Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once done, let it rest in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Don’t worry if the cake looks slightly crisp on the edges — that’s where the butter glaze magic happens!

Step 6: Prepare the Butter Glaze

While the cake is still warm, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, and water. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Using a skewer or toothpick, poke small holes all over the warm cake. Slowly pour the butter glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the holes and seep through the bundt pattern. The glaze gives the Kentucky Butter Cake its signature moist, almost pudding-like texture.

Step 7: Add the Salted Caramel Finish

Once the cake has fully cooled, drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over the top. For the perfect finish, sprinkle a light layer of flaky sea salt to create that irresistible sweet-salty balance.

If you’re using homemade caramel, make sure it’s slightly thick but still pourable — this will cling beautifully to the cake’s curves.

Tips for the Perfect Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

• Room temperature ingredients are key for even mixing and smooth texture.
• If your caramel sauce is too thick, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to loosen it up before drizzling.
• For extra decadence, serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• You can store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a true masterpiece — rich, buttery, and beautifully balanced. The base cake delivers an old-fashioned warmth, while the caramel drizzle and sea salt bring modern sophistication to the table. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving that unforgettable buttery-caramel flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

This cake isn’t just dessert — it’s a Southern love letter, baked golden and drenched in sweet indulgence. Whether for holidays, birthdays, or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.