Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cakes that deliver that perfect harmony of buttery richness and sweet, slightly salty indulgence, then this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe is about to become your newest obsession. This classic Southern treat is elevated by a luscious salted caramel topping that melts beautifully over a moist, dense cake. Every bite is a comforting hug of vanilla, caramel, and just the right touch of sea salt, making it a showstopper for gatherings or a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this cake is delightfully straightforward because it relies on simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the soft crumb of the cake to the rich butter glaze and decadent caramel sauce, every component contributes to an unforgettable dessert experience.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb needed for this dense yet moist cake.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and the glazes, balancing flavors perfectly.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the cake just the right lift without making it cakey or dry.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Packed with richness, it’s essential for the buttery flavor and tender texture in the cake and glazes.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang to brighten the cake’s flavor.
• Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the cake and the salted caramel.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture of the salted caramel sauce.
• Sea salt: Provides that signature salty kick in the caramel topping—don’t skim on this!

How to Make Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease and flour a bundt pan. This ensures that your cake will slip out effortlessly in one beautiful piece, making presentation a breeze. It might take a little extra time now, but the payoff later is totally worth it.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is key because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt, setting the stage for a perfectly balanced rise and flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Add the softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat everything for about 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined. This ensures the butter is evenly incorporated, giving the cake that signature rich, tender crumb.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking at a slightly lower temperature helps the cake cook evenly without developing a dry or burnt crust.

Step 5: Make the Butter Glaze

While the cake bakes, prepare the butter glaze by heating sugar, butter, and water gently in a small saucepan. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, creating a glossy syrup ready to soak into the hot cake.

Step 6: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake comes out of the oven, poke holes all over its top surface using a skewer or toothpick. Slowly pour the warm butter glaze over the cake while it’s still in the pan. This step is magic—the glaze seeps into those holes, infusing each bite with sticky, buttery goodness. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before turning it out onto a serving plate.

Step 7: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, cook sugar and water over medium heat without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally until the mixture turns a deep amber color. This caramelization creates the rich flavor foundation for your salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Finish the Salted Caramel

Remove the saucepan from heat carefully and whisk in butter and heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious. Stir until the sauce is silky smooth, then mix in the sea salt to balance the sweet, deep caramel notes perfectly. Let this sauce cool slightly before drizzling.

Step 9: Assemble and Serve

Once the cake is fully cooled and out of the pan, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top. For an extra flourish, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on the caramel drizzle. This final touch elevates every bite and adds a beautiful texture contrast.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can make your Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe look as stunning as it tastes. Try sprinkling flaky sea salt or lightly toasted pecans for crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never goes amiss either, adding a creamy softness that complements the caramel perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cake shines as a dessert after a cozy dinner. Pair it with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears to cut through the richness, or serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or decadent hot chocolate for a truly comforting experience. The bittersweet notes of coffee enhance the salted caramel flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, consider serving individual slices with a drizzle of additional caramel sauce and a sprig of mint. You can even layer slices with whipped cream and caramel shards in a trifle glass for a stunning dessert parfait. Presentation with a personal touch never fails to impress friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this crowd-pleaser), wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and flavorful for about 3 days, perfect for enjoying a slice or two later without losing freshness.

Freezing

This Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, your cake will keep for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy a wonderful treat anytime.

Reheating

To warm up the cake, thaw it at room temperature and then heat in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist. A quick warm-up makes the caramel even more irresistible!

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk, using real buttermilk gives the cake its tender crumb and subtle tang, enhancing the overall flavor.

Do I have to use a bundt pan?

You can bake this cake in a regular tube or even a round cake pan, but a bundt pan is traditional and helps the cake cook evenly while showcasing its beautiful shape and allowing the glaze to seep in perfectly.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

The key is to watch the sugar closely as it melts—swirl the pan gently without stirring to promote even caramelization and remove it from heat as soon as it turns a rich amber color.

Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead?

Absolutely! You can make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before drizzling over the cake. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

Is this cake very sweet?

This cake has a delightful balance of sweetness with a buttery richness and the distinct salty notes from the caramel sauce, making it pleasantly sweet without overwhelming the palate.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe that brings pure joy with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply craving a rich, soul-satisfying dessert, this cake delivers on all fronts. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become a go-to favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you know. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to fill your kitchen with the tempting aroma of buttery caramel goodness!

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