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:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 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.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the melted butter.
- 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.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and 1/4 cup water.
- Cook, without stirring, until the sugar melts and turns a light amber color.
- Carefully whisk in the heavy cream (be careful, it will splatter!).
- Continue to whisk until the caramel is smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the butter and salt until melted and combined.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the salted caramel sauce over the top.
- 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.