Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

If you’re a fan of rich, buttery cakes with a decadent caramel twist, then this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is the dessert of your dreams. This cake is ultra-moist, thanks to a luscious butter glaze that soaks into every bite. The addition of homemade salted caramel takes it to the next level, balancing sweetness with a hint of saltiness for a perfect flavor combination.

Kentucky Butter Cake has been a beloved classic for decades. Originally created in the 1960s, it gained popularity for its tender crumb and rich buttery taste. While the traditional version is delicious on its own, adding salted caramel makes it even more irresistible. This cake is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you need a comforting dessert.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the key ingredients to step-by-step baking instructions and expert tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time. Get ready to enjoy a cake that’s buttery, caramel-infused, and absolutely unforgettable!

What is a Kentucky Butter Cake?

Kentucky Butter Cake is a classic Southern dessert known for its rich, moist texture and deep buttery flavor. Unlike traditional cakes that rely on frosting for moisture, this cake has a unique method: a sweet butter glaze is poured over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in and create an ultra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

A Brief History of Kentucky Butter Cake

This cake dates back to the 1960s when it won the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest. Since then, it has remained a staple in Southern baking, loved for its simplicity and indulgent taste. While it may resemble a pound cake, Kentucky Butter Cake has a lighter crumb and an added richness from the butter sauce.

What Makes This Cake Special?

Several elements make Kentucky Butter Cake stand out:

• The Butter Sauce: Unlike most cakes that use icing or frosting, this cake gets drenched in a warm, buttery glaze right after baking. This not only enhances the flavor but also locks in moisture.
• A Soft Yet Dense Crumb: The texture is soft but slightly dense, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
• Incredible Flavor: It’s rich, buttery, and slightly vanilla-infused, making it the perfect base for additional flavors—like the salted caramel twist in this recipe!

The beauty of this cake is its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with sauces and toppings. In our recipe, we’ll be adding a homemade salted caramel sauce to give it a luxurious, sweet-salty contrast that elevates the classic even further.

The Signature Twist: Salted Caramel Addition

Why Add Salted Caramel?

Kentucky Butter Cake is already rich, buttery, and moist, but adding salted caramel takes it to another level. The deep, caramelized sugar flavor enhances the cake’s natural sweetness, while the hint of salt balances everything out, preventing it from becoming overly sweet. This combination of sweet and salty makes every bite irresistible.

Salted caramel has become a favorite addition to many desserts because it enhances flavors rather than overpowering them. When drizzled over the warm Kentucky Butter Cake, it seeps into the tender crumb, creating a luscious, indulgent texture that melts in your mouth.

How Salted Caramel Changes the Texture & Flavor

• More Moisture: The butter glaze already makes this cake incredibly moist, but the caramel sauce adds an extra level of decadence.
• Deep, Rich Flavor: The caramelization process brings out warm, nutty, and slightly smoky notes, adding depth to the buttery cake.
• Sweet-Salty Perfection: A small amount of sea salt in the caramel creates a beautiful contrast, making the flavors more complex and satisfying.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Caramel

While store-bought caramel can work in a pinch, nothing beats homemade. Freshly made caramel has a richer taste, smoother texture, and no artificial flavors or preservatives. It’s surprisingly simple to make with just sugar, butter, cream, and salt.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making a silky, homemade salted caramel sauce that complements the buttery cake perfectly. The caramel can be drizzled over the cake while warm or added as a final topping before serving. Either way, it guarantees a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Before diving into the baking process, let’s go over the key ingredients that make this cake so incredibly moist and flavorful. This recipe consists of three main components: the cake, the butter glaze, and the salted caramel sauce.

Cake Ingredients

These ingredients create a rich, buttery base with a soft yet slightly dense crumb:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability.
• 2 cups granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with moisture retention.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay light.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Reacts with the buttermilk for extra tenderness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The key ingredient for a rich, buttery taste.
• 4 large eggs – Provide structure and richness.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor and enhances the caramel notes.

Butter Glaze Ingredients

This is what makes Kentucky Butter Cake unique! It seeps into the warm cake, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the glaze and helps it soak in.
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter – Melts into the cake for a rich, buttery finish.
• 3 tablespoons water – Helps dissolve the sugar for a smooth glaze.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients

Homemade caramel is simple to make and adds a perfect sweet-salty touch to the cake.

• 1 cup granulated sugar – The base of the caramel, which caramelizes beautifully.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and silkiness.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Can I use salted butter? – Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
• No buttermilk? – Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
• Want extra caramel flavor? – Add a tablespoon of caramel extract or brown sugar to the cake batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking! Follow these steps to create a perfectly moist Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake.

1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are well-coated to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Add the softened butter and mix on low speed until the flour mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step helps coat the flour in butter, creating a tender crumb.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, mixing on medium speed until smooth and no lumps remain. Do not overmix, as it may make the cake dense.

2: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack.

3: Make the Butter Glaze

1. While the cake is still warm, melt butter, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Using a skewer or fork, poke small holes all over the warm cake. Slowly pour the butter glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
4. Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the buttery goodness.

4: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into an amber-colored liquid.
2. Carefully add the butter, stirring until fully melted. The mixture will bubble up—this is normal!
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. The caramel will bubble, then smooth out into a silky sauce.
4. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let it cool slightly before using.

5: Assemble & Serve

1. Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides.
2. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the caramel.
3. Slice and serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for the Perfect Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

To ensure your Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake turns out moist, flavorful, and absolutely delicious, follow these expert tips!

1. How to Keep the Cake Moist

• Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can create a dense, dry cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use room temperature ingredients – Eggs, butter, and buttermilk should be at room temperature for a smooth batter and even baking.
• Do not overbake – Check for doneness at the 50-minute mark. A toothpick should come out with only a few moist crumbs.
• Let the glaze soak in – Pour the butter glaze over the cake while it’s still warm to lock in moisture.

2. Best Butter to Use

• Unsalted butter is ideal since you can control the salt content in the recipe.
• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor—European-style butter (like Kerrygold or Plugrá) has a higher fat content, making the cake richer.

3. Salted vs. Unsalted Butter: Which is Better?

If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. However, unsalted butter is preferred since it allows better control over the salt balance, especially when adding salted caramel.

4. The Secret to Smooth, Silky Caramel

• Don’t stir too much while melting the sugar; let it naturally caramelize.
• Add butter and cream slowly to prevent the caramel from seizing.
• If the caramel is too thick, stir in a bit of warm cream to loosen it.
• Store caramel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks and reheat before using.

5. Enhancing the Caramel Flavor in the Cake

• Add a tablespoon of caramel extract to the cake batter for extra caramel notes.
• Replace ¼ cup of granulated sugar in the cake with light brown sugar for a subtle caramelized taste.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Serving Suggestions

Your Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is already a showstopper, but pairing it with the right sides and presentation can elevate the experience even further. Here are some delicious ways to serve it!

1. Best Ways to Serve This Cake

• Warm with extra caramel drizzle – Heat a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, then drizzle additional warm salted caramel sauce for an extra gooey treat.
• With a scoop of ice cream – The richness of the cake pairs beautifully with a cold, creamy scoop of vanilla bean, butter pecan, or salted caramel ice cream.
• Topped with whipped cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened homemade whipped cream balances the cake’s density.
• With a dusting of powdered sugar – For a simple yet elegant finish, lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the top.

2. Perfect Occasions for This Cake

This indulgent dessert is perfect for:

• Holidays & Celebrations – Serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter gatherings.
• Dinner Parties – Impress guests with this luxurious, restaurant-quality dessert.
• Casual Get-Togethers – A great treat for family movie nights or weekend brunch.
• Gift Giving – Bake it in a decorative bundt pan, wrap it up beautifully, and gift it to friends or family.

3. Drinks That Pair Well with This Cake

Pairing your dessert with the right drink can enhance the flavors even more!

4. Creative Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations of the cake:

• Chocolate Caramel Butter Cake – Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the batter and drizzle with a chocolate-caramel sauce.
• Pecan Caramel Butter Cake – Sprinkle toasted pecans over the caramel drizzle for extra crunch.
• Salted Caramel Apple Butter Cake – Fold in diced apples and a touch of cinnamon to the batter for a fall-inspired version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, along with expert answers to help you get perfect results every time!

1. Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel Instead of Homemade?

Yes! While homemade caramel offers a richer, fresher taste, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time. Choose a high-quality brand that’s thick and buttery rather than overly sweet.

2. What’s the Best Way to Prevent a Dry Cake?

• Measure ingredients correctly – Spoon flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping, which can add too much flour.
• Do not overbake – Check at 50 minutes and remove when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let the glaze soak in – This ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Can This Cake Be Made Gluten-Free?

Yes! To make a gluten-free version:

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum if the flour blend does not already contain it.
• Check for doneness 5 minutes earlier since gluten-free cakes may bake slightly faster.

4. What’s the Best Pan for This Recipe?

A 10-cup bundt pan is ideal because it allows the butter glaze to soak in evenly.

• If using a regular cake pan: A 9×13-inch pan works, but reduce the baking time to 40–45 minutes and poke holes before adding the glaze.

5. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day since the glaze soaks in more.

• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
• If freezing, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

6. Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?

Absolutely! Here are some great add-ins:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts – Fold ½ cup into the batter for extra crunch.
• Chocolate chips – Add ½ cup of dark chocolate chips for a chocolate-caramel twist.
• Toasted coconut flakes – Sprinkle on top before serving for a tropical touch.

Final Thoughts: A Buttery, Caramel Delight

The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is the ultimate dessert for butter and caramel lovers. With its rich, buttery crumb, indulgent glaze, and luxurious salted caramel drizzle, it’s a show-stopping cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a special gathering, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a hot cup of coffee for an unforgettable treat!

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