Introduction

Prepare to indulge in a symphony of flavors with this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake. This dessert is a true showstopper, with a moist and buttery cake soaked in a rich salted caramel sauce. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is a slice of heaven you won’t want to miss.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is for all dessert enthusiasts, bakers looking to impress, and anyone who appreciates the glorious combination of butter, caramel, and a hint of salt. It’s a delicious treat that’s perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

The Magic of Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake is renowned for its dense yet tender crumb, deeply buttery flavor, and a melt-in-your-mouth quality. The addition of a luscious salted caramel sauce takes this classic dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients

Before you start, ensure you have these essential ingredients ready:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)

Directions

Let’s dive into the process of creating this decadent Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt cake pan.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. While the cake is cooling, make the salted caramel sauce. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium-high heat. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture turns a deep amber color.
2. Carefully add the heavy cream, butter, and sea salt (adjust to your desired level of saltiness). Stir until the sauce is smooth.
3. Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 8: Soak the Cake

1. In the Bundt pan, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the cake. Pour about half of the warm salted caramel sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in.

Step 9: Unmold and Serve

1. After the cake has absorbed the caramel sauce, gently loosen the edges and invert the cake onto a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Extra Sea Salt: If you’re a fan of salted caramel, you can sprinkle a bit of additional sea salt on top of the cake for a saltier kick.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s so delicious that it’s unlikely to last that long!

FAQ

Q: Can I use salted butter in the cake?

A: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the level of salt in the cake, which is especially important when making a salted caramel sauce.

Q: Can I make the cake a day ahead of serving?

A: Absolutely, this cake actually gets better with time as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch?

A: While homemade salted caramel sauce is delightful, you can use store-bought if you’re short on time. Warm it slightly before pouring it over the cake.

In Conclusion

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a heavenly dessert that brings together the richness of buttery cake and the irresistible allure of salted caramel. It’s a treat for special occasions and moments when you want to savor something extraordinary. So, get ready to bake, indulge, and enjoy this magnificent creation. Your taste buds will thank you!