Save A whimsical, golden butterscotch cake inspired by the magical world of Butterbeer, layered with fluffy brown sugar frosting and drizzled with sticky butterscotch sauce. Perfect for a birthday celebration with a playful twist.
I made this Butterbeer Birthday Cake for my kid's birthday last year, and it instantly became a family favorite. The golden layers and sticky sauce made everyone smile, especially when decorating together.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups (360 g)
- Baking powder: 2 ½ tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Fine sea salt: 1 tsp
- Unsalted butter (softened): ½ cup (115 g)
- Vegetable oil: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Light brown sugar (packed): 1 ½ cups (300 g)
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
- Eggs (large, room temperature): 4
- Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Butter flavoring (optional, recommended): 1 tsp
- Buttermilk (room temperature): 1 cup (240 ml)
- Cream soda (room temperature): ½ cup (120 ml)
- Unsalted butter (softened, frosting): 1 cup (225 g)
- Light brown sugar (packed, frosting): ½ cup (110 g)
- Confectioners' sugar (sifted): 4 cups (480 g)
- Heavy cream (frosting): 2 tbsp
- Vanilla extract (frosting): 1 tsp
- Butter flavoring (frosting, optional): ½ tsp
- Fine sea salt (pinch, frosting): 1
- Unsalted butter (sauce): ½ cup (115 g)
- Light brown sugar (packed, sauce): 1 cup (220 g)
- Heavy cream (sauce): ½ cup (120 ml)
- Vanilla extract (sauce): ½ tsp
- Salt (sauce): ¼ tsp
- Gold sprinkles or star-shaped candies (decoration, optional): as needed
- Crushed butterscotch candies (decoration, optional): as needed
Instructions
- Prepare Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, beat butter, oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings:
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and butter flavoring.
- Combine and Finish Batter:
- Mix in dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with buttermilk and cream soda, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Cakes:
- Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Smooth the tops. Bake for 24 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake:
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Butterbeer Frosting:
- Beat butter and brown sugar together until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, mixing well. Add heavy cream, vanilla, butter flavoring, and salt. Beat until light and spreadable. If needed, add more cream for desired consistency.
- Make Butterscotch Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly add heavy cream and salt. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature before using.
- Assembly:
- Level cake layers if needed. Place first cake layer on serving plate, spread with frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost top and sides of cake, swirling frosting for a messy look. Drizzle butterscotch sauce generously on top, letting it run down the sides. Decorate with gold sprinkles and crushed butterscotch candies, if desired.
Save We love to gather around during birthday parties to decorate this cake, each person adding a little sprinkle or swirl. It always sparks magical moments and laughter.
Required Tools
Electric mixer, three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans, mixing bowls, saucepan, offset spatula or butter knife, wire racks.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and may contain soy (in butter flavoring or sprinkles). Always check labels for any allergies, especially decoration and flavoring ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 535. Total Fat: 25 g. Carbohydrates: 75 g. Protein: 5 g.
Save This magical cake is delicious served with a glass of cold milk or classic butterbeer. Enjoy your celebration and happy baking!
Recipe Help
- → What gives this cake its signature flavor?
Brown sugar, cream soda, and butterscotch sauce create the classic Butterbeer-inspired flavors.
- → Can I make the cake layers ahead?
Yes, cake layers can be made a day early and stored wrapped at room temperature for convenience.
- → How do I achieve the 'messy' frosting look?
Swirl the frosting generously and avoid smoothing; let drips and swirls create playful texture.
- → Is this dessert vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, all listed ingredients are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
- → What kind of decorations work well?
Gold sprinkles or star candies and crushed butterscotch candies enhance the magical, celebratory appearance.
- → Are there any allergens to watch for?
This dessert contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and possibly soy from optional add-ins or decorations.