Name: Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup butterscotch chips; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup flour; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

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If you adore cozy mornings and the sweet embrace of caramelized flavors, this Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender cake layers infused with a rich butterscotch middle and crowned with a cinnamon streusel that adds the perfect crunch. It’s the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas while offering a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth in every bite. Whether you’re warming up with a cup of coffee or serving guests at brunch, this butterscotch coffee cake will quickly become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single slice of layered cake sits on a white plate, showing three layers of light brown cake separated by two layers of creamy frosting around the same color. The top layer is thick with pale yellow frosting and sprinkled with small brown crunchy bits. The cake looks moist and soft, and the plate is placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, the rest of the cake on a white stand is slightly out of focus. A woman's hand is holding the cake slice from the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great cake starts with simple, essential ingredients that come together to create magic. Each component in this Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe plays a crucial role, from the fluffiness of the cake to the rich, gooey butterscotch layer and the crispy cinnamon streusel topping that makes every bite irresistible.

1 1/2 cups flour: The foundation for a soft, tender crumb that holds all the layers beautifully.
1/2 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the butterscotch.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly for a light, fluffy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
1/2 cup milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender while blending all ingredients smoothly.
1/4 cup melted butter: Provides richness and a buttery flavor that complements the butterscotch layer.
1 egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the cake’s structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
1/2 cup butterscotch chips: The star ingredient that brings that signature caramel flavor in the middle layer.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Mixed with butterscotch chips, it adds chewy sweetness and extra caramel notes.
1/2 cup brown sugar (for streusel): Provides a deep molasses flavor that rounds out the topping.
1/2 cup flour (for streusel): Gives the topping structure and a crisp bite.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warming spice to the streusel, making it aromatic and irresistible.
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed: Creates the crumbly, rich texture in the streusel topping.

How to Make Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 inch pan well to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly after baking. This little prep step makes a big difference in the final presentation and ease of serving.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt—these dry ingredients create the base for your cake’s perfect texture. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently until just combined. You want to keep the batter light and fluffy, so avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Layer the Cake and Butterscotch

Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar evenly over this layer. This sweet middle adds that gooey, buttery butterscotch surprise in every bite. Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the top, covering the butterscotch layer completely.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake batter for a golden, crunchy topping that perfectly contrasts the soft cake below.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your pan in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake (avoiding the butterscotch layer) comes out clean. The smell of cinnamon and butterscotch will fill your kitchen as it bakes!

How to Serve Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch that elevates this Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe, consider dusting it lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling warm butterscotch sauce on top right before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also turn this coffee cake into a luscious dessert.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a latte, making mornings feel extra special. For brunch occasions, serving it alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait balances richness with freshness, creating a delightful spread to impress your friends and family.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter for casual gatherings or gift wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine for an inviting homemade gift. You might also layer it with whipped cream and berries in small dessert glasses for a stunning trifle-style presentation that showcases each delicious component.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without losing moisture or flavor. After that, keeping it in the refrigerator helps maintain freshness for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature or warm gently before serving.

Freezing

This Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn, and store it for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked texture, reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This restores the warm, buttery goodness that makes this cake so comforting and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cake too salty. The butterscotch chips will already add a rich sweetness, so adjusting salt is important.

Is it possible to make this coffee cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The cake might have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious!

Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?

You can prepare the streusel topping a day in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Just sprinkle it on top of the cake batter right before baking to keep that crumbly, fresh-tasting topping.

What’s the best way to prevent the butterscotch chips from sinking?

Sprinkling the chips onto the first cake layer rather than mixing them into the batter helps keep them in place. The brown sugar sprinkled along with the chips helps anchor them and creates that lovely layered effect.

Can I make this recipe in a larger pan?

You can double the recipe for a 9×13 inch pan. Adjust the baking time to about 40-45 minutes, but keep an eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm slice of homemade coffee cake, and this Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe is no exception. From the gooey butterscotch center to the spicy cinnamon streusel topping, every bite is a cozy hug baked into a cake. I encourage you to bake this for your next breakfast or dessert occasion — trust me, it’s a treat everyone will rave about and ask you to make again and again.