Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake — The Ultimate Ultra-Moist Southern Bundt

Imagine a dessert so decadently buttery and ultra-moist that every bite melts in your mouth, infused with rich vanilla flavor and draped in a luxurious salted caramel sauce. This Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake isn’t just a cake—it’s an experience. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even a simple weeknight treat, this Southern classic combines a tender Bundt cake with a luscious caramel glaze, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Why This Cake is Irresistible

• Ultra-Moist Crumb: The cake soaks up the caramel sauce, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
• Rich Butter Flavor: Butter in both the cake and sauce creates a luxurious, indulgent taste.
• Sweet-Salty Harmony: Flaky sea salt balances the sweetness of caramel perfectly.
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps with forgiving technique make this recipe accessible to all bakers.
• Better the Next Day: Flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more decadent.

The History of Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake has roots deep in Southern baking traditions. Originally a Bundt-style cake popular in celebrations and family gatherings, it’s known for its moist, tender crumb and a rich, buttery glaze poured over while still warm. The addition of salted caramel is a modern twist that elevates the classic dessert, combining the timeless Southern flavors with the luxurious sweetness and depth that caramel brings. This cake exemplifies Southern hospitality—comforting, indulgent, and memorable.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Cake Ingredients

• 3 cups (13½ oz) all-purpose flour: Forms the structure and provides a tender, light crumb when measured accurately.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft texture when creamed with butter.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder & ½ teaspoon baking soda: Ensures even rise and airy texture.
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature: Adds tanginess, reacts with baking soda for lift, and keeps cake moist.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature: The primary source of flavor, richness, and tenderness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
• 4 large eggs, room temperature: Bind ingredients, provide structure, and enrich the flavor.

Butter-Caramel Sauce Ingredients

• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Forms the base of the syrupy caramel sauce.
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter: Adds glossiness and buttery richness.
• 3 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve sugar and control consistency.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances depth and aroma.
• ½–1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional): Balances sweetness and transforms the sauce into salted caramel perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10–12 cup Bundt pan thoroughly. Using a pastry brush ensures even coating, especially for intricate Bundt designs, which prevents sticking and promotes a perfect release.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and sugar together for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. This aerates the batter, creating a soft crumb.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then add vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Eggs provide structure and help with rise while enriching flavor.

4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternately add dry mixture and buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing will make the cake dense.

5. Bake the Cake

Pour batter evenly into prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack.

6. Prepare Salted Caramel Butter Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, and water. Stir continuously until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly (4–5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and flaky sea salt.

7. Soak the Cake

Pour the warm butter-caramel sauce over the cake while it is still slightly warm, allowing it to soak into every nook and cranny. This creates the signature ultra-moist texture.

8. Serving

Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, garnish with extra flaky sea salt, a drizzle of caramel, or serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients for smooth, uniform batter.
• Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid a tough crumb.
• Grease Bundt pan thoroughly, especially intricate designs.
• The cake improves overnight as flavors meld and the caramel soaks in.
• If sauce thickens after refrigeration, gently warm before pouring over cake.
• Optional: Toast pecans or drizzle chocolate over caramel for extra flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for indulgence.
• Add fresh berries or sliced bananas for freshness.
• Enjoy with coffee, black tea, or dessert wine.
• Garnish with extra caramel drizzle and sea salt for presentation.

Variations and Alternatives

• For a chocolate twist, add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
• Replace caramel with maple-butter glaze for a unique flavor.
• For nut lovers, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top.
• For a lighter option, reduce butter in sauce slightly and use half the sugar.

Why This Recipe Outshines Others

This Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake combines a tender, buttery crumb with a rich, sweet-savory caramel sauce. Its balanced flavors, forgiving preparation, and classic Southern charm make it a dessert that stands above typical Bundt cakes. Perfect for both novice bakers and experienced chefs, it’s a cake that delights the senses, impresses guests, and becomes a family favorite.

With simple ingredients, detailed instructions, and optional variations, anyone can create a show-stopping Southern dessert in the comfort of their own kitchen. This is more than just a cake—it’s Southern hospitality and indulgence on a plate.