If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines the nostalgic comfort of coffee cake with the rich, buttery goodness of butterscotch, then you’re in for a real joy. This Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe is absolutely one of my personal favorites to brighten up any brunch, afternoon coffee break, or even a cozy dessert moment. Moist, tender, and bursting with that warm butterscotch flavor, every bite feels like a little slice of heaven. I love how it comes together effortlessly, yet tastes like you spent hours baking a masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect mix of moistness, sweetness, and texture you’ll adore.
- Yellow cake mix: This is the base of our cake, giving it a light crumb and buttery flavor that holds everything together beautifully.
- Instant butterscotch pudding mix: Adds extra moistness and that unmistakable rich butterscotch taste in every bite.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist without weighing it down, essential for a soft crumb.
- Eggs: Act as the binder, helping the cake rise and hold its shape while adding richness.
- Water: Balances the batter consistency to ensure it bakes evenly and stays perfectly moist.
- Brown sugar: A key ingredient in the cinnamon sugar swirl, providing a caramel-like sweetness and slight crunch.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of spice, complementing the butterscotch flavor beautifully.
How to Make Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease either a bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking pan well. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly, making it easy to serve later on.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and instant butterscotch pudding mix. Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and water, stirring everything together until your batter is smooth and lump-free. The pudding mix adds that signature butterscotch flavor and moisture, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This simple mixture will create that delightful swirl inside the cake, adding depth and a hint of spice.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and sugar mixture. Then, using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
How to Serve Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While this cake is delicious all on its own, topping it with a drizzle of butterscotch glaze or warm caramel sauce takes it to the next level of indulgence. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a beautiful finishing touch and a little extra sweetness. For a fresh, tangy contrast, try adding a dollop of whipped cream alongside.
Side Dishes
This Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a piping hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte. If you want to turn your brunch into a feast, serve it alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, slice the coffee cake and serve it on a wooden board with small bowls of various toppings like chopped nuts, extra butterscotch chips, or even vanilla ice cream for dessert. You can also cut it into cubes and serve as bite-sized treats on toothpicks at parties — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers — which might be rare because it’s so tasty — store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and soft without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this butterscotch delight easily. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen coffee cake will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring the cake back to that freshly-baked warmth, simply microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds or warm it briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. A quick warm-up helps revive the soft texture and melts any glaze you might add on top.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of yellow?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is ideal for that classic buttery flavor and color, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mixes for a unique twist. Just keep in mind it might slightly change the flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use instant butterscotch pudding mix?
The pudding mix is what makes the cake moist and really brings out the butterscotch flavor. If you skip it, the cake will still be tasty but might turn out drier and less flavorful.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your pudding mix is gluten-free as well. Many brands offer gluten-friendly options, making it easy to adapt this recipe.
What’s the best pan to bake this coffee cake in?
Either a bundt pan or a 9×13-inch rectangular pan works beautifully. The bundt pan gives you a stunning shape, but the rectangular pan is great for easy slicing and sharing.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or on top before baking adds a delightful crunch. Butterscotch chips mixed in can also amplify the flavor if you’re a true butterscotch lover.
Final Thoughts
This Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe has become such a beloved staple in my kitchen because it’s so straightforward yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a party, or a simple dessert, its rich butterscotch flavor and tender crumb never fail to impress. I can’t wait for you to make it and share it with those you love—once you try it, it’ll quickly become your go-to comfort cake too!
Print
Butterscotch Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, moist, and infused with butterscotch flavor, this Butterscotch Coffee Cake is a delightful twist on the classic coffee cake. Perfect for brunch or dessert, it boasts a tender crumb with swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant butterscotch pudding mix
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or a 9×13-inch pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant butterscotch pudding mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Stir until the batter is completely smooth and well blended.
- Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Layer Batter and Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle with the rest of the sugar mixture.
- Swirl and Bake: Using a knife, gently swirl the batter and sugar mixture together to create a marbled effect. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before removing from the pan. For an indulgent finish, drizzle with butterscotch glaze or caramel sauce if desired before serving.
Notes
- For added sweetness and decoration, top the cake with a butterscotch glaze or caramel drizzle.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Ensure the cake is fully baked by checking for a clean toothpick; baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.
- This cake is best served slightly warm but also delicious at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
