Mardi Gras Party Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful Mardi Gras Party Cake featuring butterscotch and traditional cake flavors, perfect for celebrations and festive gatherings that delight the senses.

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Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup butterscotch morsels
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 1/4 cups sifted flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 3 eggs (unbeaten)
  • 1 cup buttermilk or sour milk

Instructions

  1. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. Melt butterscotch morsels in water in a saucepan.
  3. Allow the melted butterscotch to cool.
  4. Sift flour with salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
  5. Set aside the dry ingredients.
  6. Add sugar gradually to shortening and cream well.
  7. Blend in eggs one at a time.
  8. Beat well after each addition.
  9. Add melted butterscotch and mix well.
  10. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk or sour milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
  11. Beat well after each addition.
  12. Pour batter into prepared cake pans.
  13. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  14. Refer to the Butterscotch Filling and Sea Foam Frosting to finish the cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a different flavor, you can use chocolate chips instead of butterscotch morsels. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Also, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk.

Serving Suggestions

This Mardi Gras Party Cake is perfect for celebrations and pairs beautifully with Luscious Coconut Cake for a delightful dessert spread. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Fresh fruit or a citrus salad can complement the sweetness of the cake nicely.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, allow slices to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mardi Gras Party Cake contains roughly 101 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 874mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

101 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 1.1g 1% DV
Carbs 21.4g 8% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 873.8mg 38% DV
Potassium 144.1mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 16.3mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 119.5mg 9% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance. Allow them to cool completely, wrap each layer in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to frost the cake after it has thawed.

What can I use instead of butterscotch morsels?

If you don't have butterscotch morsels, chocolate chips or caramel bits can be great substitutes. For a more unique flavor, try using peanut butter chips to give a nod to the flavor profile of Paydays.

How can I ensure my cake is moist?

To keep your cake moist, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Additionally, adding buttermilk or sour milk helps to retain moisture. Make sure to check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid drying out.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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