Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of the classic Kentucky Butter Cake with the irresistible sweetness and complexity of salted caramel. This moist, flavorful cake is drenched in a warm, decadent butter sauce and topped with a swirl of salted caramel, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday celebration, or as a weekend indulgence, this cake is sure to impress.

The Kentucky Butter Cake itself is a rich, dense cake with a slightly crispy, golden crust. It has a buttery flavor with a subtle vanilla undertone and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once baked, it’s drizzled with a buttery, sugary glaze that soaks into the cake, making every bite even more flavorful. Adding the salted caramel sauce brings the cake to a whole new level, enhancing its richness with the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The combination of the cake’s buttery base and the smooth, indulgent salted caramel creates a dessert that’s hard to resist.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12-16 servings

Why You Will Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: This cake comes together with minimal prep time and is easy to make, yet delivers a show-stopping result.
2. Perfect Texture: The cake is moist and dense, while the glaze soaks in, creating a soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
3. Simple Yet Elegant: Despite its decadent flavor, this cake looks elegant and is perfect for both casual and special occasions.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: With its sweet and salty combination, this cake is a guaranteed hit with family and guests.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: The cake can be made a day ahead, and the flavors only improve as it sits, making it perfect for meal prepping or preparing for special events.

Ingredients Notes

Butter: The key to the cake’s richness is the butter. Use unsalted butter for control over the saltiness of the cake and glaze.
Sugar: The cake uses both white and brown sugar, which adds to the depth of flavor. Brown sugar helps contribute to the moistness of the cake.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best in this recipe for the right texture.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to help the batter come together smoothly.
Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor, though imitation vanilla will also work in a pinch.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce can be used, but homemade salted caramel sauce adds extra richness and flavor. Be sure to balance the sweetness with a pinch of sea salt.
Salt: A pinch of sea salt in the caramel sauce is essential for bringing out the sweetness and adding the “salted” touch that makes this cake stand out.

How to Make Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan.
2. Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, cream the butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the butter sauce: While the cake is cooling, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. Prepare the salted caramel: For the salted caramel, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, then remove from the heat and stir in a pinch of sea salt.
8. Assemble the cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, poke several holes in the top with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the butter sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
9. Drizzle with salted caramel: Finally, drizzle the salted caramel over the top of the cake for a beautiful finish.

Storage Options

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

You can also freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.

Variations and Substitutions

Chocolate version: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist or drizzle melted chocolate on top in place of the caramel.
Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle them over the caramel topping for added crunch and flavor.
Other fruit flavors: For a fruity variation, add mashed banana or berries to the batter for an interesting flavor combination.
Vegan version: Replace butter with dairy-free margarine, use plant-based milk, and substitute eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves rich, buttery desserts with a touch of sophistication. The combination of the moist, buttery cake with the rich salted caramel topping makes it a treat that is hard to put down. It’s easy enough for a casual dessert and fancy enough for a special occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, this cake will become a beloved favorite in your dessert rotation.