Introduction to Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake combines the moist and buttery goodness of traditional Southern desserts with a rich, decadent salted caramel twist.

This dessert is not just a cake; it’s an experience, indulging the senses with its perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors enveloped in a tender, fluffy texture.

The addition of salted caramel not only enhances its taste but also its visual appeal, making it a favorite at gatherings and a staple in many Southern homes.

For those looking to dive deeper into the sweet world of caramel, learn more about caramel.

History and Origin

The Kentucky Butter Cake, a renowned Southern classic, has been a beloved treat for generations. Originally cherished for its simplicity and comforting taste, it serves as the perfect base for innovative variations, such as the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake.

This version takes the traditional recipe and elevates it with a luxurious caramel infusion, turning an everyday cake into a celebration of flavors. The evolution of this cake reflects a broader trend in Southern cooking, which you can explore more by discovering Southern U.S. cuisine.

Why It’s a Favorite

The appeal of the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake lies in its extraordinary combination of textures and flavors. Here’s why it stands out:

• The cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the buttermilk and butter-rich batter, which creates a soft and tender crumb.
• The caramel sauce, with its deep, toasty notes and a hint of salt, complements the sweet base, making every bite irresistibly complex.

This cake not only tastes better with each passing day but also offers a versatile base that pairs wonderfully with various dessert pairings, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether served as a dessert or a special breakfast treat, it remains a beloved choice for all who try it.

Detailed Recipe and Preparation

Ingredients List

Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake starts with gathering high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or buttermilk substitutes)
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

This comprehensive list ensures you have everything at hand to start the baking process, blending traditional cake ingredients with the special addition of salted caramel for that extra touch of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan to ensure your cake releases perfectly.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat them until light and fluffy, forming the base of your cake’s texture.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, enriching the batter with its aromatic flavor.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Alternate additions: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. This method helps maintain a balanced texture.
6. Layer with caramel: Pour half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Drizzle with half of the salted caramel sauce, then top with the remaining batter.
7. Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.

For those interested in seeing this process step-by-step, check out these Bundt cake ideas on Pinterest to inspire your baking.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

• Temperature accuracy: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated. An accurate oven temperature is crucial for baking the cake evenly.
• Butter and eggs at room temperature: Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a uniform texture in your batter.
• Do not overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
• Caramel preparation: For the caramel, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning. Watching the caramel closely as it cooks is key to achieving the perfect color and consistency. Learn more about perfecting your caramel sauce with this caramel recipe guide.

Serving and Presentation

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, the presentation can elevate this already impressive dessert to new heights.

Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful cake:

• Slice and serve on decorative plates: A beautifully designed plate can enhance the visual appeal of each slice.
• Pair with coffee or tea: The rich flavors of the cake pair wonderfully with the bitterness of coffee or the mildness of tea, making it a perfect dessert for brunch or after-dinner relaxation.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream: For an extra indulgence, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coolness and creaminess of the ice cream complement the warmth and richness of the cake beautifully.

Explore different ways to present your cake with creative ideas from Pinterest: Cake Decorating Ideas.

Decoration and Topping Ideas

Enhancing your Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake with thoughtful decorations not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also to its taste. Here are a few ideas:

• Drizzle with more caramel: A generous drizzle of salted caramel not only adds flavor but also creates an appealing look.
• Sprinkle with sea salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt can intensify the caramel flavor and add a crunchy texture.
• Garnish with edible flowers: For a special occasion, edible flowers can add a touch of elegance and color to your cake.
• Add toasted nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.

For more detailed guidance on making perfect caramel sauce and toppings, see how to make caramel.

Nutritional Information

Health and Nutritional Overview

While the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is undoubtedly a treat, understanding its nutritional content is important for those who enjoy it mindfully. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect nutritionally:

• Calories: Each serving is rich in calories, primarily from sugars and fats, making it a high-energy dessert.
• Carbohydrates: Predominantly from sugar and flour, it’s a significant source of carbs, providing quick energy.
• Fats: The butter and caramel contribute to the fat content, which enhances taste and texture but should be consumed in moderation.

This cake, like many traditional Southern recipes, is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. You can find out more about the role of ingredients like buttermilk in baking and their health aspects by exploring buttermilk in baking.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Addressing common questions can help bakers of all levels achieve perfect results with the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake:

• Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
• How long can I store this cake? Properly stored in an airtight container, the cake can last up to a week at room temperature. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
• Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought? Making your caramel allows for a richer flavor profile and customization of sweetness and saltiness.

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

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• Author: recipevalue.com
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

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Description

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a moist, buttery bundt cake that is soaked with a decadent caramel sauce, providing a perfect balance of sweet buttery richness with a hint of salt. Ideal for any occasion, this cake promises a delightful treat for caramel and cake lovers alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle with half of the caramel sauce. Top with remaining batter.
5. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
• For a deeper caramel flavor, you can add a teaspoon of sea salt to the caramel sauce.
• The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern, American

Nutrition

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 48g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 78g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 145mg