Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of sweet, buttery cakes, then the salted caramel Kentucky butter cake recipe is something you’ll want to try. Imagine the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture of a classic Kentucky Butter Cake but with a decadent twist: adding salted caramel that balances the sweetness.

This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners, and it’s guaranteed to impress at your next family gathering or special occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! If you want something equally delicious, check out my Southern Butter Pecan Pound Cake Recipe here.

What is a Kentucky butter cake?

Kentucky Butter Cake is a special dessert from the South. It is loved by many because of its buttery, soft texture. It’s simple but so tasty. The cake’s glaze makes it even better. When you pour the glaze over the hot cake, it soaks right in, making every bite extra yummy and moist. It’s no wonder that kentucky butter bourbon cake has been a family favorite for years.

The salted caramel twist adds something new. The sweetness of the cake and the salty caramel mix perfectly, making the cake even more delicious. If you’ve never tried it, this salted caramel Kentucky butter cake recipe is a must. The original Kentucky Butter Cake doesn’t have salted caramel. But adding it takes this classic treat to a whole new level. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a party, it will wow everyone.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

For the Cake:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Butter Glaze:

• ¾ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)

Equipment and Tools Required

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer (optional but helpful)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Saucepan for caramel sauce
• Cooling rack

Cooking Time and Servings People:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 People

How to Make Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Making this cake is super easy! Let me walk you through it. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tasty treat quickly.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter: First, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch pan. In a large bowl, mix butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing in the buttermilk as you go. When it’s smooth, pour the batter into the pan.

Step 2: Bake the Cake: Bake for 40 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean. The cake should be golden and firm. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: While the cake cools, make the caramel. In a pan, heat sugar over medium heat. Stir it until it melts. Once it’s golden, add the butter and stir. Add the heavy cream carefully – the caramel will bubble! Stir in sea salt and let the sauce cool for a few minutes.

Step 4: Drizzle the Caramel: Once the cake is cool, pour the caramel sauce over it. Let it soak in for a few minutes before serving.

Watch How to Make

How to Serve Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

• Serve It Warm: This cake is best when it’s warm. The salted caramel stays soft and gooey. A warm slice is like a hug on a plate. If you make it ahead, warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave.
• Add Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For an extra treat, top the cake with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The cold cream makes the warm, sweet, and salty flavors pop—a perfect match!
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: This cake goes great with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm drink makes the cake taste even better. Whether it’s after dinner or as a snack, this combo works every time.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: If you love crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top. Toasted pecans or walnuts work well. It adds a nice crunch to the soft cake and gooey caramel.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake is excellent for any event. Serve it at a family dinner, holiday gathering, or special celebration. It’s easy to make, and everyone will love it.
• Extra Sweetness: For even more flavor, drizzle extra salted caramel over the top. It gives the cake a beautiful shine and more of that sweet, salty taste.

Tips for Perfecting Your Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Don’t Overmix the Batter

When mixing the cake batter, it’s tempting to keep going until everything is completely smooth but try not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, and we want this to be light and fluffy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and then stop!

Watch the Baking Time

The key to a perfectly baked cake is checking it at the right time. Every oven is different, so check the cake in 40 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If not, give it a few more minutes. Don’t open the oven too often, though—this can cause the cake to collapse.

Get the Caramel Sauce Just Right

Caramel can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s worth it! When you melt the sugar, stir slowly and keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Adding the heavy cream can cause the caramel to bubble up, so be careful. If the caramel gets too thick, add a little more cream to loosen it up.

Let the Cake Rest

After baking, let the cake rest before you add the caramel. This is super important! If you add the caramel too soon, it will just slide off the cake instead of soaking in. Giving the cake a few minutes to cool down lets the glaze set in and keeps it moist.

Experiment with Toppings

While the salted caramel Kentucky butter cake is delicious, don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings! A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can add an extra touch. You could even sprinkle some toasted nuts on top for some crunch. Feel free to add your twist, like grandma’s butter cake, which might have had little variations over the years.

Serve at the Right Temperature

This cake is best served slightly warm, so it’s soft, and the caramel is still gooey. But if you’re not serving it right away, don’t worry! It stays fresh and tasty at room temperature for a couple of days, and it even gets better after a day or two.

Where to Find the Best Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipes

If you want more salted caramel Kentucky butter cake recipes, you have many options! Websites like Allrecipes have great recipes. Search for Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake All recipes. You can also look at food blogs that focus on Southern desserts. Many of these blogs have creative spins on the classic Kentucky butter cake. Some even include fun variations, like adding bourbon for a Kentucky butter bourbon cake twist.

FAQs about Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe Ina Garten?

Ina Garten does not have an official recipe for salted caramel Kentucky butter cake, but you can follow this recipe for a delicious twist. The rich butter flavor combined with salted caramel will surely impress.

What is salted caramel made of?

Salted caramel is made by melting granulated sugar until golden, adding butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. This creates a rich, smooth sauce with a salty-sweet flavor.

What is caramel in the ingredient list?

In the ingredient list, caramel typically refers to a mixture of sugar, butter, and cream cooked until golden brown. It’s often used as a topping or filling in desserts like the salted caramel Kentucky butter cake.

What does Kentucky butter cake taste like?

butter cake has a rich, buttery flavor with a moist, dense texture. It’s sweet but not overly so, especially when paired with a buttery glaze. Adding salted caramel elevates the taste with a perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Martha Stewart Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe?

While Martha Stewart doesn’t have a salted caramel Kentucky butter cake recipe, you can use her approach to creating rich cakes and apply it to this recipe for an unforgettable treat.

What is Kentucky butter cake?

Kentucky butter cake is a classic Southern dessert made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. It is known for its rich flavor and moist, tender crumb, often finished with a buttery glaze that soaks into the cake.

Why is it called Kentucky butter cake?

The name Kentucky butter cake comes from its origins in Kentucky, where it is a popular dessert. The “butter” in the name reflects the prominent use of butter in the cake, which gives it its rich flavor and moist texture.

Does this cake need to be stored in the refrigerator?

No, salted caramel Kentucky butter cake does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. It can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, refrigerate it and warm it before serving.

What is the difference between caramel and salted caramel?

The difference between caramel and salted caramel is the addition of sea salt. Salted caramel enhances the sweetness of the caramel with a subtle salty flavor, making it perfect for desserts like salted caramel Kentucky butter cake.

Why is it called butter cake?

It’s called a butter cake because the cake is made with a significant amount of butter, which gives it a rich flavor and moist texture. The Kentucky butter cake is a variation of this cake, with a buttery glaze soaking into the cake, making it even more flavorful.

Enjoy Your Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

This salted caramel Kentucky butter cake recipe combines rich, buttery cake with sweet salted caramel. It is easy to follow and makes a moist, delicious cake. The salted caramel adds a special touch that takes it to the next level. Give this cake a try!

I’m sure it will be a hit at your next event. You can even try different toppings or twists to make it your own. Let me know what you think! Share your results and any changes you made in the comments below. Enjoy your cake!