Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake – A Decadent Delight

My friend always raves about the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, calling it the best dessert ever. So, I decided to bake it for a special occasion.

The rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb of the cake immediately won me over. The caramel glaze, with its perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, was a game-changer.

It’s so indulgent and comforting, with hints of vanilla and rum that add a unique depth. Topping it with flaky sea salt brought it all together.

When my friend tried it, they were beyond impressed! I was so proud of how it turned out, and it quickly became a favorite at home too. Now, it’s our go-to dessert for any celebration!

Why We Love This Recipe

We love this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake because it combines the best of both worlds—rich, buttery cake with a sweet and salty caramel glaze.

The cake is incredibly moist and tender, with layers of flavor from the vanilla, rum extract, and a touch of sea salt that makes every bite unforgettable.

The warm caramel sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, creating a decadent dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting.

It’s the kind of treat that makes any occasion special, and the balance of flavors keeps you coming back for more. Simply put, it’s a slice of pure happiness in every bite!

How To Prepare Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or whisk)
• 9-inch bundt pan
• Cooling rack
• Saucepan for caramel sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake release spray or butter for greasing the pan

Ingredients For Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose cake flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups salted butter (softened)
• ½ teaspoon butter extract
• ½ teaspoon rum extract
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream (room temperature)
• Cake release spray (for greasing the pan)

For the Caramel Sauce & Glaze:

• ¼ cup evaporated milk
• ¼ teaspoon rum extract
• Pinch of salt
• Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup salted butter
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

How To Make Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a 9-inch bundt pan generously with cake release spray or grease it with butter.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until well mixed.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, beat together the eggs, vanilla extract, butter extract, and rum extract. Add the softened butter and mix until smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with an electric mixer or whisk until fully incorporated.

5. Add Sour Cream:

Add the sour cream to the batter and continue to mix until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.

6. Pour the Batter:

Pour the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula.

7. Bake the Cake:

Bake the cake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a cooling rack.

8. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar and water, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.

9. Cook the Caramel Sauce:

Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Add the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, rum extract, and a pinch of salt, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.

10. Glaze the Cake:

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Allow the cake to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Special Note

• Freezing: You can also freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving.
• Caramel Tips: If you want a thicker caramel glaze, cook it for a little longer on low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, just add a tablespoon of cream and reheat gently.

What Is The Best Serving Ideas

For the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast of temperatures.

A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, creamy touch, while pairing it with a cup of coffee or espresso elevates the experience.

On warmer days, I enjoy chilling the cake slightly and topping it with a sprinkle of sea salt. For a more elegant presentation, I serve individual slices with extra caramel drizzle and crushed nuts for a bit of crunch.

These simple touches make the cake even more indulgent and enjoyable!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can refrigerate the cake, but let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor and texture.

For extended storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to freeze. Thaw slices at room temperature before enjoying.

Can I Use A Different Pan If I Don’t Have A Bundt Pan?

If you don’t have a Bundt pan, use a 9×13-inch baking dish instead. The baking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness around 45 minutes.

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. The presentation will be different, but the cake will still taste delicious.

What’s The Best Way To Make The Salted Caramel Glaze?

To make the perfect salted caramel glaze, cook the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream mixture until it boils. Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth texture.

After removing the saucepan from the heat, let it cool slightly before adding the sea salt and vanilla extract. This will help the glaze thicken slightly, making it easier to drizzle over the cake.

Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Ensure the blend you use contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to mimic the texture of regular flour.

Double-check that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and vanilla extract, are gluten-free. Follow the recipe as usual, and enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this decadent cake.

More Butter Cake Recipes You’ll Love

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Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream – Apple Dream Cake

Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe – Classic Treat

Conclusion

Baking the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake was a complete success! Not only did I manage to recreate the cake my friend adores, but it also exceeded expectations.

The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake combination of rich, buttery cake and the perfectly balanced caramel glaze left everyone impressed.

It was incredibly satisfying to see how much my friend enjoyed Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, and it’s safe to say it has now become a favorite in our household.

The whole experience was a great success, and it proved that with a little effort and the right recipe, I can create a dessert that’s truly unforgettable! This will definitely be a go-to treat for future celebrations.