Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake 🍰

This rich and moist pound cake is infused with butter-rum caramel syrup and topped with a salted caramel glaze that will make your taste buds sing. Perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something indulgent!


🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes

🕒 Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🍽 Servings: 12-16
🔥 Calories (per serving): 422 kcal


📝 Ingredients:

For the Cake:

● 2 ½ cups (500 g) granulated sugar
● 1 ¼ cups (284 g) salted butter, softened (2 ½ sticks)
● 5 large eggs, room temperature
● 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
● ½ tsp butter extract
● ½ tsp rum extract
● 2 ½ cups (288 g) cake flour (or 313 g all-purpose flour) measured by weight
● 1 cup (230 g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
● Cake release spread (or baking spray)
● 1 cup roughly chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Caramel Sauce and Glaze:

● 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
● ½ cup (118 ml) water, divided
● ½ cup (114 g) salted butter, cubed
● ¼ cup (59 ml) evaporated milk
● 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
● ¼ tsp rum extract
● Pinch of salt
● Flaky sea salt for sprinkling


👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan or spray with baking spray. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on the bottom.

2️⃣ Cream Butter and Sugar:

  • Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

3️⃣ Add Eggs and Extracts:

  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Mix in the vanilla, butter, and rum extracts.

4️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients:

  • In a separate bowl, sift the flour.

5️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients:

  • Whisk together the sour cream and rum in another bowl.

6️⃣ Mix Ingredients:

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream mixture. Start and end with flour, mixing just until combined.

7️⃣ Prepare Pan:

  • Brush the inside of the Bundt pan with cake release spread (or spray with baking spray). Pour the batter into the pan and tap to remove air bubbles.

8️⃣ Bake:

  • Bake for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, or an instant-read thermometer reads 210°F (99°C).

9️⃣ Make Caramel Syrup:

  • In a saucepan, cook sugar and ¼ cup water over medium heat until it turns amber. Add butter and stir until melted. Add the remaining water and evaporated milk, cooking on low for 2-3 minutes. Stir in extracts and a pinch of salt.

🔟 Soak Cake:

  • Once the cake is done, poke holes all over the top while still in the pan. Pour ½ cup caramel syrup over the cake and let it sit for 1 hour.

1️⃣1️⃣ Cool and Glaze:

  • Turn the cake out onto a wire rack. Reheat the remaining caramel syrup, cook for 5 more minutes, then pour over the cake. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

📌 Notes:

  • Butter: If using unsalted butter, add ¾ tsp salt to the cake batter and a pinch to the caramel sauce.
  • Flour: Measure flour by weight for accuracy to prevent a dry cake.
  • Storage and Freezing: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Enjoy your luxurious Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake! It’s a buttery delight filled with caramel goodness! 🍰🥃

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