Butternut Squash Cake Caramel has been my go-to dessert ever since I discovered how wonderfully squash complements warm spices. I remember the first time I tried making a homemade version for a fall potluck; the aroma of cinnamon and ginger filling my kitchen was pure comfort. This recipe, a truly easy butternut squash cake caramel delight, delivers a super moist cake with a tender crumb, all topped with a luscious, buttery caramel frosting that’s simply divine. It’s the perfect way to capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Let’s get baking this incredible caramel butternut squash cake recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Cake Caramel

This cake is a real showstopper, and I know you’ll adore it for so many reasons:

Incredibly moist butternut squash cake caramel texture that melts in your mouth.
Warm, cozy fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a delightful aroma.
The rich, buttery caramel frosting is the perfect sweet complement to the spiced cake.
It’s surprisingly simple to make, making it ideal for weeknight baking or special occasions.
This is a truly delicious homemade butternut squash cake caramel that tastes like it came from a bakery.
It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover butternut squash puree.
The flavors deepen and improve overnight, making it perfect for make-ahead gatherings.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holidays and fall celebrations.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Cake Caramel

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making a truly delicious cake. You’ll find that the combination of simple pantry staples and the star, butternut squash, creates something magical. This recipe truly shines with its flavorful components, leading to a fantastic butternut squash cake recipe caramel frosting.

2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our cake’s structure.
1½ tsp baking powder and 1 tsp baking soda – these leaveners ensure a light and airy cake.
½ tsp salt – enhances all the other flavors.
1½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and ½ tsp ground ginger – the classic fall spice trio that makes this cake so warming and inviting.
¾ cup brown sugar and ¾ cup granulated sugar – a blend for sweetness and moisture, giving the cake a lovely depth of flavor.
3 large eggs – at room temperature, they help bind everything together and add richness.
¾ cup vegetable oil or melted butter – this is key for that wonderfully moist texture we’re aiming for.
2 tsp vanilla extract – a little goes a long way for flavor.
1½ cups butternut squash puree – the star ingredient, providing moisture and a subtle earthy sweetness. Make sure it’s smooth and not watery!
For the caramel frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter – the foundation for our luscious frosting.
1 cup brown sugar – to give the frosting that signature caramel taste and color.
¼ cup milk or cream – for achieving the perfect smooth consistency.
2 cups powdered sugar – to thicken the frosting to a spreadable texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract – a touch more flavor for the frosting.

How to Make Butternut Squash Cake Caramel

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious butternut squash cake with caramel frosting. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this showstopper!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your baking pans ready by greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cake won’t stick.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 1½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and ½ tsp ground ginger. Setting this aside means it’s ready when you need it.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ¾ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, ¾ cup vegetable oil or melted butter, and 2 tsp vanilla extract. Mix this until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the 1½ cups butternut squash puree to the wet ingredients. Stir it in until everything is fully incorporated and the batter takes on a beautiful orange hue.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 2 into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a dense cake. This is a key part of how to make butternut squash cake caramel.
Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and spread it out evenly. A smooth surface helps the cake bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake for about 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of this spiced butternut squash cake caramel will fill your kitchen!
Step 8: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before you even think about frosting it. Patience here is crucial for the best results.
Step 9: Now, let’s make that glorious caramel frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
Step 10: Stir in the 1 cup brown sugar and ¼ cup milk or cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for exactly 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 11: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel mixture cool slightly. It should still be warm but not scalding.
Step 12: Whisk in the 1 tsp vanilla extract. Then, gradually add the 2 cups powdered sugar, whisking until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and perfectly spreadable.
Step 13: Spread the warm caramel frosting over the completely cooled butternut squash cake. Allow the frosting to set for a bit before slicing and serving this amazing dessert.

Amazing Butternut Squash Cake Caramel 1 - Butternut Squash Cake Caramel - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Butternut Squash Cake Caramel

Want to make sure your cake is absolutely perfect? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really elevate this dessert. These tips will ensure your butternut squash cake is a smashing success every time!

Always use smooth, unsweetened butternut squash puree. If you’re making your own, be sure to drain off any excess liquid.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. A light hand keeps the cake tender and moist.
For the frosting, ensure it’s slightly cooled but still warm when you spread it. This helps it set nicely without becoming too stiff.
Consider adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to the spice mix for an extra layer of warm flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect Butternut Squash Cake Caramel?

The secret to the absolute best butternut squash cake caramel lies in the balance of moist ingredients and gentle mixing. Using pureed squash and oil creates an unbelievably tender crumb, while the warm caramel frosting ties it all together beautifully. For more baking tips, check out expert advice.

Can I make Butternut Squash Cake Caramel ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is actually better made a day in advance. Once cooled and frosted, store it tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully! For more information on food storage, you can consult FDA guidelines.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Butternut Squash Cake Caramel?

The most common pitfalls are overmixing the batter, which leads to a tough cake, and frosting the cake while it’s still warm, causing the frosting to melt. Ensure your squash puree isn’t watery, as this can affect the cake’s texture. You can find more baking tips here.

Best Ways to Serve Butternut Squash Cake Caramel

This cake is wonderful on its own, but I love to serve it in ways that highlight its cozy flavors. For a truly decadent treat, imagine a slice of this cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream; the contrast in temperatures and textures is divine. You could also elevate it with a drizzle of extra sauce – perhaps a butternut squash cake with salted caramel for a sweet and salty kick, or even a rich butternut squash cake with toffee caramel for added crunch. It’s also delightful served simply with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a more understated elegance.

Nutrition Facts for Butternut Squash Cake Caramel

This delicious cake is a treat, and here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each serving. It’s a delightful balance of flavor and sweetness, making it perfect for any occasion. Remember, these figures are based on the recipe as written and may vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients. For more details on nutrition, you can visit our privacy policy which touches on data.

Calories: 380
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 57g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 42g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 210mg
Cholesterol: 65mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Butternut Squash Cake Caramel

This delightful butternut squash cake caramel is perfect for making ahead, which I love because the flavors just get better over time! Once your beautiful cake has completely cooled (this is super important, otherwise, the frosting might get messy!), carefully wrap it. If you’re planning to enjoy it within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 4 days, but let it come back to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor of the cake and its butternut squash cake and caramel sauce topping.

Planning even further ahead? This cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake (or even frosted slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you want to gently reheat a slice, you can warm it in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or even pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds – just enough to take the chill off and make that caramel frosting wonderfully gooey again. For more on freezing food, check out our latest recipes which often include storage tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut Squash Cake Caramel

What is butternut squash cake caramel?

Butternut squash cake caramel is a delicious dessert that combines the moist, tender texture of a cake made with pureed butternut squash and warm spices, topped with a rich, buttery caramel frosting. It’s a celebration of fall flavors, offering a unique twist on traditional cake recipes. It’s definitely not your average cake; it’s a delightful fusion of earthy squash and sweet caramel.

Why make butternut squash cake caramel?

You should make this cake because it’s incredibly moist, packed with comforting fall spices, and the caramel frosting is simply irresistible. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal flavors and offers a unique texture that’s both tender and satisfying. Plus, it’s a wonderful conversation starter and a guaranteed hit at any gathering, making it a compelling reason to try this special recipe. You can learn more about us at our contact page.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of butternut squash?

Yes, you absolutely can! While I adore the subtle flavor of butternut squash, canned pumpkin puree is an excellent substitute and will yield a very similar result. Just ensure it’s 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains sweeteners and spices.

How do I get the caramel frosting to set properly?

For the best caramel frosting set, make sure your cake is completely cool before frosting. Spread the frosting while it’s still slightly warm but not hot – this allows it to be spreadable. As it cools, it will thicken and set on its own. If it seems too thin, chilling the frosted cake for about 30 minutes can help it firm up.

Variations of Butternut Squash Cake Caramel You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this delicious recipe, why not get creative? There are so many ways to put your own spin on this fantastic cake. For a delightful twist, try making a butternut squash cake with brown sugar caramel frosting; it adds an extra layer of rich, molasses-like sweetness that’s absolutely divine. If you’re looking for something a bit different, a butternut squash cake with dulce de leche frosting offers a sophisticated, creamy caramel flavor that’s truly special.

Dietary needs? No problem! You can create a wonderful vegan butternut squash cake caramel by using a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) and a plant-based milk or cream in the frosting, along with vegan butter. For those avoiding gluten, a gluten-free butternut squash cake caramel is easily achievable by swapping the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Experimenting with these variations means you can enjoy this comforting dessert no matter your dietary preferences!