Decadent Salted Caramel Butter Cake Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible allure of a decadent dessert with this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake recipe. Picture a rich, golden crumb cake drenched in a luscious salted caramel glaze—this showstopper is the epitome of indulgence for those special occasions or simply when you deserve a little pampering.

I have a soft spot for this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, especially when I’m hosting friends or craving a cozy yet luxurious treat on a rainy day. The tender crumb owes its perfection to a touch of buttermilk, and when paired with the warm embrace of salted caramel, each bite becomes a symphony of buttery sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.

There’s something magical about that first forkful of this cake—a harmonious blend of buttery richness and caramel goodness that never fails to impress. Whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, this cake is a celebration on a plate, embodying the essence of Southern hospitality with a modern twist. So go ahead, bake up a slice of indulgence and savor the blissful moments it brings.

Quick Benefits

• Moist texture from the use of buttermilk in the cake
• Rich and indulgent flavor profile with buttery depth and caramel glaze
• Versatile recipe that can be served with coffee, tea, whipped cream, or ice cream
• Easy to customize by adjusting salt levels in the glaze and topping

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Salted Caramel Butter Cake Recipe Recipe

• Indulgent and Showstopper Dessert: This Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is rich, buttery, and crowned with a salted caramel glaze, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.
• Moist and Tender Crumb: The cake’s tender crumb is achieved by the addition of buttermilk, ensuring a moist texture that is unmatched by store-bought cakes.
• Family and Crowd Favorite: This cake is so delicious that it disappears slice by slice, making it a hit at family gatherings, birthdays, or any special occasion.
• Versatile and Customizable: The recipe provides tips for substitutions and variations, such as using salted butter, adding bourbon or rum to the glaze, or adjusting the salt levels to suit your preferences.
• Make Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: The cake can be stored at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for up to five days. You can also freeze individual slices and thaw them for a quick treat.
• Easy and Fun to Make: Kids can join in on the fun by helping to poke holes for the glaze. The recipe is straightforward and rewarding, making it a great baking project for all skill levels.
• Southern Hospitality in Every Bite: Inspired by Southern traditions, this cake embodies generosity and warmth in every slice, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones.
• Perfect Pairings: Enjoy a slice of this cake with coffee or tea, or elevate it with sweetened whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, candied pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra special touch.
• Deep, Buttery Flavors: The caramel glaze adds a depth of flavor to the cake, creating a luxurious experience with each bite. The flavors deepen overnight, enhancing the overall taste and texture.

Ingredients for Decadent Salted Caramel Butter Cake Recipe

Cake

• 400 g granulated sugar
• 227 g unsalted butter, room temperature
• 250 g all-purpose flour, sifted
• 4 large eggs
• 15 ml vanilla extract
• 240 ml buttermilk
• 15 ml baking powder
• 5 g fine salt

Salted Caramel Glaze

• 113 g unsalted butter
• 60 ml heavy cream
• 5 g sea salt, plus extra for garnish
• 220 g brown sugar

Pro Tips for Decadent Salted Caramel Butter Cake Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To ensure a moist and tender crumb, be sure to generously grease and flour your cake pan before adding the batter. This will help the cake release easily and maintain its shape.

Pro Tip 2: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by combining regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes before using in the recipe. This will give you a similar tangy flavor and tender texture in the cake.

Pro Tip 3: For a flavorful twist, consider swapping out some of the heavy cream in the caramel glaze with bourbon or dark rum. This will add depth and complexity to the sauce, elevating the overall richness of the cake.

How to Make Decadent Salted Caramel Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dry Ingredients

Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease a 25 cm bundt pan with butter and lightly dust with flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Integrate Wet and Dry Elements

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until a cohesive batter forms without overmixing.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, ensuring an even distribution. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully flipping it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare Salted Caramel Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

Once the cake has cooled, pierce holes all over the surface with a skewer. Pour the warm salted caramel glaze generously over the cake, letting it soak in. Finish by sprinkling extra sea salt on top.

Storage Tips

Once the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is baked and cooled, store any leftovers properly to maintain its freshness. To keep the cake moist and delicious, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to two to three days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the cake for up to five days. The cake’s glaze will set during storage, but the cake itself will retain its moisture and flavor.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Kentucky Butter Cake. To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, let it thaw at room temperature for the best texture. Freezing the cake allows you to enjoy its decadent flavors at a later time, making it a convenient option for meal prep or unexpected guests.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and letting it sit for five minutes. This will provide the acidity needed to mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk in the cake batter.

To adjust the salt levels in the cake and glaze, if you only have salted butter available, you can use it and reduce the additional salt in the recipe. This way, you can control the overall saltiness of the cake and caramel glaze to suit your taste preferences.

For a flavorful twist in the caramel glaze, you can swap out some of the heavy cream with bourbon or dark rum. This substitution will add a depth of flavor and complexity to the glaze, enhancing the overall richness of the Kentucky butter cake.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of this decadent Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, consider serving it on a rustic wooden platter garnished with a generous sprinkle of sea salt on top. For a touch of elegance, accompany each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream lightly sweetened with a hint of vanilla. The creamy texture of the whipped cream balances perfectly with the rich buttery crumb and sweet caramel glaze, creating a luxurious dessert experience that your guests will adore.

For a cozy and festive twist during the holiday season, serve this indulgent cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side. To add a crunchy element, top each slice with a handful of candied pecans for a delightful contrast of textures. The combination of warm, moist cake, gooey caramel, cold ice cream, and crunchy nuts creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your guests craving more.

FAQs for Decadent Salted Caramel Butter Cake Recipe

Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk in this recipe?

Yes, if you do not have buttermilk, you can combine regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes as a substitute.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter and reduce the added salt in both the cake and glaze to adjust the saltiness level according to your preference.

Can I add alcohol like bourbon or dark rum to the caramel glaze?

Absolutely! For extra depth in the glaze, you can swap in bourbon or dark rum for some of the cream to add a rich flavor to the caramel topping.

Can I adjust the amount of sea salt in the glaze and topping?

Yes, you can add more or less sea salt to taste in both the glaze and topping to suit your preference for the level of saltiness in the caramel flavor.

Conclusion

As you bake this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, remember that every step is a labor of love that will soon be rewarded with a decadent slice of indulgence. The sweet aroma filling your kitchen and the anticipation of that first heavenly bite are all part of the joy of baking this delightful treat. So don’t rush the process, savor each moment, and let the magic of this cake unfold.

In the end, when you cut into this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake and see the caramel glaze glistening on top, you’ll know that all your efforts have paid off. Share this cake with loved ones, enjoy it as a special treat for yourself, or gift it to someone who needs a little sweetness in their day. Let the warmth and comfort of this cake wrap around you like a hug, reminding you that a slice of homemade goodness can make any moment a little brighter.