
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake — A Sweet Southern Classic with a Modern Twist
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a rich, buttery cake that melts in your mouth — and when you drizzle it with silky salted caramel, it becomes downright heavenly. The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a luxurious twist on the classic Kentucky Butter Cake, a Southern favorite known for its moist crumb and signature buttery glaze. This recipe combines that old-fashioned charm with a touch of modern indulgence: smooth caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Let’s dive into the detailed process of creating this show-stopping dessert, step by step.
Ingredients
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 (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Butter Glaze:
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup butter
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan, making sure every crevice is coated. The butter glaze will later soak into the cake through small holes, so this step ensures the cake releases perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This step ensures all leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent rise and texture throughout the cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Add Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and creamy. Slowly add the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and if desired, a spoonful of caramel sauce for added depth. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
The batter should look thick, rich, and glossy — a telltale sign that it’s going to bake up beautifully moist.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in portions, mixing just until combined after each addition. Avoid overmixing, as that can make the cake dense instead of tender.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.









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