Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake: The Ultimate Indulgence
Introduction
Kentucky Butter Cake is a beloved Southern dessert famous for its incredibly moist, tender crumb and rich buttery glaze that soaks deep into every bite. The original recipe calls for a simple butter glaze, but in this version, we elevate the flavors with a luscious salted caramel glaze that brings a sophisticated balance of sweet and salty.
This cake is perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave something truly decadent. The buttery texture combined with the salted caramel glaze creates a symphony of flavors that is utterly irresistible.
History and Background of Kentucky Butter Cake
Kentucky Butter Cake has its roots in traditional Southern baking, where butter was a prized ingredient. The cake is known for being rich but surprisingly light, thanks to the creaming method and a generous butter glaze poured over it immediately after baking. It’s sometimes referred to as a “sticky butter cake” because of its moist, tender crumb and glossy glaze.
Adding salted caramel to the glaze is a modern twist, borrowing from the popularity of salted caramel in desserts worldwide, which perfectly complements the buttery cake base and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks, 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
For the Salted Caramel Glaze:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup heavy cream, warmed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (adjust to taste)
Equipment Needed
Bundt cake pan or 9×13 inch baking dish
Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula
Cooling rack
Measuring cups and spoons
Saucepan for caramel
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your Bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray and lightly flour it, tapping out excess flour.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
