Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

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It sounds like you’re looking for a detailed, well-structured recipe that includes everything from history to nutritional benefits and a full method for making a delicious cake. Based on your love for baking and your family’s preference for a soft and crowd-pleasing cake, I’ll share a Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake recipe, since you’ve mentioned it as your favorite.

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Introduction

This Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, buttery cake soaked in a homemade salted caramel glaze, making it ultra-moist and full of flavor. It’s a family favorite, always requested for birthdays, and large enough to serve a crowd. The combination of a tender crumb with the indulgence of caramel makes this cake a true showstopper!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Butter Glaze:

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cubed
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  3. Add the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes until well combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
  5. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Butter Glaze

  1. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by combining butter, sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil.

Step 3: Soak the Cake

  1. Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over it with a skewer or toothpick.
  2. Slowly pour the warm butter glaze over the cake while it’s still in the pan.
  3. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour) before inverting it onto a serving plate.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

  1. In a dry saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns amber brown.
  2. Add the butter and stir until melted.
  3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. The mixture will bubble.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.

History of Kentucky Butter Cake

The Kentucky Butter Cake is a Southern classic, believed to have originated in the 1960s when home bakers were experimenting with rich, buttery flavors. It is similar to a pound cake but has the unique step of soaking the cake in a butter glaze, making it extra moist. The addition of salted caramel gives a modern twist to this timeless dessert.

Benefits of This Cake

  1. Moist & Buttery – The butter glaze ensures a rich, tender crumb.
  2. Long-Lasting Freshness – Stays soft for days, making it great for celebrations.
  3. Crowd-Pleasing – Serves a large group with minimal effort.
  4. No Frosting Needed – The caramel glaze acts as a built-in topping.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

  • Calories: 450
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 250mg

Who Loves This Cake?

This cake is loved by:

  • Families celebrating birthdays – Your kids always choose it!
  • Baking enthusiasts – Easy but impressive.
  • Butter and caramel lovers – Rich, decadent flavors in every bite.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that combines classic flavors with modern indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is guaranteed to be a favorite. Bake it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Enjoy your food!

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