I’m obsessed with Ina Garten’s salted caramel Kentucky butter cake – it’s the perfect blend of rich, moist, and indulgent. ✨ The combination of tender cake, gooey caramel, and flaky salt is absolute perfection. I’ve made it multiple times, and it never fails to impress.
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its simplicity: a straightforward mixing process, a perfectly balanced batter, and a show-stopping caramel sauce. With just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you’ll be on your way to creating a dessert that’s sure to wow.
By the time you take that first bite, you’ll be greeted by a tender, buttery crumb and a sweet, sticky caramel sauce that will leave you wanting more. Serve it warm, dust it with powdered sugar, and watch it disappear. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for salted caramel kentucky butter cake ina garten
Here’s everything you need to create Ina Garten’s famous Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake recipe.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 2 ¼ cups | Sifted for lightness |
| Granulated Sugar 🍮 | 1 ¾ cups | White granulated sugar |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 1 cup | Softened to room temperature |
| Large Eggs 🥚 | 4 whole | Room temperature |
| Buttermilk 🥛 | 1 cup | Full-fat for best results |
| Pure Vanilla Extract 🌿 | 2 tsp | High-quality extract |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Kosher salt preferred |
| Bourbon Whiskey 🍸 | 2 tbsp | Optional, for adult flavor |
| Caramel Sauce 🍰 | 1 cup | Store-bought or homemade |
| Flaky Sea Salt 🧂 | ¼ cup | For finishing, flaky texture |
| Powdered Sugar 🍰 | 1 cup | For dusting, sifted |
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You can find most ingredients at your local grocery store. For the best quality buttermilk, check the dairy section at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. Use high-quality vanilla extract from Penzeys or a reputable spice merchant. For caramel sauce, consider making your own or buying from a trusted brand like Stonewall Kitchen.
If you don't have buttermilk, make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. Use flaky Maldon sea salt for the best flavor and texture.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the cake moist, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap. The caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks – reheat gently before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake
Follow my detailed guide to create Ina Garten’s decadent Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, perfect for special occasions.
👨🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 325°F and position a rack in the center. I like to use a 10-inch Bundt pan for this recipe as it ensures even cooking and beautiful presentation. Start by sifting the 2.25 cups All-Purpose Flour into a medium bowl—this removes any lumps and incorporates air for a lighter texture.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature) and 1.75 cups Granulated Sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. The mixture should be pale and doubled in volume. Add the 4 whole Large Eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation ensures a smooth batter.
👨🍳 Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate between adding the sifted flour mixture and 1 cup Buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition—overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Stir in 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract and 1 tsp Salt. If using 2 tbsp Bourbon Whiskey, add it now and mix until incorporated. The batter should be smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles. This step ensures your cake has a smooth, even surface.
🔥 Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. I’ve found that rotating the pan halfway through baking helps achieve even browning.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—the cake needs to cool completely before glazing.
🥘 Step 4: Prepare the Salted Caramel Glaze
While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup Caramel Sauce and 2 tbsp Bourbon Whiskey (if using). Heat over low heat, stirring until smooth. The glaze should be warm and pourable but not too thin. If it’s too thick, you can thin it with a little heavy cream.
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the warm glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake. Sprinkle 0.25 cup Flaky Sea Salt over the glaze for a beautiful finish and a touch of saltiness. The contrast between the sweet caramel and flaky salt is what makes this cake truly special.
🍰 Step 5: Finish with Powdered Sugar
Just dust.For the final touch, Zuliya, dust the cooled cake with 1 cup Powdered Sugar. This adds a beautiful snowy appearance and a hint of sweetness. The cake is now ready to serve to your 8 lucky guests. Each slice should be moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
Imagine a rich, moist cake infused with the deep flavors of salted caramel and the warmth of Kentucky butter. Sounds like a dream, right? 🍰 The Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, inspired by Ina Garten’s recipe, is a decadent delight that’s sure to impress your guests. This indulgent dessert is a perfect blend of textures and tastes, with the crumbly, buttery crust giving way to a soft, fluffy interior.
🔥 The Magic of Salted Caramel
The addition of salted caramel to the traditional Kentucky butter cake elevates it to a whole new level. The caramel’s sweet and salty flavors balance perfectly, creating a delightful harmony that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. To make the salted caramel, you’ll need heavy cream, sugar, unsalted butter, and flaky sea salt. Cook the mixture to a deep amber color, then stir in the cream and butter until smooth.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
👨🍳 Ina’s Secret to a Moist Cake
Ina Garten’s recipe relies on a few key ingredients to achieve the perfect moistness. The use of unsalted butter and sour cream ensures the cake stays tender and creamy. Additionally, the cake is soaked in a rich Kentucky butter syrup after baking, which adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
💡 Pro tip: To ensure your cake is evenly moist, make sure to poke it all over with a skewer before pouring the Kentucky butter syrup. This will help the syrup penetrate the cake, resulting in a tender, buttery crumb.
The end result is a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. With its rich, salted caramel flavors and moist, buttery texture, this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is the perfect treat for any special occasion.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake
These expert tips will help you create Ina Garten’s signature Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake with ease and confidence.
Cake Preparation: In Step 1, when creaming together the 1 cup Unsalted Butter and 1.75 cups Granulated Sugar, make sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure everything incorporates evenly. This prevents any butter lumps from forming in your batter. 💡
Bundt Pan Success: When preparing your Bundt pan in Step 1, generously grease it with butter and then dust it with flour, making sure to get into all the nooks. This will help your cake release beautifully after baking. I like to use a pastry brush to ensure even coverage.
Glaze Perfection: In Step 4, when heating the 1 cup Caramel Sauce and 2 tbsp Bourbon Whiskey (if using), keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent the caramel from burning or sticking to the pan. If you find the glaze too thick, you can thin it with a little heavy cream to achieve the perfect consistency.
Finishing Touches: When dusting with 1 cup Powdered Sugar in Step 5, do it just before serving to keep the powdered sugar from absorbing into the cake. For an extra-special touch, you can sprinkle additional flaky sea salt on top for added texture and flavor contrast.
Nutrition Facts
420kcal
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Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
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