Are you looking for salted caramel kentucky butter cake recipe ? Salted caramel Kentucky butter cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The moist, buttery pound cake is soaked with a decadent salted caramel syrup and finished off with a sweet caramel glaze, which creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. This variation on the classic Kentucky butter cake adds an extra layer of flavor, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or just craving something sweet, this cake will satisfy your dessert needs. From its rich flavor to its melt-in-your-mouth texture, this salted caramel Kentucky butter cake is perfect for all dessert lovers.
For an alternative indulgent dessert, you might also enjoy trying the Mini Red Velvet Cake Recipe or a delicious Rum Pound Cake with Brown Butter Glaze for more rich, flavorful cakes.
What is Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake?
The Kentucky butter cake is a Southern classic known for its soft, moist texture and buttery flavor. Traditionally made with butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, this cake is rich and has a dense, pound-cake-like texture. However, the salted caramel variation adds a unique twist by infusing the cake with salted caramel syrup, making it extra moist and flavorful. The cake is then topped with a thick salted caramel glaze and garnished with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
The salted caramel syrup works its magic by soaking into the cake, ensuring each bite is perfectly moist. When the glaze is poured over the cake, it adds a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness that complements the salty caramel. The sprinkle of sea salt at the end helps to balance the flavors, making the cake the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
If you’re curious about other variations of butter cakes, read more on the difference between pound cakes and normal cakes.
History and Origins of Kentucky Butter Cake
The Kentucky butter cake has its roots in the Southern United States, where it became a staple dessert due to its simplicity and incredible flavor. Traditionally made with butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, it was designed to be a rich cake with a dense crumb that could stay fresh for days. This made it a perfect choice for family gatherings, picnics, and celebrations.
As baking techniques evolved, many home bakers began experimenting with flavors and ingredients, leading to the creation of the salted caramel Kentucky butter cake. The addition of salted caramel to the original recipe provided a richer, more decadent version of the cake. Salted caramel as a flavor itself became popular in desserts, as it balances sweetness with a savory twist. Now, it’s a beloved variation that’s found in homes across the country, bringing a taste of the South with a touch of modern flair.
To understand more about the ingredients of the original cake, read this helpful guide on what Kentucky butter cake is made of.
Key Ingredients for Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake
For a perfect salted caramel Kentucky butter cake, you’ll need a variety of high-quality ingredients that come together to create this indulgent dessert. Here’s a breakdown of each essential ingredient and its role in the recipe:
- Butter: The star ingredient of this cake, salted butter, provides the rich, creamy texture. It also ensures the cake remains moist. For the best flavor, choose a high-quality butter like Kerrygold.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and also helps create the right texture in the batter. It contributes to the soft crumb of the cake.
- Eggs: Using room-temperature eggs is key. Eggs help provide structure and moisture to the cake, ensuring it stays moist and fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor of the cake. It adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Rum Extract: Optional but highly recommended, rum extract adds a deeper, richer flavor to the cake.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream contributes to the cake’s moist texture, ensuring it remains tender and soft. It also adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
- Flour: While all-purpose flour works, using cake flour provides an even softer texture. Always measure your flour with a kitchen scale for precision.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: The heart of this recipe, the salted caramel sauce, is made with butter, sugar, and evaporated milk. It’s poured into the cake to enhance its flavor and ensure it’s incredibly moist.
For more detailed insights on ingredient choices, particularly cake flour, you can learn about Swans’ Down cake flour, which helps create an incredibly soft crumb.
Essential Equipment for Making Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake
In addition to the ingredients, having the right equipment is crucial to ensuring your cake turns out perfectly. Here are the key tools you’ll need:
- Bundt Pan: The classic shape for a Kentucky butter cake is a bundt pan. It ensures even baking and adds to the cake’s aesthetic appeal.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: While mixing by hand is possible, a stand mixer or hand mixer helps achieve the ideal batter consistency, especially when creaming butter and sugar.
- Measuring Tools: Precision in measuring ingredients is key to the success of your cake. Use a kitchen scale to measure dry ingredients, particularly the flour, and use a liquid measuring cup for wet ingredients.
- Cake Goop or Baking Spray: To prevent the cake from sticking, coat the bundt pan with cake goop (a mixture of shortening, flour, and oil) or a non-stick baking spray. This ensures the cake comes out easily after baking.
How to Make Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake: Step-by-Step Process
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious dessert:
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a stand mixer, beat the salted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Extracts:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate into the mixture before adding the next. Once all the eggs are added, stir in the vanilla extract and rum extract.
- Alternate Adding Flour and Sour Cream:
- Gradually add in the cake flour, alternating with the sour cream. Begin with one-third of the flour, followed by half of the sour cream, and continue alternating until all the flour and sour cream have been added. Fold the ingredients together gently, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Infuse the Cake with Caramel Syrup:
- After removing the cake from the oven, use a toothpick to poke several holes in the top of the cake. Pour the salted caramel syrup over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in. Let the cake cool in the pan for about an hour before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Salted Caramel Sauce
The salted caramel sauce is what makes this cake so irresistible. Here’s how you can make it from scratch:
- In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar dissolves, stop stirring and let it cook until it turns a deep amber color.
- Add salted butter to the caramelized sugar and stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
- Slowly add in evaporated milk, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Add vanilla extract and rum extract, along with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the caramel flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Your Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you start. This will help them mix together more easily and create a smoother batter.
- Proper Cake Panning: If you’re using a bundt pan, be sure to grease it thoroughly with cake goop or baking spray to avoid sticking.
- Let the Cake Sit Overnight: For the best flavor, allow the cake to sit overnight before serving. The caramel syrup will have more time to soak in, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
While the salted caramel version is a favorite, here are some other ways to make the Kentucky butter cake your own:
- Gluten-Free Version: If you prefer a gluten-free cake, you can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
- Add Nuts: Add toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze to introduce a delightful crunch.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For an even richer treat, serve slices of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storing Your Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake
If you have any leftover cake (which is rare), here’s how to store it:
- Room Temperature: The cake will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Freezing: To store it for longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the difference between a butter cake and a pound cake?
A butter cake is typically lighter and fluffier than a pound cake, which is denser and richer. The key difference lies in the texture, with butter cakes often containing leavening agents like baking powder or soda, while pound cakes use only eggs for rise. - Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter instead of salted butter. If you do, be sure to add ¾ teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients to balance the flavor. - How do I fix a dry cake?
To prevent your cake from becoming dry, ensure you’re not overmixing the batter, and make sure to pour the salted caramel syrup over the warm cake to infuse moisture.
With these steps, you can easily make a salted caramel Kentucky butter cake that will wow your friends and family. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion and is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.