Absolutely! Let’s create a full, detailed, “big” recipe for your Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, complete with all the sections you requested. I’ll make it comprehensive, warm, and engaging.
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake 🍰✨
Introduction
The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is the kind of dessert that steals the show at every gathering. Its rich buttery flavor, combined with the luscious sweetness of caramel and a hint of sea salt, makes each bite unforgettable. This cake is known for its moist, tender crumb and decadent caramel glaze that drips beautifully over its edges. Simple enough for beginners, yet elegant enough to impress seasoned bakers, it’s no wonder this cake is requested time and again.
Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a treat-yourself day, it embodies the southern charm and warmth of Kentucky kitchens.
History
The Kentucky Butter Cake has its roots in the American South, particularly in Kentucky, where home bakers prized simplicity and rich flavors. Traditionally, the cake is a butter-based yellow cake soaked in a buttery glaze that keeps it moist for days. Over time, bakers added salted caramel to elevate the indulgence, combining the best of Southern tradition with modern dessert trends. The salted caramel twist adds a luxurious depth that appeals to sweet-and-savory lovers alike.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp salt (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions & Methods
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake:
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes while you prepare the glaze.
3. Make the Salted Caramel Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes.
- Slowly add the cream while whisking continuously.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla.
4. Assemble:
- Pour the warm caramel glaze evenly over the slightly cooled cake. The glaze will soak in, making the cake incredibly moist and rich.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
Benefits
- Mood-boosting: The sweet, buttery flavor can lift spirits and make any occasion feel special.
- Protein & energy: Eggs and butter provide protein and essential fats.
- Versatility: Can be served as a dessert, snack, or even a decadent breakfast treat.
Formation & Serving Ideas
- Formation: This cake is best baked in a rectangular pan to allow maximum glaze absorption.
- Serving: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle extra sea salt on top for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Storage: Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition (Approximate per slice, 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Sugars: 35 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Conclusion
The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a testament to how simplicity meets decadence. With minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, anyone can bake a dessert that feels luxurious. Its buttery crumb, combined with the irresistible salted caramel glaze, creates a cake that is both comforting and celebratory.
For the Lovers ❤️
Whether shared with family, gifted to friends, or enjoyed in quiet solitude, this cake spreads joy with every bite. Lovers of sweet-and-salty combinations will find it impossible to resist. Its aroma fills the home, evoking warmth, nostalgia, and delight.
If you want, I can also create a visual step-by-step version with pictures and plating ideas so it looks as stunning as it tastes.
Do you want me to do that next?