Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a mouthwatering dessert that perfectly combines the rich flavors of butter and caramel with a delightful hint of salt. This cake, with its moist crumb and irresistible glaze, is an ideal treat for any gathering or special occasion. The recipe is straightforward, yet it produces a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
I first encountered this heavenly cake at a friend’s holiday party. The moment I took a bite, I was captivated by the balance of sweet and salty, the rich buttery texture, and the luscious caramel glaze. It quickly became a favorite in my family, and now it’s a staple at our holiday celebrations and special occasions. There’s something truly magical about a cake that can bring people together and create lasting memories.
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 unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Glaze:
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
¼ cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature for even baking.
Grease the Bundt Pan:
Generously grease a 10 or 12-cup Bundt pan. You can use butter or a non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cake releases perfectly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. This mixture forms the base of your cake batter.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix Wet Ingredients:
Add 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of buttermilk, 4 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Beat the Batter:
Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined. Ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated to achieve a uniform batter.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the Batter:
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even surface for baking.
Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures that the cake is fully cooked and has a perfect texture.
Cool the Cake:
Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This resting period helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
Invert the Cake:
Invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for the cake to hold its shape and for the glaze to be applied evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the Salted Caramel Glaze
Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter.
Add Brown Sugar and Milk:
Stir in 1 cup of light brown sugar and ¼ cup of evaporated milk. Mix well to combine.
Add Flavorings:
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of flaky sea salt. Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Simmer the Glaze:
Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir constantly to prevent burning and to ensure an even consistency.
Cool the Glaze:
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the glaze to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. This cooling period allows the glaze to thicken a bit more, making it easier to apply to the cake.
Step 6: Glaze the Cake
Drizzle the Glaze:
Drizzle the warm salted caramel glaze over the cooled cake. Ensure it drips down the sides and into every nook and cranny of the cake for that perfect sweet and salty finish.
Set the Glaze:
Allow the glaze to set a bit before slicing the cake. This helps the glaze adhere better to the cake, enhancing both the flavor and appearance.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice and Serve:
Once the glaze has set, slice the cake and serve. Each piece will have a delightful mix of moist cake and rich caramel glaze.
Pair with Coffee or Tea:
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect treat for any time of the day.
Variations & Tips
Add Nuts:
For an added crunch, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
Flavor Twist:
Experiment with different extracts such as almond or maple in the glaze for a unique flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The cake also freezes well if you want to make it ahead of time.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a perfect blend of rich flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any dessert repertoire. The moist, buttery cake combined with the luscious salted caramel glaze creates a truly irresistible treat. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also flexible enough to accommodate various preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a cozy dessert at home, this cake is sure to impress. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the cake bakes and the satisfaction of drizzling the perfect glaze over the top are just part of the experience. The true joy comes when you take that first bite and savor the wonderful combination of flavors.
Enjoy this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake as you gather with loved ones, celebrating the warmth and sweetness that this delightful dessert brings into your life. Happy baking!
