Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

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Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake: A Heavenly Dessert with a Golden Twist

There are few desserts as rich, moist, and soul-satisfying as a Kentucky Butter Cake—but when you add salted caramel into the mix, the result becomes truly irresistible. This dessert combines the buttery tenderness of the classic cake with a luscious salted caramel glaze that seeps into every crumb. The outcome? A golden, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for celebrations, holidays, or simply when you want to spoil yourself.

Let’s dive into the story and the method behind this indulgent masterpiece.

🌟 What Makes Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Special

Originally, Kentucky Butter Cake was known for its simplicity—a rich vanilla-butter base soaked with a buttery glaze. The salted caramel variation elevates the flavor by introducing a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of salt, giving each bite depth and warmth. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t need frosting or decoration—its glossy caramel glaze and tender crumb say it all.

🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup buttermilk (at room temperature)
4 large eggs (at room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Butter Glaze:

⅓ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly, ensuring every ridge is coated to prevent sticking. You can also use a non-stick baking spray that contains flour for convenience.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside—this ensures even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the batter.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 to 5 minutes. This step incorporates air, which helps make the cake tender.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix gently after each addition—just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cake dense.