Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 standard-size box of yellow cake mix (or substitute with your preferred homemade yellow cake)
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup water
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt

For the Butter Sauce:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp sea salt (for a salted caramel flavor)

Salted Caramel Drizzle (Highly Recommended):

• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or 10-inch tube pan.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, instant pudding mix, melted butter, water, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
   • Begin by beating on medium speed. Next, beat for approximately 2 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a smooth and well-combined consistency.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
   • Bake, initially, for 50-55 minutes. Subsequently, check for doneness with a toothpick. Specifically, the toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Butter Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water, stirring constantly.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce is thickened slightly.
   • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Set aside.
5. Prepare the Salted Caramel Drizzle (Optional):
   • In another saucepan, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
   • Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and thickened.
   • Stir in sea salt for a salted caramel flavor.
6. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place the cooled cake on a serving plate.
   • Pour the butter sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
   • Drizzle the salted caramel sauce on top for added flavor and decoration.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
   • Let the cake sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before slicing.