Butterscotch Caramel Frosted Cake Bars (Soft, Tender & Irresistibly Sweet!)

Thank you for stopping by! Today I’m sharing a dessert that’s become a favorite in my kitchen: Butterscotch Caramel Frosted Cake Bars. Imagine a soft, tender, golden cake topped with a creamy, melty layer of butterscotch-caramel frosting. Sweet, rich, and utterly irresistible — these bars are the perfect treat for brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.

I love how simple ingredients can come together to create something indulgent yet comforting. If you love rich, sweet, and buttery desserts, make sure to subscribe to my email list — I send healthy-ish, family-friendly, and delicious recipes straight to your inbox!

Overview of This Recipe

These cake bars are everything a sweet treat should be: tender, buttery, slightly chewy, and topped with a decadent caramel frosting. They’re simple enough to make for weeknight baking yet impressive enough for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love These Cake Bars

• Soft, tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Sweet but balanced with a rich caramel topping
• Simple ingredients, no complicated techniques
• Perfect for parties, brunch, or dessert trays
• Makes a beautiful gift when wrapped in parchment

What They Taste Like

Imagine a rich, buttery cake with the sweet depth of brown sugar and a smooth, creamy caramel frosting. Every bite is soft, sweet, and deeply satisfying — a true indulgence that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

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For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream

For the Butterscotch-Caramel Frosting (optional but recommended):

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 3–4 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• Sea salt sprinkle
• Chocolate drizzle

Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Saucepan (for frosting)
• Parchment paper

Suggested Substitutions & Additions

Substitutions

• All-purpose flour → whole wheat pastry flour (slightly denser texture)
• Butter → coconut oil (for dairy-free version)
• Brown sugar → coconut sugar
• Heavy cream → full-fat coconut milk (for frosting)

Additions

• Add ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note
• Fold in ¼ cup chocolate chips to the cake batter
• Sprinkle sea salt on top of frosting for salted caramel flavor

How to Make Butterscotch Caramel Frosted Cake Bars

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Step 1 — Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2 — Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
In another bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Add heavy cream and whisk until fully incorporated.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth. Avoid overmixing.

Step 3 — Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Step 4 — Make the Butterscotch-Caramel Frosting

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with brown sugar. Stir for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
Slowly whisk in heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Allow to cool slightly before pouring over the cooled cake bars.

Step 5 — Frost & Serve

Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Add optional toppings such as nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt. Slice into squares and enjoy!

What to Serve With These Cake Bars

• A cup of hot coffee or tea
• Fresh berries on the side
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
• A glass of milk for kids
• Perfect for gift boxes or dessert trays

Tips for Perfect Cake Bars

• Use room temperature eggs for better batter incorporation.
• Do not overbake — the cake should remain tender and soft.
• Cool the cake completely before frosting to avoid melting.
• Whisk frosting continuously to avoid burning or grainy texture.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days at room temperature.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 3–4 days in airtight container
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
• Freezer: Up to 2 months, slice before freezing

General Information

Butterscotch-caramel frosting adds a rich, buttery depth to a tender cake base. This recipe highlights how simple ingredients like brown sugar, butter, and cream can create a bakery-quality frosting at home. It’s perfect for celebrations or just a cozy dessert when you want something sweet and comforting.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes — substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.

2. Can I make these in a larger pan?
Yes, adjust baking time accordingly; check with a toothpick.

3. Can I prepare frosting ahead of time?
Yes, store at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for 2–3 days. Warm slightly before spreading.

4. Can I skip the frosting?
Absolutely — the cake is tender and delicious on its own.

5. Can I use brown sugar substitutes?
Coconut sugar works well for a slightly different flavor and color.

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Conclusion

These Butterscotch Caramel Frosted Cake Bars are soft, tender, and decadently sweet — yet simple enough to make any day feel special. The combination of rich butterscotch-caramel frosting with a moist cake base is irresistible. Perfect for family desserts, gift-giving, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up!

Try these other recipes from my site for more wholesome desserts:

• Protein Cookie Dough

Interactive Elements

If you make these cake bars, share a photo with me on Pinterest:
👉 https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Leave a comment or rating — your feedback helps others discover this sweet treat!

Nutritional Information (Approx. per bar, 12 bars)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220
Protein	3g
Carbs	30g
Fat	10g
Sugar	18g
Fiber	1g

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