The Best Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

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We’re giving Kentucky butter cake, a Southern classic known for its rich, moist texture and indulgent flavor, a delicious twist with the addition of salted caramel.

Using simple ingredients, this heavenly dessert combines the velvety smoothness of butter cake with the amazing flavor of salted caramel. 

What is butter cake? 

Butter cake is similar to pound cake in its sweet, smooth flavor. But butter cake has more volume and less density than pound cake. 

And when we infuse it with a rich butter sauce and top it with flaky sea salt, it’s simply next level! 

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this super moist cake recipe:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Butter
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda

For the butter sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Butter
• Sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

And for the salted caramel glaze, we’re simply using store bought caramel sauce and flaky sea salt. 

How to make Salted Caramel Butter Cake

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Bake the Cake

Start by beating the wet ingredients (butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk and vanilla) in a stand mixer or in a large mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer. Then, combine the dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda) in a separate bowl. 

Then, combine the wet and dry ingredients and pour the cake batter into a bundt pan. Now, bake!

Make the Caramel Butter Sauce

​When the cake comes out of the oven, it’s time to pour the butter sauce over the top.

The butter sauce comes together on the stove in just a few minutes. Combine butter, sugar, vanilla and a little milk until the mixture is smooth. 

Now, use a wooden toothpick to prick holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the butter sauce over the top of the cake.

At first it’s going to look like a lot of sauce! Don’t worry though – it will all sink in, like magic. 

After you pour the sauce over the cake, just leave it alone and let it cool completely. 

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Finish the cake with salted caramel

​When your buttery cake is completely cool, invert it onto a serving plate.

Then, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top and give it a good sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This is the best part! 

​How to get a Bundt Cake to Release with no Drama

There is nothing more stressful than working hard on a beautiful bundt cake and then panicking when it won’t release! Here are some tips for a drama-free cake release:

1. Thoroughly Grease the Pan: Before pouring the batter into the bundt pan, make sure to generously grease all the nooks and crannies with non-stick baking spray.. This creates a barrier between the cake and the pan, allowing for easier release.
2. Let the Cake Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan after removing it from the oven. This helps the structure of the cake set, making it less likely to stick to the pan.
3. Tap and Shake: Gently tap the sides and bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or a spatula. This helps to loosen any areas that might be sticking. If needed, run a knife along the side of the pan, between the cake and the pan, to help loosen it. 
4. Steam It: Place a dish towel in boiling water. Then, remove the hot dish towel and lay it flat in the sink. Place the bundt pan directly onto the hot dish towel. Let it steam for 10 minutes. Then, try inverting the cake. 
5. ​Freeze It: When all else fails, put the cake in the freezer. Freezing the cake will shrink it a little, which helps to pull it away from the sides of the bundt pan.

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Serving Suggestions

This indulgent masterpiece is perfect as is, but a little extra flair never hurt anyone.

Try a dollop of whipped cream,  a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crushed pecans for an extra touch. 

Can you make this Cake ahead of time? 

This delicious cake can easily be made ahead of time. Don’t do the salted caramel sauce, and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. 

When you’re ready to serve the cake, do the drizzle of caramel sauce and sea salt. 

What is the difference between Butter Cake and Pound Cake?

Butter cake is similar to pound cake in its sweet, smooth flavor and heavy use of butter. 

But butter cake has more volume, less density and a lighter texture than pound cake.

Storage Instructions

This salted caramel cake can be stored in a few ways: 

1. Room temperature. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh on the counter top for several days. 

2. Freeze. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and seal it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Allow the cake to thaw at room temperature the next time you want to enjoy it. 

When you make this salted caramel Kentucky butter cake recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy! 

For more delicious cake recipes, try these:

• Holiday Spice Cake
• Double Lemon Cream Cake
• Orange Butter Cake Recipe with Simple Vanilla Glaze
• Mini Gingerbread Cakes with Lemon Glaze

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