Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe – The Ultimate Moist Butter Cake with Caramel Glaze

This Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, buttery, and incredibly moist dessert that will steal the show at any gathering. Each bite melts in your mouth, thanks to a luxurious salted caramel glaze that seeps deep into the cake, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. This recipe is the ultimate treat for butter cake lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a holiday feast, this cake promises bakery-quality flavor and texture right from your kitchen.

If you’re searching for the best Kentucky butter cake recipe, a moist caramel butter bundt cake, or a homemade salted caramel cake, you’ve found the perfect guide. This post will walk you through everything step-by-step — from baking to glazing — with tips to ensure a flawless, golden, and irresistibly tender result every time.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

Incredibly Moist Texture: The buttery caramel glaze soaks into every crumb, making the cake rich and tender.
Sweet Meets Salty: The salted caramel perfectly balances the sweetness, creating an addictive flavor contrast.
Buttery Richness: A true butter-lover’s dream with deep, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
Beginner-Friendly: No advanced techniques or special equipment required — just a Bundt pan and some patience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or simply when you crave something decadent.

Ingredients

For the Cake

3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

No Buttermilk? Make your own: Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a 1-cup measuring cup, fill with milk, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until curdled.

For the Salted Caramel Glaze

¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan, ensuring every crevice is coated for easy release.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy (1–2 minutes). Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined — it may look slightly curdled, which is normal.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Glaze

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring constantly. It will clump before melting — keep stirring until it turns a deep amber color. Add butter carefully (it will bubble), then stir in cream slowly. Let it boil for 1 minute to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and sea salt.

Step 7: Soak the Cake

As soon as the cake is done baking, poke small holes all over the top with a thin skewer. Slowly pour about two-thirds of the warm caramel glaze over the cake, letting it soak in. Cool the cake completely in the pan for at least 2 hours.

Step 8: Unmold and Finish

Once cool, invert the cake onto a serving plate. Warm the remaining caramel and drizzle it over the top. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt for garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Add a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an ultra-decadent finish.
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a café-style dessert experience.
For a fall twist, add a touch of cinnamon or bourbon to the glaze.

Variations

Chocolate Caramel Butter Cake: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the flour mix and drizzle with chocolate ganache.
Pecan Caramel Butter Cake: Sprinkle toasted pecans over the glaze for a crunchy finish.
Maple Version: Replace half of the sugar in the glaze with pure maple syrup for a cozy autumn flavor.

Chef’s Tips & Tricks

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are all at room temperature for even mixing and superior texture.
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing creates gluten, resulting in a dense cake. Stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Caramel Timing: Watch your sugar closely; it can burn in seconds.
Cooling Is Essential: Never unmold the cake while it’s warm; it will break. Let it cool fully for the perfect slice.
Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day as the caramel deepens in flavor.

FAQs

What makes Kentucky Butter Cake different from regular butter cake?

Kentucky Butter Cake is unique because it’s soaked in a buttery glaze after baking, making it extra moist and flavorful inside and out.

Can I make this cake without a Bundt pan?

Yes! You can use a 9×13-inch pan instead. Just reduce baking time slightly and pour the glaze evenly over the surface.

How do I store this cake?

Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature overnight before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving)

Calories: 460
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 59g
Sugar: 42g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 270mg
Cholesterol: 110mg

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is pure indulgence — buttery, golden, and soaked in a luscious caramel glaze that guarantees every bite is perfection. Whether you’re baking for guests, a celebration, or just because you crave something sweet and comforting, this cake will become your new go-to dessert. With its combination of sweet and salty richness, soft texture, and irresistible caramel flavor, it’s no surprise this recipe is one of the most searched and loved cakes online.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable dessert and enjoy the magic of true Southern comfort in every slice.