Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Kentucky Butter Cake is a traditional southern dessert that combines rich, buttery flavors with a moist texture. It’s often considered one of the best cakes in Southern baking due to its decadent taste and rich history. The cake is known for its thick, buttery glaze and tender crumb. The salted caramel twist on this cake takes it to the next level, adding a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cake.

History of Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake is believed to have originated in Kentucky, though its exact origin is unclear. It’s a simple yet decadent dessert, which is why it has become a staple in Southern kitchens. The cake’s popularity has grown far beyond Kentucky, thanks in part to its easy-to-make nature and delightful flavor. The salted caramel addition to the traditional butter cake elevates the experience, adding a new layer of sweetness with a touch of salt to balance it out.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter and flour your 9×13-inch baking pan or Bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps give the cake its soft texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Beat the mixture for an additional minute after adding the last egg.

Step 5: Add the Vanilla Extract

Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 6: Add the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 7: Optional: Add Sour Cream

If using sour cream for added moisture, fold it into the batter by hand until well incorporated. This will give your cake an extra soft and tender crumb.

Step 8: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown.

Step 10: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While the cake is baking, you can prepare the salted caramel sauce.

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Once the butter is melted, stir in the brown sugar, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is bubbling.

3. Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it may bubble up). Stir until smooth.

4. Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt to your preference. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 11: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top using a skewer or fork.

Pour the salted caramel sauce over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes you created. Let the cake absorb the sauce for about 10 minutes.

For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining salted caramel sauce and powdered sugar. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake.

Step 12: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. The salted caramel glaze will set as it cools, giving the cake a sweet, salty finish.

Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature to ensure the batter comes together smoothly. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize or not emulsify properly.

2. Baking Pan: If using a Bundt pan, make sure to grease and flour it thoroughly to prevent sticking. A 9×13-inch pan works well for easy slicing and serving.

3. Caramel Consistency: If the salted caramel sauce is too runny, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of cream or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

4. Make-Ahead: The cake can be made a day ahead, and the flavor will only improve as it sits. Just cover the cooled cake and store it at room temperature. The salted caramel glaze may need a quick reheat before serving if it hardens too much.

Serving Suggestions

• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream pairs wonderfully with this rich cake.

• Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream is an excellent complement to the decadent salted caramel cake.

• Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can add a fruity contrast to the sweet and salty cake.

Variations

1. Chocolate Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake: For a chocolate version, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use chocolate chips in place of some of the flour.

2. Nutty Touch: Add toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the cake for added texture and flavor.

3. Caramelized Banana: Add mashed bananas to the batter for a moist, banana-flavored variation. The salted caramel sauce complements the banana’s sweetness beautifully.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a showstopper dessert perfect for special occasions, holidays, or a sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family. The combination of buttery cake, rich caramel, and the touch of salt creates a decadent dessert that is impossible to resist. This recipe offers flexibility with the ability to add variations, making it suitable for various preferences and dietary needs. Whether you serve it as-is or with a scoop of ice cream, this cake will undoubtedly be a hit at any gathering.