Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake – The Ultimate Southern Dessert
Introduction
If there’s one dessert that perfectly embodies Southern comfort, it’s the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake. This rich, buttery bundt cake is drenched in a silky caramel sauce that soaks into every crumb, creating a moist, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether served at a holiday gathering, a Sunday family dinner, or simply as a decadent treat with coffee, this cake is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake has a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The rich salted caramel sauce doesn’t just sit on top—it seeps deep into the cake, infusing every bite with buttery caramel goodness. Just like classic Southern desserts such as Pineapple Juice Cake, this recipe has a timeless charm and a flavor that never goes out of style.
If you’re looking for a dessert that stands out on any table, this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is your answer. It’s elegant, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ingredients
Cake
-
3 cups (13 ½ ounces) all-purpose flour
-
2 cups granulated sugar
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
1 cup buttermilk or fermented milk
-
1 cup butter, room temperature
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
4 large eggs
Sauce
-
¾ cup sugar
-
⅓ cup butter
-
3 tablespoons water
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan or 10-inch tube pan to prevent sticking. A well-prepared pan ensures your Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake comes out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
Add buttermilk, butter, vanilla, and eggs. Beat on low speed until moistened, then increase to medium speed and mix for about 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
ADVERTISEMENT
Step 3: Bake
Bake the cake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell incredible as the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake bakes to golden perfection.
ADVERTISEMENT
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Sauce
While the cake bakes, make the sauce.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine sugar, butter, water, and vanilla.
Stir continuously until the butter is completely melted. Do not boil—the sauce should remain smooth and silky to soak into the cake.
Step 5: Soak the Cake
When the cake is done, place it on a wire rack. While still in the pan, pierce the surface all over with a fork or skewer.
Slowly pour the hot butter sauce over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Allow the cake to rest for 10–15 minutes before gently removing it from the pan.
The magic of the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake happens here—the sauce transforms the texture into something incredibly moist and decadent.
Tips & Variations
-
Extra Salted Caramel Drizzle: For a luxurious finish, drizzle homemade salted caramel over the cooled cake right before serving.
-
Nutty Surprise: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
-
No Buttermilk? No Problem! Substitute fermented milk for a similar tangy flavor.
-
Make Ahead Tip: This Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake actually tastes even better the next day as the sauce fully infuses the cake.
For a creamy side dish, try our Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, which pairs beautifully with this rich dessert.
Storage
-
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
-
Freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing for up to 3 months.
-
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Time & Yield
-
Prep Time: 20 minutes
-
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
-
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
-
Servings: 12
Tools Used
-
Bundt or tube pan
-
Mixing bowls
-
Electric mixer
-
Saucepan
-
Wire rack
-
Wooden skewer or fork
Final Thoughts
The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is the ultimate Southern dessert. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough to bake on a cozy weekend. Every bite bursts with buttery caramel flavor, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
ADVERTISEMENT
If you love decadent cakes, don’t miss our Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake, another Southern classic.
For more baking inspiration and caramel dessert ideas, visit Delish to explore tips and tricks from expert bakers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday party, or just craving something sweet, this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake will quickly become your go-to recipe.
For more recipes follow me in Facebook , Pinterest !
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
- Mix flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Add buttermilk, butter, vanilla, and eggs. Beat on low speed, then medium speed for 3 minutes.
- Spoon batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, make the sauce by melting sugar, butter, water, and vanilla over low heat. Do not boil.
- When cake is done, pierce it with a fork while still in the pan.
- Pour the hot butter sauce evenly over the cake.
- Let it sit 10–15 minutes before removing from the pan.
Notes
