salted caramel kentucky butter cake recipe ina garten

3 min read 05-02-2025

salted caramel kentucky butter cake recipe ina garten

Meta Description: Indulge in Ina Garten's irresistible Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake! This recipe guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough, pro tips, and variations for baking this decadent dessert. Get ready for a taste of pure heaven with its buttery layers, rich caramel, and perfectly balanced salty-sweet finish. Bake this show-stopping cake today!

The Allure of Ina Garten's Kentucky Butter Cake

Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, is renowned for her effortlessly elegant recipes. Her Kentucky Butter Cake is no exception. This isn't your average cake; it's a layered masterpiece of buttery goodness, punctuated by a luscious salted caramel sauce. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sophisticated indulgence. The combination of the moist, tender cake and the sweet and salty caramel creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before you begin your baking adventure, gather these ingredients. Precise measurements are crucial for baking success, so use a kitchen scale for the best results.

For the Cake:

2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) water
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Follow these steps for baking perfection:

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender crumb.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
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.

2. Bake the Cakes:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:

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 requires patience and careful watching.
Carefully whisk in the butter, a few pieces at a time, until melted and smooth. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate.
Pour half of the salted caramel sauce over the first layer.
Top with the second cake layer and pour the remaining caramel sauce over the top.
Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel to soak into the layers. This enhances the flavor and texture.

Tips for Success

Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the cake will taste.
Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
Let the cakes cool completely before frosting or assembling. This prevents the caramel from melting and the cake from becoming soggy.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Caramel Cake: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cake batter for a richer, chocolatey twist.
Nutty Caramel Cake: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
Coffee Caramel Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cake batter for a mocha-flavored cake.

Serve the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Conclusion

Ina Garten's Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a showstopper dessert that's worth every minute of effort. The combination of moist, buttery cake and rich, salted caramel is truly irresistible. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and prepare to impress your friends and family with this decadent treat. Remember to share your baking journey and tag #SaltedCaramelKentuckyButterCake!