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Buttery Butterscotch Frosting

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  • #29540

Ditch the store-bought stuff. This homemade butterscotch frosting is quick, easy, and insanely delicious. Cakes will never be the same.

Buttery Butterscotch Frosting - CDKitchen.com

serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes
Rating: 5/5

2 reviews

ingredients

6 ounces butterscotch chips
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

directions

Place the butterscotch chips in the top of a double boiler over simmering, not boiling, water. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chips are melted.

Carefully remove the top of the double boiler from the heat and set on a heat-proof surface. Add the milk, butter, and salt and beat until smooth.

Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until the frosting is the desired consistency.

Use the frosting on cakes, cupcakes, etc. The basic recipe (3 cups frosting) will frost a 9x13-inch sheet cake, an 8- or 9-inch two-layer cake, or 24 cupcakes.

recipe tips


If you prefer a salted butterscotch flavor, increase the salt to taste.

Top the frosted cakes or cupcakes with a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.

To boost the butterscotch flavor, consider adding a splash of butterscotch schnapps or bourbon to the frosting.

Experiment with different types of milk, such as almond or coconut milk, for a dairy-free version of the frosting.

Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can give the frosting a warm and spicy undertone.

common recipe questions


Why melt the butterscotch chips in a double boiler?

Using a double boiler helps to melt the butterscotch chips gently and evenly without scorching.

Can I use a microwave to melt the butterscotch chips?

Yes it is possible to melt the butterscotch chips in the microwave, be sure to do so in short intervals and stir often to prevent burning.

How can I adjust the consistency of the frosting?

If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk. If it's too thin, add more confectioners' sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Is this frosting suitable for piping decorations?

This frosting is best suited for spreading on cakes and cupcakes due to its rich and creamy texture. If you want to pipe decorations, you may need to adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for stiffness.

Can I add flavorings to the frosting?

You can customize the frosting by adding vanilla extract, rum extract, or other flavorings to complement the butterscotch flavor.

How should I store leftover frosting?

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before using again.

Can I freeze butterscotch frosting?

You can freeze butterscotch frosting in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Why sift the confectioners' sugar?

Sifting the confectioners' sugar helps to remove lumps and provides a smooth and creamy frosting without any gritty texture.

what goes with it?


Vanilla Cake: A classic vanilla provides a neutral base that allows the rich butterscotch flavor to shine.

Chocolate Cake: The deep, rich flavor of chocolate complements the sweet, caramel notes of butterscotch beautifully.

Spice Cake: The warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) in a spice cake harmonize well with the buttery, sweet flavors of butterscotch.

Pumpkin Cake: Pumpkin's natural sweetness and earthy flavor pair nicely with the butterscotch frosting, making it perfect for fall.

Banana Cake: The sweetness and slight tang of banana cake blend well with the rich, buttery notes of butterscotch.

Carrot Cake: The sweet and spiced flavors of carrot cake, along with its moist texture, are enhanced by the creamy butterscotch frosting.

Apple Cake: The natural sweetness and slight tartness of apples in the cake create a delightful contrast with the butterscotch flavor.

Butter Pecan Cake: The nutty, buttery flavor of pecans complements the butterscotch frosting perfectly.


nutrition data

48 calories, 1 grams fat, 11 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in fat.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. Fiddler REVIEW:

    I LOVE butterscotch (perhaps even more than chocolate) and the flavor of the butterscotch morsels is hard to beat, so I thought this would be a good recipe. It is OUTSTANDING and so easy to make! I did a few things a little differently: I used 5-1/2 oz of butterscotch chips since that is half of the 11 oz package. I melted them in a microwave instead of over hot water--30 seconds at a time until they were melted (about 1-1/2 minutes total in my microwave). Then I added the butter and put the mix in the microwave for another 20 seconds and stirred the melted butter in. I didn't have any milk so I used half and half instead and stirred that in with the salt until the mixture was creamy. I then added the powdered sugar with an extra 1/2 cup of since 3 cups made the icing a little too runny for use on the pound cake I was frosting. I used a pre-made frozen pound cake (thawed) and sliced it in half lengthwise so it had two layers. There is plenty of frosting so the cake could be sliced in thirds for a three layer cake. This butterscotch icing recipe on pound cake is now my favorite cake! BTW, if you add 4 cups of powdered sugar instead of 3, this recipe makes excellent butterscotch fudge!

  2. bonnie's buns REVIEW:

    I came across this recipe when my son asked for his b-day cake to be chocolate w/butterscotch frosting. He had it at a school party & really loved it.This recipe is easy, different, and completely DELISH! I totally recommend this recipe.

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