Indulge in rich and buttery Butterscotch Cupcakes topped with creamy frosting. These moist, flavorful treats are perfect for any occasion and a sweet way to satisfy your dessert cravings.
These Butterscotch Cupcakes are the perfect combination of rich, buttery flavor and sweet, creamy frosting. Moist and tender, each bite is packed with the warm, caramel-like taste of butterscotch, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
Simple to make and utterly delicious, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert lineup. If you love butterscotch flavor, also try this easy Butterscotch Cake Recipe and Butterscotch Pie. There is so much to love about all of this butterscotch flavor.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- Rich Butterscotch Flavor: Every bite is full of warm, caramel-like sweetness.
- Moist and Tender: Soft, fluffy cupcakes that melt in your mouth.
- Creamy Frosting: Perfectly complements the sweet, buttery cake.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make baking a breeze.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- Yellow Cake Mix: Provides a soft, fluffy base for the cupcakes.
- Butterscotch Instant Pudding Mix: Adds extra moistness and rich butterscotch flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cupcakes tender and moist.
- Large Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give structure to the cupcakes.
Frosting
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Provides a creamy base for the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a smooth, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the butterscotch flavor.
- Butterscotch Sauce: Adds rich, caramel-like flavor and makes the frosting extra decadent.
Topping
- Butterscotch Sauce: A rich, buttery caramel-like sauce made from brown sugar, butter, and cream. Adds deep sweetness and a luscious, creamy texture to the cupcakes or frosting.
Get the entire ingredient list and recipe at the bottom of the page.
Variations
- Chocolate-Butterscotch: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for a rich chocolate twist.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or sprinkle on top for extra crunch.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the frosting to enhance the butterscotch flavor.
- Coffee Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a subtle coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with butterscotch.
- Mini Cupcakes: Bake in mini cupcake liners for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
- Whipped Butterscotch Frosting: Fold whipped cream into the frosting for a lighter, fluffier texture.
How To Make Butterscotch Cupcakes
Step 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tray with liners.
Step 2. Combine the ingredients. Pour the batter into the cupcake liners and bake. Allow to cool completely in muffin tin.
Step 3. Beat the butter until fluffy using a handheld mixer or stand mixer in a medium bowl.
Step 4. Next, gradually add in the powdered sugar until combined and desired consistency. Beat in the salt and butterscotch sauce using medium speed.
Step 5. Finally, decorate the cupcakes using a piping bag. Top the butterscotch frosting with butterscotch sauce.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: Cupcakes can be frozen, unfrosted, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting. Frosted cupcakes can also be frozen for up to 1 month; wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
Layer Protection: If stacking cupcakes, place parchment paper between layers to prevent frosting from sticking.
Pro Tips
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs, butter, and any dairy are at room temperature for smoother batter and frosting.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold ingredients gently once combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
- Enhance Frosting Flavor: Warm the butterscotch sauce slightly before folding into the butter for a richer taste.
- Even Frosting: Use a piping bag for a professional-looking finish or a spatula for a rustic style.
- Add Texture: Sprinkle chopped nuts or butterscotch chips on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Serve at Room Temperature: Bring cupcakes to room temperature after chilling for the best flavor and soft texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common culprit is using too much batter. Each cupcake liner should only be filled ¾ way full. Otherwise, they will overflow while baking and make a mess.
We use a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop and it ensures they are all the same size.
Overmixing the batter results in a dense cupcake. It is crucial to only mix the batter until just combined.
It is easier to control the salt content in the frosting when you use unsalted butter.
These cupcakes are naturally very moist thanks to the ingredients that include pudding mix. In order to keep them moist, be careful to not overbake them and make sure to store them properly.
More Easy Butterscotch Recipes
- Butterscotch Brownies Recipe
- Easy Butterscotch Cake
- Butterscotch Delight Recipe
- Harry Potter Butterbeer
- Butterscotch Bars Recipe
Try These Delicious Cupcakes Recipes
- Nutella Cupcakes
- Butterfinger Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
- Tres Leche Cupcakes
- Cherry Limeade Cupcakes
- Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes
Treat yourself and your loved ones to these rich and buttery Butterscotch Cupcakes today! Don’t forget to leave a star rating and comment to share how they turned out.
Butterscotch Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 box Butterscotch Instant Pudding Mix
- 1 cup Water
- 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
- 3 Large Eggs
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 3 Tablespoons Butterscotch Sauce
- For Topping:
- 2 Tablespoons Butterscotch Sauce
Instructions
For the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 cupcake pans with liners.
- In a large mix bowl, stir together the cupcake ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them approximately ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-21 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the cupcakes comes out clean.
- Cool completely on wire racks.
For the Frosting:
- Cream the butter on high speed with a hand held mixer or stand up mixer until light and fluffy (approximately 3-4 minutes).
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar until mixed and combined.
- Beat in the salt and butterscotch sauce and mix for approximately 1 more minute until smooth.
- Then pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
- Drizzle the remaining butterscotch sauce on top of the cupcakes and then they are ready to serve and enjoy!
