Are you craving a decadent dessert that's both incredibly easy to make and utterly irresistible? Look no further than this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake! This recipe delivers a moist, melt-in-your-mouth cake bursting with buttery flavor and topped with a luscious salted caramel swirl. It's the perfect homemade treat for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet sophisticated dessert! This easy recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Swirl:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
Making the Cake:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake. A stand mixer works best, but a hand mixer will do the job too.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
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Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Making the Salted Caramel Swirl:
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Caramel Time: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir! Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. This takes patience; don't rush it.
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Cream & Butter: Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!). Whisk constantly until smooth. Stir in the butter and salt until melted and incorporated. Be cautious; the mixture will be hot.
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Swirl It In: Pour the hot caramel mixture over the cake batter. Using a knife or toothpick, swirl the caramel into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
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Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Swirl: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cake batter for a delicious chocolate caramel cake.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Different Caramel: Experiment with different types of caramel, such as a store-bought caramel sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
This Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect example of how easy it can be to create a truly special dessert using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. Enjoy every delicious bite!