Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Kentucky Butter Cake, bringing together rich flavors of butter, vanilla, and brown sugar with a sophisticated salted caramel infusion. This cake is perfect for anyone looking for a decadent dessert that balances sweetness and a hint of savory saltiness. Moist, buttery, and loaded with flavors, this cake is sure to become a family favorite, making it ideal for celebrations, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the salted caramel sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon salted caramel sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or a similar sized pan for best results.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This may take around 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the salted caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, slowly add the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Taste the caramel and adjust the saltiness according to your preference. Let it cool slightly.
- Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the top of the cake with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour half of the salted caramel sauce over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and soak in.
- Let the cake sit for a few minutes to absorb the caramel sauce.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, remaining salted caramel sauce, and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cake, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Serve and enjoy! This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a great dessert for any occasion.
Conclusion:
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is an indulgent dessert that combines the richness of butter cake with the irresistible sweetness and slight saltiness of caramel. The moist, buttery texture of the cake, combined with the caramel soaking into every bite, makes this a treat that stands out at any gathering. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple weekend indulgence, this cake is sure to impress. The balance of flavors from the salted caramel and the softness of the cake make it a truly memorable dessert