Description
This magical Butterbeer Cake is inspired by the sweet, creamy drink from the Harry Potter series. With butterscotch, cream soda, and rich frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for any wizarding fan!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
3 cups butterscotch beer or cream soda
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter extract
1/3 cup butterscotch chips, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
For the Butterbeer Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Pinch of salt
2/3 cup butterscotch chips, melted and slightly cooled
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon butter extract
Gold and white nonpareil sprinkles (optional)
For the Butterscotch Sauce:
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- In a large pot, pour in the butterscotch beer or cream soda and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to 1/2 cup. Remove from heat and let it cool until just warm before using.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and butter extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat at medium speed until the mixture turns pale. Then, mix in the butterscotch beer reduction and melted butterscotch chips until everything is fully combined.
- On low speed, alternate between adding the buttermilk and the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 27-31 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the buttercream frosting, beat the softened butter with a pinch of salt on high speed for 5-10 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Mix in the melted butterscotch chips, then sift in the powdered sugar. Start mixing on low, then increase to high speed until the frosting is fluffy. Add the vanilla and butter extracts and continue mixing until smooth.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips and heavy cream. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, then stir until smooth. If necessary, microwave for a few more seconds. Stir in the honey and allow the mixture to cool slightly before using.
- Once the cake is completely cool, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place the cake on a serving plate and generously frost it with the butterbeer buttercream. Drizzle the butterscotch sauce over the frosting and gently swirl it with the back of a spoon. Optionally, top with gold and white nonpareil sprinkles. Slice and serve.
Notes
Let the reduced butterscotch beer cool down before adding it to the batter to prevent curdling. Ensure the butterscotch chips are completely melted and slightly warm for optimal mixing
- Prep Time: 60 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American