Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake: A Delicious Tradition
Introduction: The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of a classic butter cake with the indulgent sweetness of salted caramel. Its smooth, dense texture makes it a favorite among cake lovers, and its perfect balance of sweetness and salty depth creates a heavenly flavor profile. The cake is not only delicious but is also incredibly easy to make, often becoming a requested treat for holidays, gatherings, and celebrations.
While this cake is considered a “modern classic” in the South, it has deep roots in Kentucky’s baking history. The salted caramel twist brings a contemporary flair to an already beloved recipe, making it stand out at any dessert table.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
For the Butter Sauce (Caramel):
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan or tube pan. This is the first crucial step to ensure the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
2. Make the cake batter: In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a stand mixer for this. This step typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Next, gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with the dry ingredients and end with them, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to over-mix; just mix until combined.
3. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the salted caramel butter sauce: While the cake is cooling, make the buttery salted caramel sauce.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Remove the sauce from the heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt. This sauce is what gives the cake its rich, caramel flavor with a salty kick.
5. Glaze the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the salted caramel butter sauce over the top of the cake, letting it soak in and drizzle down the sides.
You can serve the cake immediately, or for extra flavor, allow it to sit for a few hours or overnight to let the sauce fully soak into the cake.
Method:
This cake is created in several simple stages: mixing the batter, baking, and making the decadent salted caramel sauce. The secret to its success is in the balance of ingredients and the creation of the buttery, sweet-salty sauce that infuses the cake with flavor. The cake itself is slightly dense and moist, absorbing the caramel sauce and becoming even more delicious over time.
History and Formation:
Kentucky Butter Cake has its origins in the southern United States, particularly in Kentucky, where butter cakes have long been a staple of family gatherings and celebrations. The salted caramel addition is a more modern twist, taking the traditional Kentucky Butter Cake and adding a sophisticated layer of flavor. The cake is often passed down through generations, especially during the holidays, and has grown in popularity across the U.S. in recent years.
In its traditional form, Kentucky Butter Cake was made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and eggs, and was beloved for its moist texture and rich flavor. The salted caramel version adds depth to this traditional recipe by balancing the sweetness of the cake with a savory, salty kick.
Conclusion:
The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or need a comforting dessert for a family gathering. Its moist texture, buttery flavor, and salted caramel drizzle make it a treat that everyone will rave about. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make—despite its elegant presentation.
The combination of rich butter cake and salted caramel sauce makes this dessert a unique and memorable treat, perfect for any sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this cake is sure to impress!
Lovers and Fanatics of Kentucky Butter Cake:
Fans of Kentucky Butter Cake, especially those who enjoy a little extra sweetness and salty contrast, will adore this variation with salted caramel. Its devotees appreciate the cake for its nostalgic southern charm, and its modern caramel twist makes it even more irresistible.
Some lovers of the cake also add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for an extra bit of texture and flavor. Others enjoy pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make it even more indulgent.
Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a birthday party, or simply for your own enjoyment, this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
I hope this gives you a big, indulgent recipe experience, and maybe even inspires you to make it again (or share it with others)! What do you love most about this cake?