Salted Caramel Butter Cake | Irresistibly Soft & Sweet

Salted Caramel Butter Cake is not just one more sugary treat; it is the kind of recipe that warms up the kitchen and brings smiles to the table. I love how rich, buttery crumbs work in contrast with golden caramel glaze bathed in a little salt. 

I once tried all of them: salted caramel chocolate cake, Mary Berry’s salted caramel cake, and even salted caramel cheesecake. 

But I keep returning to this one-it’s just straightforward, no-fuss, and has a bakery taste without the stress. 

To me, Salted Caramel Butter Cake is that perfect cake-to-bake on a cold and rainy afternoon or take along to a gathering where you want to take something simple yet special-A.

Why is Salted Caramel Loved Worldwide?

Salted caramel is one of those flavors that are endowed with a special culinary charm, making it very hard to resist. The explanation behind this is a layman’s: caramelized sugar is so rich in flavor that just the right amount of saltlets burst onto someone’s palate with each bite. 

This little contrast tricks the mind, giving an extra punch to dessert flavors. From ice creams to brownies, salted caramel makes the perfect companion to cement memories of any dessert.

History and Origin of Caramel Desserts

Caramel was born centuries ago; its origin dates back to French confectionery. Slowly and steadily, bakers started giving caramel a taste in the arena of cakes, sauces, and candies. 

In America though, caramel desserts became trendy during the 1800s, enhancing the 19th century with lots of salted caramel cheesecake, brownies, and butter cake variations.

What Makes Salted Caramel So Irresistible?

The Sweet and Salty Balance

Salted Caramel Butter Cake is the ultimate flavor combination. The sugar satisfies your sweet tooth, while the salt sharpens and deepens the taste, preventing it from being overwhelmingly sweet.

The Caramelization Magic

Caramelization gives sugar a nutty, toasty, and slightly smoky flavor. When paired with a creamy texture, it becomes something unforgettable.

How To Prepare Salted Caramel Butter Cake?

Recipe Overview

• Name: Salted Caramel Butter Cake
• Cuisine: American-inspired dessert
• Course: Dessert
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Calories per Serving: About 420

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup salted butter (softened)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp rum (optional, for depth of flavor)

For the Salted Caramel Glaze

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup salted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

• Preheat the oven  to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter and line with parchment paper.
• Cream the butter and sugar together in a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
• Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, and rum.
• Sift in flour and baking soda, mixing until smooth.

2. Bake the Cake

• Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool completely before adding glaze.

3. Make the Salted Caramel Glaze

• In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until it melts into a golden caramel.
• Add butter and whisk until fully melted.
• Slowly pour in cream while stirring—be careful, it will bubble.
• Stir in kosher salt. Let cool slightly before pouring over the cake.

4. Assemble the Cake

• Place cake on a serving plate.
• Pour warm caramel glaze over the top.
• Sprinkle it with flaky sea salt for a perfect finish.

Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas

• Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for a salted caramel chocolate cake twist.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Bake the batter in muffin tins for mini salted caramel cupcakes.

My Secret Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Butter Cake

• If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt works just as well.
• Want to make it ahead? Bake the cake a day early and glaze it right before serving.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze slices for longer.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

• Cake sinking in the middle? You might have opened the oven door too early.
• Grainy caramel glaze? Stir continuously and add cream slowly to avoid crystallization.

How to Store and Reheat

Keep your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4 days. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

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Salted Caramel Butter Cake is more than just a dessert. It is a bake that makes people smile. Soft in texture, the caramel glaze is downright indulging, and a pinch of salt works as a glue.

Over time, I have tried many types of caramel treats, from salted caramel brownies to Mary Berry salted caramel cake, but this butter cake wins hands down just for its homely charm and taste. 

It is a kind of Salted Caramel Butter Cake that you can trust when you’re baking for buddies, family, or simply for that warm slice with tea.