscotch Pound Cake

A Buttery, Rich Dessert That Melts in Your Mouth

There’s something magical about the smell of butter and brown sugar baking in the oven. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s cozy, comforting, and irresistibly sweet, this Butterscotch Pound Cake is the one to try. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just when you’re craving something extra indulgent.

You might be wondering, What’s the difference between caramel cake and butterscotch cake? It all comes down to the sugar. Caramel is made with white sugar, while butterscotch uses brown sugar for a deeper, almost toffee-like flavor. This cake takes that rich butterscotch essence and wraps it in a classic, dense pound cake base. The result is moist, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious homemade pound cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ¾ cups packed light brown sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup butterscotch chips (optional but recommended)

Optional Butterscotch Glaze:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup butterscotch chips
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step is crucial—it’s part of what’s the secret to a moist pound cake.

3. Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Combine

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry mix. Stir in vanilla and fold in butterscotch chips if using.

6. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For the glaze, heat the cream until hot (but not boiling), then pour it over the butterscotch chips and let sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.

Expert Cooking Tips

Don’t Skip the Creaming Step

Creaming butter and sugar thoroughly helps trap air, which is essential for a light texture in a dense cake.

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

This ensures a smooth, even batter and helps avoid separation.

Avoid Overmixing

Once the flour is added, mix gently. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.

The cooking doesn’t stop here!
Try delicious recipes like  Knead Easter Bread and Homemade Ketchup — let the flavors keep surprising you.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Brown Sugar: You can use dark brown sugar for a more intense butterscotch flavor.
• Milk: Buttermilk works beautifully and adds a slight tang.
• Butterscotch Chips: Swap with chocolate chips or toffee bits for variation.

Additional Info

Nutritional Information (Estimated Per Slice)

• Calories: 410
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Sugar: 36g
• Protein: 5g

FAQ Section

What’s the difference between caramel cake and butterscotch cake?

Caramel cake uses white sugar cooked to a golden syrup, while butterscotch cake uses brown sugar and butter, which gives it a richer, deeper flavor. Learn more about butterscotch.

How is pound cake different from cake?

Pound cake is denser and more buttery, typically using equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Regular cakes may be lighter and use additional leaveners.

What’s the secret to a moist pound cake?

Creaming the butter and sugar well, using room-temperature ingredients, and not overbaking are the main secrets to a moist pound cake.

What are the ingredients of butterscotch cake?

The key ingredients are butter, brown sugar, eggs, flour, and usually some form of butterscotch flavoring such as chips or glaze.

Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This recipe contains dairy, gluten, and eggs. For allergy-friendly alternatives, consult reputable sources like Mayo Clinic’s nutrition guide.

Call to Action

Now that you know what’s the difference between caramel cake and butterscotch cake and what’s the secret to a moist pound cake, it’s time to preheat that oven! This butterscotch pound cake is easy to make, rich in flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your results or leave a comment below!