Introduction
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, moist bundt cake infused with a buttery syrup and finished with a luscious salted caramel glaze. Sweet, buttery, and indulgent, it’s a true Southern-style dessert that’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, or whenever you’re craving a slice of pure comfort.
Origin and Cultural Significance
The classic Kentucky Butter Cake originated in the American South, where butter-rich desserts are celebrated for their richness and hospitality. Traditionally, the cake is soaked with a buttery sugar glaze that keeps it moist for days. The salted caramel twist modernizes this iconic cake, adding a balance of sweet and salty flavors that makes it even more irresistible.
Ingredients Quantity
For the Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Butter Sauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Glaze
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes (for topping)
Optional Additions
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for warmth.
- Fold in toasted pecans for a nutty twist.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream when serving.
- Use bourbon caramel sauce for a boozy variation.
Tips for Success
- Grease and flour the bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smoother batter.
- Poke holes in the cake while warm so the butter sauce soaks in deeply.
- Let the cake rest overnight—the flavor improves as it sits.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, make the butter sauce: In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and water. Cook over medium heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- When cake is done, leave it in the pan. Poke holes all over with a skewer and pour the butter sauce slowly over the warm cake. Let it soak in completely.
- Allow cake to cool in the pan before inverting onto a serving platter.
- Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled cake and sprinkle lightly with sea salt flakes.
Description
This cake is buttery, moist, and decadent, with every bite infused with sweet butter syrup. The drizzle of salted caramel adds a glossy finish and a perfect sweet-salty contrast, making it even more indulgent.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 of 12)
- Calories: ~480
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Sugar: 42g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion and Recommendation
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is an unforgettable dessert—classic Southern comfort elevated with salted caramel elegance. It’s best enjoyed with coffee or a glass of milk, and it makes an excellent centerpiece for special occasions.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To lighten things up, try reducing the sugar by ¼ cup, use Greek yogurt in place of part of the butter, or drizzle lightly with caramel instead of pouring generously. You’ll still enjoy the buttery, caramel goodness while making it a bit more balanced.