Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, moist butter cake combined with homemade salted caramel sauce that offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and buttery flavors. This indulgent dessert features a tender crumb and gooey caramel drizzle, making it a comforting yet special treat ideal for any occasion or gathering.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour blend)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Alternate adding the flour and heavy cream to the mixture, beating until smooth and just combined. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Bake the Butter Cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into a greased baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring a moist interior and tender crumb.
- Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce: While the cake bakes, melt the brown sugar and butter together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is bubbly and golden. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, continuing to cook until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. Finish by adding flaky sea salt and stirring well.
- Drizzle and Serve: When the cake is slightly cooled, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer. Pour the warm salted caramel sauce evenly across the cake, letting it seep into the holes for maximum flavor absorption. Allow the cake to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to enjoy its gooey richness.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve better batter consistency.
- Do not skip poking holes in the cake; it allows the caramel to infuse deeply.
- Watch the caramel closely as brown sugar can burn quickly—stir constantly.
- Use high-quality flaky sea salt to enhance caramel flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- Pour caramel over warm (not hot) cake to prevent excessive soaking and sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Salted caramel, Kentucky butter cake, butter cake, homemade caramel sauce, rich dessert, moist cake, sweet and salty dessert