The rich, indulgent flavor of butterscotch and caramel intertwines perfectly in this Slow Cooker Cake, a dessert that's as heartwarming as it is satisfying. While the origins of both caramel and butterscotch can be traced back to England, with butterscotch hailing from Doncaster in the 1800s, the contemporary fusion of these two in a cake form is a relatively new invention. Perfect for when the cold Midwest wind blows, this slow cooker dessert offers a comforting, delicious end to any meal, and its simplicity suits our busy urban lives. It’s an easy set-and-forget kind of sweet treat that allows the slow cooker to do most of the work while you can focus on other tasks or simply relax with a good book or your favorite show.
This decadent cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, toasted pecans for a bit of crunch, or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness. For an even richer experience, drizzle some additional caramel sauce over each serving.
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Caramel Butterscotch Slow Cooker Cake
Servings: 8 servings
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for serving
- Cooking spray or slow cooker liner for easy cleanup
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for serving
- Cooking spray or slow cooker liner for easy cleanup
Directions
1. Begin by coating the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or insert a slow cooker liner.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
3. Fold in the butterscotch chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
4. Pour cake batter into the prepared slow cooker.
5. Drizzle the 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the top of the batter.
6. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Once done, carefully uncover the slow cooker and allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
8. Serve warm, drizzled with additional caramel sauce if desired.
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Variations & Tips
- For those who enjoy a hint of salt to balance sweetness, sprinkle a light dusting of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle before cooking.
- If butterscotch isn’t your favorite, you could exchange the butterscotch chips for chocolate or peanut butter chips to tailor the cake to your taste preferences.
- To ensure even cooking, try to avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process as this can release heat and slow down cooking.
- If your slow cooker tends to cook hotter on one side, rotate the insert halfway through the cooking time for even baking.
- Remember to spray the top inside edge of the slow cooker as well since the cake will rise and can stick.
- For a festive twist, mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the batter for a spiced take on this comforting dessert.
- If butterscotch isn’t your favorite, you could exchange the butterscotch chips for chocolate or peanut butter chips to tailor the cake to your taste preferences.
- To ensure even cooking, try to avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process as this can release heat and slow down cooking.
- If your slow cooker tends to cook hotter on one side, rotate the insert halfway through the cooking time for even baking.
- Remember to spray the top inside edge of the slow cooker as well since the cake will rise and can stick.
- For a festive twist, mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the batter for a spiced take on this comforting dessert.