Have you ever bitten into a Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpet and been instantly transported back to childhood? I’m talking about that perfect balance of soft cake and sweet, sticky icing that somehow makes everything better. Well, I’ve got news for you—you can recreate that magic in your own kitchen with this sheet cake version. It’s bigger, it’s better for sharing, and it’ll make you feel like a kid again. But the nostalgia factor isn’t even the best part of this recipe…
Why You’ll Love this Nostalgic Butterscotch Krimpet Sheet Cake
If you’ve ever bitten into a Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpet, you know that distinctive, comforting flavor that transports you straight back to childhood. This homemade sheet cake version captures that nostalgic taste but in a larger, more shareable format.
I’m particularly fond of how the brown sugar in the batter creates that signature butterscotch depth, while the frosting—oh, the frosting—delivers that perfect sweet finish. What’s not to love about a dessert that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a memory-maker?
Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
What Ingredients are in Nostalgic Butterscotch Krimpet Sheet Cake?
To recreate this delightful homage to the classic Tastykake treat, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples that work together to create that unmistakable butterscotch flavor.
For the cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (this gives the distinctive butterscotch flavor)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the butterscotch frosting:
- ⅓ cup butterscotch chips
- ½ cup butter, at room temperature
- 1½-2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Make sure your butter is properly softened for the frosting—too cold and you’ll get lumps, too warm and the frosting might separate, neither of which would do justice to this nostalgic treat.
How to Make this Nostalgic Butterscotch Krimpet Sheet Cake
Creating this nostalgic treat is surprisingly simple, and the results? Absolutely worth every minute in the kitchen. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then grease and line a 17×11-inch baking pan—the perfect size for that authentic sheet cake texture.
In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 large eggs with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of light brown sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly fluffy, then stir in 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract for that subtle aromatic depth.
Next comes the magic that creates that tender crumb we all remember. Warm 1 cup of milk with ½ cup of butter in a small saucepan until the butter melts completely, then gradually mix this warm liquid into your egg mixture, stirring continuously. This gradual addition prevents the eggs from scrambling—nobody wants butterscotch scrambled eggs, right?
In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt, then gently fold this into your wet ingredients until just combined. Over-mixing is the enemy of tender cake, so resist the urge to beat it into submission.
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden shade and a toothpick comes out clean. While the cake cools completely (patience is key here), prepare that signature butterscotch frosting by melting ⅓ cup butterscotch chips with ½ cup of room temperature butter, then mix in 1½-2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until smooth and spreadable.
For the most efficient and consistent mixing results, a powerful stand mixer will make preparing this batter a breeze while ensuring all ingredients are perfectly incorporated.
Once the cake has cooled, spread that luscious frosting in an even layer across the top, creating those iconic swirls with the back of your spatula. Store your finished masterpiece in an airtight container, if it lasts long enough to need storing.
What to Serve with Nostalgic Butterscotch Krimpet Sheet Cake
The perfect companions for this sweet, butterscotch-laden sheet cake can turn your dessert experience from merely delicious to absolutely memorable. I love serving mine with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts into the frosting, creating this magical puddle of creamy goodness. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream works beautifully too.
Want something to cut the sweetness? Try fresh berries on the side or a steaming cup of black coffee. For special occasions, I’ll drizzle extra butterscotch sauce over each slice. Isn’t it amazing how the right pairing can elevate a simple dessert?
Leftovers and Storage for this Nostalgic Butterscotch Krimpet Sheet Cake
Now that we’ve talked about perfect pairings, let’s address what happens when you can’t finish this delectable cake in one sitting. Trust me, storing this butterscotch beauty properly makes all the difference.
Keep your leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The frosting forms a slight crust that helps preserve moisture. Want it to last longer? Pop it in the fridge for up to a week, though I recommend letting slices come to room temperature before enjoying.
Can you freeze it? Absolutely. Wrap individual pieces in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Your future self will thank you.
Nostalgic Butterscotch Krimpet Sheet Cake Substitutions and Variations
Several wonderful variations exist for this nostalgic butterscotch krimpet sheet cake, allowing you to customize it to your pantry contents or dietary needs.
Can’t find butterscotch chips? Try caramel chips or white chocolate with a dash of maple extract. Need this gluten-free? Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup flour blend. For dairy-free bakers, coconut oil works beautifully instead of butter, and almond milk creates a lovely texture.
Want it fancier? Add chopped toasted pecans to the frosting, or swirl in a ribbon of caramel sauce before baking. Some days I’m tempted to add cinnamon or nutmeg for a fall twist.
Final Thoughts
Nostalgia finds its sweetest form in this butterscotch krimpet sheet cake, bringing childhood memories flooding back with every bite. There’s something magical about recreating these beloved flavors in your own kitchen, isn’t there?
The soft, tender crumb and that signature butterscotch frosting—just divine.
What I love most is how versatile this recipe remains while staying true to its roots. Perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or just because it’s Tuesday. For those who enjoy variety in their desserts, consider trying a coconut sheet cake made with cream cheese frosting and sweetened coconut flakes. When you’re craving comfort wrapped in butterscotch goodness, this sheet cake delivers every single time. Your family will thank you.
