Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

6 min read Oct 05, 2024
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Indulge in a Sweet Treat with a Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Calling all dessert enthusiasts! If you’re searching for a recipe that combines the richness of butter cake with the irresistible sweetness of salted caramel, then look no further. This salted caramel Kentucky butter cake is a delightful fusion of flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

What Makes a Kentucky Butter Cake So Special?

Kentucky butter cake is known for its dense, moist texture and buttery flavor. It’s a classic Southern dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. The key to a perfect Kentucky butter cake lies in the use of high-quality butter and the generous amount of buttermilk.

A Salted Caramel Twist

This recipe elevates the traditional Kentucky butter cake with a sweet and savory twist. The salted caramel adds a depth of flavor that complements the richness of the cake. You can make your own caramel sauce, or use store-bought for a more convenient option.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent dessert:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

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

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
  5. Fold in the melted butter.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and 1/4 cup water.
  2. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar melts and turns a light amber color.
  3. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream (be careful, it will splatter!).
  4. Continue to whisk until the caramel is smooth and glossy.
  5. Stir in the butter and salt until melted and combined.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Once the cake has cooled, spread the salted caramel sauce over the top.
  2. Enjoy the cake warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations:

  • For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the cake batter.
  • Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter for extra texture.
  • For a more intense salted caramel flavor, use more salt in the sauce or drizzle a bit of sea salt on top of the frosting.
  • To avoid the caramel sauce from crystallizing, use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar is at the proper temperature.
  • Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious salted caramel Kentucky butter cake!

Conclusion:

This salted caramel Kentucky butter cake recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests. The perfect blend of sweetness and savory flavors will make it a favorite dessert for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just looking for a treat, this cake is sure to please.

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