If your lives are as hectic as mine, simple recipes can be a blessing. I especially need a few simple ones in my repertoire during the even-busier-than-normal holiday season.
While my preference is to make cakes from scratch, I am not opposed to augmenting a cake mix. This cake starts with both a boxed cake mix and boxed pudding mix. It really is so quick and easy to put together. I had it mixed and in the oven within minutes.
I am on record as not being a huge butterscotch fan. I think that can be attributed in part to years spent trying to use butterscotch chips and being extremely disappointed. Then, I found Guittard’s butterscotch chips and decided to give butterscotch another try.
The butterscotch flavor is not that pronounced in this cake. Overall, it’s a very mild flavor. I used semisweet chocolate for the glaze, but in hindsight I think bittersweet might have worked better. Of course, that’s a matter of chocolate opinion and I know better than to start the great chocolate debate.
So, is this a great dessert for finishing a big holiday meal? Probably not. But, it would ideal for having around the house for snacking and sharing during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 package white cake mix
- 4 ounce package butterscotch instant pudding mix
- 1 cup water
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
- 2 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan. Set aside.
Combine cake mix, pudding mix, 1 cup water, eggs, and oil. Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix until combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, scraping down sides as needed.
Transfer 1 & 1/2 cups of cake batter to another bowl. Stir in chocolate syrup. Pour light batter into pan. Top with chocolate batter. Using a knife or metal spatula, gently swirl through the batters to marble.
Bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove cake from pan and cool completely on wire rack.
Combine chocolate and butter in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar and hot water. Add additional hot water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if necessary to attain drizzling consistency. Drizzle icing over cake.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens.
December 12th, 2008 at 8:03 am
I had no idea that Guittard made butterscotch chips. Will have to check that out. I’ve never been very impressed with Nestle’s.
December 12th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Yummy! That looks so good. I’m not a big butterscotch fan either; but, if you like the Guittard ones I know they are really good.
December 12th, 2008 at 8:26 am
I just drooled all over my keyboard…
December 12th, 2008 at 9:30 am
For an easy dessert, it sure looks fancy! And regardless of what kind of chocolate you like, the topping looks totally decadent.
December 12th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Your pictures are so beautiful, I want to eat everything on your site, and this cake is no different!
December 12th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
It’s definitely important to have a simple recipe like this in your back pocket when the holiday season gets hectic. This cake looks just lovely!
December 12th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling a tad overwhelmed with the holiday and here I sit web/blog browsing when I should be baking.
I’ve never been too keen on the butterscotch chips from Nestle–they tasted strange almost.
I love this frosting on this.
December 12th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I love the swirl! Gorgeous cake!!
December 13th, 2008 at 6:26 am
I love using cake mixes as a base, especially when life gets hectic! I love to bake from scratch, too, but sometimes, that isn’t always possible! This sounds like such a fabulous recipe! Thanks for sharing!!!!
December 13th, 2008 at 9:27 am
I AM a big butterscotch fan and I think my mouth is watering right now. Absolutely gorgeous!
December 13th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Whoa! This cake looks awesome! I love butterscotch, but not those awful supermarket butterscotch chips. Ugh! I had no idea that Guittard made them. I’ve never seen them before. Any ideas of where I might find some?
December 13th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
oh my. i love pound cake. butterscotch sounds soo rich but i think my curiosity is going to get the best of me
definitely bookmarking this recipe!
December 13th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Oh drool…looks rich and fantastic! Ideal for a chilly holiday gathering.
December 13th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I’m not terribly fond of butterscotch either perhaps it’s because I’ve only tasted it out of the jar or eaten the (Nestle’s) chips. Thanks for the info on Guittards.
~ingrid
December 14th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Butterscotch is a favorite of mine and glad to learn about Guittards. My sister makes the best wedding cake and I just learned that she drs. a mix!
December 14th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Thanks, everyone!
Susan, I’ve only been able to find those butterscotch chips at World Market.
December 16th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Yeah! I just got a silicon bunt pan from my secret santa. This marble cake looks great, I’ll have to try it in my new pan!
December 18th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Butterscotch is my favorite I will have to give this a try!
December 20th, 2008 at 6:03 am
I have not had butterscotch in a while, since the good old cupcakes as a child. I could get close to this one!
Thanks ,Chuck
December 21st, 2008 at 7:50 am
*drool* i like this one!I’d like to invite you to take some time to drop by at Foodista and share the info on this wonderful food with us. We have launched an online food and cooking encyclopedia ala wikipedia.Don’t forget to register first so we know who to thank the recipe for. Thanks! See you there!
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:21 pm
I also make a bundt cake that starts with a cake mix and butterscotch pudding mix and it’s delicious. Your swirls are especially gorgeous.
December 31st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I just love your blog. Everything looks so good!
January 6th, 2009 at 10:45 am
what a lovely beautiful blog u have!, i loved all the pics, the cake looks yum!!
January 8th, 2009 at 10:37 am
What a delcious recipe. Perfect for my get togethers!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Gorgeous cake creation!
February 5th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
i LOVE the inside! so swirly and moist!
February 24th, 2009 at 4:25 am
Wow..yummy..choco twist
March 4th, 2009 at 1:50 am
Wow .. this looks delicious. I love it.
March 7th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
This recipe was great. Easy to do, and although I do have to say it was not my most favorite cake (I tend to want super-rich decadent when I go for cake) it was moist, the crumb was nice, and best of all? My husband, who ignores the sweets and cakes in the house, ate several pieces! Must be a keeper!
June 13th, 2009 at 2:30 am
wow! i am drooling all over my keyboard now..will try it after exams..
thanks for sharing! =]
March 29th, 2013 at 4:14 pm
Do you think this can be made “Zebra Style?”
March 30th, 2013 at 8:50 pm
Stephanie, it might work. If you give it a shot, let me know how it works.