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A butternut squash cake topped with frosting, caramel drizzle, and pecans.

Butternut Squash Cake with Caramel Frosting

Butternut Squash Cake is filled with dried cranberries and pecans then topped off with a combination of a buttercream and cream cheese caramel frosting for a decadent cake no one can refuse!
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories: 383kcal
Author: Hezzi-D

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 4 Tablespoons butter melted
  • 2 Tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 c. brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 c. roasted butternut squash mashed
  • 1 1/4 c. flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 c. dried cranberries
  • 1/4 c. chopped pecans

For the lemon glaze (optional):

  • c. lemon juice
  • c. powdered sugar
  • ¼ c. honey

For the caramel frosting:

  • 1 stick 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 4 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 2 c. powdered sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons caramel sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 c. pecan halves

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Spray an 8 inch springform pan with baking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine the butter, oil, sugar, and eggs and beat until smooth.
  • Add in the mashed butternut squash and mix well.
  • In a small bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
  • Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined being careful not to overmix.
  • Fold in the cranberries and pecans.
  • Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. If using the frosting remove from pan. If using the glaze leave the cake in the pan.
  • To make the glaze combine the lemon juice, powdered sugar, and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat for 5 minutes then remove from heat.
  • Once cake is cooled use a wooden skewer and poke holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the hot glaze over the holes and let sit for 30 minutes in the pan before removing.
  • To make the frosting place the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl and beat on medium high speed until smooth.
  • Add in the powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and milk and beat on high until smooth. Add in additional powdered sugar if needed.
  • Spread the frosting over the top of the cake. Then put the remaining frosting in a piping bag and pipe swirls around the edges.
  • Decorate with pecan halves and additional caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

Cake and glaze recipe adapted from Eats:  enjoy all the seconds - 135 Colourful Recipes to Savour & Save by Mary Rolph Lamontagne, Frosting recipe is a Hezzi-D Original Recipe

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 251mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 48g