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ina garten salted caramel kentucky butter cake

ina garten salted caramel kentucky butter cake

3 min read 05-02-2025
ina garten salted caramel kentucky butter cake

Meta Description: Indulge in the irresistible richness of Ina Garten's Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake! This blog post provides a detailed recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips for baking perfection. Discover the secrets to achieving that perfect balance of sweet and salty, moist and tender crumb. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping dessert!

The Allure of Ina Garten's Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Ina Garten, the beloved Barefoot Contessa, has a knack for creating recipes that are both elegant and approachable. Her Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is no exception. This cake is a masterpiece of texture and flavor – a moist, buttery cake infused with the irresistible combination of sweet caramel and salty perfection. It's the kind of dessert that disappears quickly, leaving everyone wanting more. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special celebration.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before you start baking, gather these ingredients. Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success!

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

Baking Ina Garten's Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter texture.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
  5. 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!

Step 2: Creating the Salted Caramel Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir.
  2. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. Be careful – caramel gets hot!
  3. Carefully whisk in the butter until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
  4. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream (it will bubble up). Stir in the sea salt.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Cake

  1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Drizzling and Serving

  1. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the top.
  2. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Baking Perfection

  • Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and emulsification.
  • Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
  • Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling with the caramel sauce 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

  • Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the cake batter.
  • Different caramel: Experiment with store-bought caramel sauce if you're short on time.
  • Ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
  • Coffee or tea pairing: This cake pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a warm cup of tea.

This Ina Garten Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of moist cake, rich caramel, and a hint of salt creates a flavor profile that is both sophisticated and satisfying. Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of the Barefoot Contessa's baking expertise!

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