ina garten salted caramel kentucky butter cake

3 min read 25-02-2025

Meta Description: Indulge in the irresistible Ina Garten Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake! This recipe guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough, pro tips, and variations for baking this decadent dessert. Learn how to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and buttery goodness. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping cake!

The Allure of Ina Garten's Kentucky Butter Cake

Ina Garten's recipes are synonymous with effortless elegance. Her Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is no exception. This rich, buttery cake, elevated with a luscious salted caramel sauce, is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual weeknight gatherings to celebratory events. The combination of the dense, moist cake and the sweet and salty caramel is truly addictive.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. Having everything measured and ready will make the baking process smoother. This recipe uses standard baking ingredients, easily found at most grocery stores.

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 (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

This detailed guide will walk you through each step of making Ina Garten's Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake. Take your time, and enjoy the process!

Making the Cake:

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a light and airy cake.
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Making the Salted Caramel Sauce:

Caramelize Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Do not stir. Cook until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. This requires patience and careful monitoring.
Add Butter: Carefully whisk in the butter, a few pieces at a time, until melted and smooth. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble.
Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. The mixture may splatter, so be careful.
Stir in Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.

Assembling the Cake:

Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding the caramel.
Pour Caramel: Once cooled, pour the salted caramel sauce evenly over the cake.

Tips for Baking Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
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 adding the caramel to prevent it from melting.
Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Swirl: Add a swirl of melted chocolate to the batter for an extra decadent touch.
Different Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Ice Cream Pairing: Serve a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Coffee or Tea Pairing: This rich cake pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a warm cup of tea.

Conclusion

Ina Garten's Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a truly special dessert. With its rich flavor and beautiful presentation, it's sure to impress. Follow these steps, and you'll be enjoying a slice of pure heaven in no time. Remember to share your baking experience and photos – we'd love to see your creations! Remember to check out [link to another relevant recipe on your site] for more delicious baking inspiration.