Origin and Region: The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a modern twist on the classic Kentucky Butter Cake, which is a traditional Southern dessert. Kentucky Butter Cake itself has origins in the Southern United States, particularly in Kentucky. This version adds the popular flavor of salted caramel, providing a sweet and salty contrast to the rich buttery cake.
Introduction: The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a decadent and moist dessert that combines the richness of a buttery cake with the irresistible flavor of salted caramel. It’s a delightful treat that brings a Southern classic to a new level of indulgence, making it a favorite for special occasions or whenever you crave a sweet, comforting slice.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- For the Salted Caramel Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Use high-quality sea salt for the salted caramel glaze to enhance the flavor.
- Grease and flour the cake pan well to prevent sticking.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the salted caramel glaze.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix well.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the salted caramel glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the warm cake using a skewer or fork. Pour the salted caramel glaze over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before inverting it onto a serving plate.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve slices with optional toppings.
Description: The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a luscious dessert that marries the classic flavors of Kentucky Butter Cake with the irresistible allure of salted caramel. The result is a moist and indulgent treat that captivates the taste buds with its sweet and salty harmony.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, based on typical ingredients and serving size)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 38g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion: The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a delightful twist on a Southern classic, offering a perfect balance of buttery richness and salted caramel sweetness. It’s a dessert that elevates any occasion with its irresistible flavor.
Recommendation: Serve slices of the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkling of chopped nuts for added texture. Share this decadent dessert with friends and family, and savor the sweet moments it creates.