If you’re looking for a dessert that combines rich flavors, irresistible sweetness, and a dash of salt, then Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake should be at the top of your list. This moist, buttery cake topped with a gooey salted caramel glaze is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, family gathering, or a simple treat to indulge in. Ready to dive into a recipe that will leave everyone craving more? Let’s explore why this cake is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: The rich, buttery cake pairs perfectly with the gooey salted caramel glaze for a delightful sweet and salty combination.
- Moist and Flavorful: The cake itself is incredibly moist and full of flavor, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions make this cake a breeze to prepare, even for beginner bakers.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with nuts, spices, or even a chocolate drizzle for a personal touch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, family gathering, or holiday celebration, this cake is sure to be the star of the dessert table.
- Comforting: The warm, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cake combined with the rich caramel glaze makes it the perfect dessert for cozy nights.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 Minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10-12
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dietary Information: Contains dairy and gluten (can be adjusted for some dietary preferences)
Ingredients
To make this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. This recipe does not call for anything too complicated, making it a great choice for beginner bakers.
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk (if you don’t have buttermilk, see our pro tip below!)
For the Salted Caramel Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt (use sea salt for an extra flavorful punch)
Equipment
This recipe doesn’t require a lot of specialized equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 9×13-inch baking dish (or Bundt pan if you prefer)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls (2-3 sizes)
- Whisk or spatula
- Saucepan (for the caramel glaze)
- Cooling rack (for allowing the cake to cool down before serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This will give the oven time to heat up while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring that it’s evenly coated. If you’re using a Bundt pan, make sure to coat it thoroughly to prevent any cake from sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly combined, and set this bowl aside.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they’re light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and softened butter, mixing until combined. Now, alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, making sure not to overbeat the batter.
Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Baking Dish
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Glaze
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the salted caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. Once the sugar has dissolved, add in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Finally, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sea salt. Set the glaze aside to cool slightly.
Step 7: Glaze the Cake
When the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan. While it’s still warm, pour the salted caramel glaze over the top of the cake. The glaze will soak into the cake, adding moisture and flavor. Once the glaze has settled in, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
Pro Tips
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
- Butter Temperature: For the best results, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures that your cake turns out light and fluffy.
- Caramel Glaze Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, let it simmer for a little longer. The more you cook the caramel, the thicker it will get when cooled. If it gets too thick, simply add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, make sure to mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture. You want the cake to be light and fluffy!
Variations You Can Try
While this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to customize it to your taste:
- Add Nuts: If you’re a fan of nuts, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture. You can also sprinkle them on top of the glaze for added crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Want to take it to the next level? Drizzle some melted chocolate over the salted caramel glaze for a decadent finish that adds a touch of luxury.
- Fruit Compote: Pair your cake with a warm fruit compote, like apple or pear, for a fruity contrast to the rich caramel.
- Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter to give it a cozy, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the caramel glaze.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve your cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty, Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is your answer. Its rich, buttery flavor combined with the luscious salted caramel glaze creates a cake that’s impossible to resist. The best part? It’s so easy to make, and you can even get creative with variations to suit your taste.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent, this cake will be a hit every time. So go ahead, try this recipe, and enjoy the delightful combination of butter, caramel, and a touch of salt. You’ll find that it quickly becomes one of your go-to dessert recipes!
