Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan**:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan (depending on the size of the cake you want). You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

#### 2. **Make the Cake Batter**:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and light. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Once the mixture is light and fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add in the vanilla extract and mix again.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

#### 3. **Bake the Cake**:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 4. **Prepare the Salted Caramel Glaze**:
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the salted caramel glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly, and allow the sugar to dissolve into the butter. Add the heavy cream, and continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Taste the glaze, and if you want a stronger salted flavor, feel free to add a pinch more salt.

#### 5. **Assemble the Cake**:
Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the salted caramel glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Be generous with the glaze—this cake is all about that sweet and salty caramel topping.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy**:
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The cake will be perfectly moist and buttery, with that irresistible salted caramel glaze adding the perfect finishing touch.

### Why This Cake is a Show-Stopper:

– **Rich Flavor**: The buttery cake combined with the decadent salted caramel glaze creates an unforgettable flavor profile that everyone will love. It’s sweet without being too cloying, and the saltiness from the caramel balances the sweetness in a way that enhances all the flavors.

– **Beautiful Presentation**: This cake is not only delicious but also beautiful. The glossy, golden caramel glaze makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it’s surprisingly simple to make. It’s a great choice for special occasions when you want to impress your guests with a homemade dessert.

– **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive celebration, this Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake will elevate any occasion. It’s also perfect for sharing at gatherings like birthdays, potlucks, or holiday meals.

### Tips for Success:
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: For the best results, make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing the batter. This helps ensure a smooth, even batter and a fluffy cake.

– **Make Ahead**: The cake can be made a day ahead of time and stored at room temperature. Just add the glaze right before serving to keep it fresh and glossy.

– **Adjust the Salt**: Feel free to adjust the amount of sea salt in the caramel glaze to suit your personal preference. Some people love a more pronounced salty flavor, while others prefer a lighter touch.

### Final Thoughts:

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and salty. The rich, buttery cake paired with the luxurious salted caramel glaze creates a treat that’s sure to be the star of your dessert table. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it on a quiet afternoon, this cake will never fail to impress. So go ahead, bake it up, and get ready for rave reviews!