fbpx
54 In Desserts

Salted Caramel Bundt Cake

Salted Caramel Bundt Cake | ForTheFeast.com #caramel #cake #bundt #dessert

This Salted Caramel Bundt Cake is divine. The combination of salt and caramel is incredibly tasty.

I think using a bundt cake mold makes this recipe manageable, especially with the caramel glaze. I’ve tried this as a layer cake but I prefer it as a bundt.

I also like to serve this cake warm. I reserve some of the caramel to warm up and drip over the cake before serving.

Making the caramel was a bit intimidating for me but it was relatively easy! The trick here is to not burn the sugar. The rest is super easy and takes NO time at all.

NOTE: I didn’t use a candy thermometer; I just watched the color and reactions that are mentioned below when making it.

Salted Caramel Bundt Cake

Salted Caramel Bundt Cake

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Crème fraîche
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature

Caramel Glaze

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 stick of butter
  • Sea salt (I used fleur de sel)

Instructions

Preparation for Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Grease and lightly flour the inside of a bundt pan.
  3. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
  4. Using a mixer, beat the butter until creamy.
  5. Add the sugar and continue to mix until it becomes light and pale.
  6. Next add the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla extract and Crème fraîche 1/4 cup at a time until it is all mixed in.
  7. Next add your flour mixture in small amounts allowing each bit to mix in completely before you add more.
  8. After all the ingredients are mixed in, spoon the batter with a spatula into the bundt mold.
  9. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 12 minutes before inverting it onto another rack. Let it cool completely for about an hour.

Preparation for Caramel Glaze

  1. NOTE: I Updated this recipe with 2 variations of the Caramel Glaze. Each recipe worked beautifully to turn out decadent caramel, so I wanted to share both with you.
  2. If you are prone to seeing sugar rocks start to form then try adding the butter and the sugar at the same time while whisking as they dissolve and blend together. See Version A below.

Version A

  1. Add the butter and sugar together and melt them at the same time while whisking (Medium Heat) .
  2. As the butter and sugar start to dissolve add the cream and continue to whisk (Medium to High Heat)
  3. Once it starts to froth and bubble, take it off the heat while still whisking. Continue in Version B below with step 5.

Version B

  1. In a saucepan add the sugar and whisk over a medium heat allowing the sugar to melt.
  2. Once it starts to turn an amber color add the butter and whisk at a fast pace.
  3. When all of the butter is completely melted and blended with the sugar you can remove it from the heat.
  4. Next add the cream while you continue to whisk until the mixture is in a cream caramel glaze form.
  5. Pour this glaze into a glass container or a bowl and set aside.
  6. Once the cake has cooled you can pour the caramel over the top, covering it in a decorative fashion.
  7. Sprinkle the top with sea salt and serve.

Keywords: Desserts, Cakes, Salted Caramel Bundt Cake

You Might Also Like

54 Comments

  • Reply
    Simply Tia
    December 30, 2011 at 5:50 am

    This bundt cake is beautiful. Salted caramel? I’m drooling. YUM!

  • Reply
    Joanne
    December 30, 2011 at 9:04 am

    I flock to salted caramel like a moth to a bright light. Love this.

  • Reply
    Elo
    December 30, 2011 at 11:43 am

    This looks delish!! I really want to make this, but Im not sure what “1 cup Crème fraîche” is.

    • Reply
      Lauren
      October 13, 2012 at 5:09 pm

      Is it Fresh Cream, or whipping cream?

      • Reply
        Carrie Pacini
        October 17, 2012 at 1:14 pm

        @Lauren The recipe calls for Crème Fraîche which is similar to Sour Cream.
        Note: The Crème Fraîche will add a bit more richness to the cake verses Sour Cream.

  • Reply
    Carrie Pacini
    December 30, 2011 at 5:37 pm

    @Simply Tia – Yep Salted Caramel and it is quite tasty!

  • Reply
    Carrie Pacini
    December 30, 2011 at 10:08 pm

    @Elo Crème fraîche is similar to Sour Cream.

    If you can’t find Crème fraîche then 1 cup of Sour Cream will do the trick.

  • Reply
    cakebrain
    December 30, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    gee, that looks so good! I love how the glaze glistens.

  • Reply
    Julia
    December 31, 2011 at 7:18 am

    I agree, some cakes are just MEANT to be made in a bundt pan. They look pretty and taste better. I love the idea of serving this with warm caramel on top, and a sprinkle of salt, mmmm!

  • Reply
    Carrie Pacini
    December 31, 2011 at 8:35 am

    @cakebrain Thanks!

    @Julia I love this cake warm and the sprinkle of salt sets it off perfectly!

  • Reply
    Rachel
    January 2, 2012 at 6:54 pm

    The bundt cake is currently baking in the oven. The batter seemed good and I’m excited to try it. I just had to come on here to say this though! The caramel sauce/topping does not work at all.

    Despite my better judgement, I chose to simply follow the recipe having made caramel and caramel toppings previously. Always it is water, cornsyrup or something else that you add with the sugar in the first place. I followed the recipe instead and simply put the sugar on medium heat.

    And bam!- little teeny sugar rocks formed. Which is what will happen if you don’t add another type of glucose to the mixture. I’m not sure how the caramel topping ended up entirely smooth for you. I’m glad it did but a word to the wise for those making this-I’d suggest looking up a caramel glaze elsewhere. The one written is more dangerous than it needs to be and results in little sugar rocks instead of a smooth glaze.

    Other than that, the cake looks delicious in the oven and I will report back on that soon. :)

    • Reply
      Jenny
      February 20, 2016 at 6:56 pm

      I’m a big fan of dry method caramel like this…took some time to nail it but after a few tries I have it down pat! The key is to stir stir stir! The crystal lumps will eventually melt down as you stir. For some reason every time I try to use a method with a liquid I screw it up!

      • Reply
        Carrie Pacini
        March 6, 2016 at 9:49 am

        That’s Great! It can be tricky.

  • Reply
    Carrie Pacini
    January 3, 2012 at 7:54 am

    @Rachel I’ve made this several times with different variations of it. There were 2 ways that worked for me.

    Here’s the other one:

    Add the butter and sugar together and melt them at the same time while whisking .

    As the butter and sugar start to dissolve add the cream and continue to whisk.

    When it starts to froth and bubble take it off the heat while still whisking. This also turned out a smooth caramel “milky” glaze.

  • Reply
    Messy Missy
    March 28, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    OMG my house smells AMAZING!
    Kids loved licking the beater and spatula! That was the first sign… the smell was the 2nd. The ease of the carmel, the 3rd!!
    Making this for a friends birthday, so will let you know tomorrow how amazing you are!! But I’m pretty sure it’s up there!! WOO HOO!

  • Reply
    les
    October 13, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    This recipe sounds delightful, and seems very
    easy until I came to the butter measurements.
    A lot of people that are on pinterest are not
    American. A “stick”? Grams, ozs, cups this I know.
    I always check the recipe before I repin it or
    copy it out as so often the American recipes have
    boxes, packets or other ingredients that I cannot
    get, thats why I got quite excited to see that it was
    a straight forward recipe. Then came a stick…….

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      October 17, 2012 at 1:10 pm

      @les sorry about that! Hope this helps:

      1 stick of butter is 1/2 cup
      2 sticks of butter is 1 cup
      1 stick of butter = 113.5 grams
      2 sticks of butter = 227 grams

  • Reply
    Melissa
    November 9, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    Hi! Where can I purchase fleur de sel?

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      November 10, 2012 at 2:25 pm

      @Melissa I’ve purchased it at the grocery store in the baking area where you find the spices and flavorings.

      • Reply
        Melissa
        November 10, 2012 at 8:15 pm

        Is there a special brand you recommend? Thanks so much!

        • Reply
          Carrie Pacini
          November 19, 2012 at 1:10 pm

          @Melissa, I’ve used whatever I can find BUT if I see Fleur De Sel De Guerande or Fleur De Sel de Camargue – I would buy them in that order!

  • Reply
    rena
    November 16, 2012 at 2:55 pm

    I made this cake last night. I have to tell you, this is hands down, the best cake I have ever tasted. In fact, the cake was so good I was hesitant to add the caramel to it – why ruin a great thing.
    The sauce is incredibly addictive (I put some in my coffee this morning).
    I am unable to get creme fraiche near me so I substituted half greek yogurt and half sour cream.
    WOW!
    Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!!

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      November 19, 2012 at 1:12 pm

      @Rena, so happy that you tried the recipe. The substitute with yogurt and sour cream is super smart. I know the caramel is super addictive. I love that you put it coffee! I am going to have to try that next time too :)

    • Reply
      Jenn
      August 1, 2014 at 10:47 am

      I’m making this cake today for my daughter’s birthday. I wasn’t able to find creme fraiche so I bought full fat sour cream instead. Can I mix this with fat free greek yogurt or am I better off jus using the sour cream on it’s own as a substitute? Thanks in advance!

      • Reply
        Carrie Pacini
        August 1, 2014 at 11:17 am

        Hi Jenn, use the full fat sour cream. And Happy Birthday to your daughter!

  • Reply
    Christina
    November 21, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    Hi, how far in advance can this cake be made WITH the glaze! Is 24 hours too far in advance?

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      November 25, 2012 at 8:28 am

      @Christina I’ve always made it the morning of but I believe you can make it the day before. The sauce can be stored in a jar and re-heated as needed.

  • Reply
    Allison
    November 21, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    I used version B for the caramel with a variation- whisk the sugar until all the crystals dissolve and it turns amber in color. REMOVE FROM HEAT and immediately drop the butter (sliced into one tablespoon chunks) into the dissolved sugar while whisking constantly. Then add the cream (warmed for 30 seconds in the microwave so that it’s not cold) right after the butter melts and whisk until it is all creamy and wonderful. Worked perfectly!

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      November 25, 2012 at 8:28 am

      @Allison, perfect glad one of them worked out for you!

  • Reply
    Sarah
    November 29, 2012 at 8:50 am

    This is absolutely delicious! I followed your directions and everything came out perfectly, including the caramel sauce. Except, I used an angel food cake pan (didn’t have a bundt pan) and had no issues. The same cooking time worked, too. I’ve already had a few people ask for the recipe, I gave them a link to your site. :)

  • Reply
    Barbara Geary
    December 12, 2012 at 10:42 pm

    How many days in advance can I make this cake? I was planning on eating it on xmas eve? Thx!

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      December 14, 2012 at 12:28 pm

      @Barbara Geary you could make the cake 1 or 2 days in advance.

  • Reply
    Christina
    December 17, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    I’m excited about trying this. I’m wondering if it would work out ok to put baked apples in the middle of the bunt cake (once it’s finished baking…)? Has anyone tried this & do you think it would work out ok? (Beginner baker here!)

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      December 21, 2012 at 6:28 am

      @Christina I think you could put baked apples in the middle of the cake and then drizzle the salted caramel over the apples as well. Let me know how it goes!

  • Reply
    Barbara Geary
    December 23, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    Can I put the glaze on in advanced too?

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      December 24, 2012 at 11:10 am

      @Barbara I would wait to put the glaze on until you are ready to serve. Also I used unsalted butter for the glaze!

  • Reply
    Barbara Geary
    December 24, 2012 at 10:57 am

    unsalted butter or salted butter for the glaze? Cake is in the oven:-)))))

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      December 24, 2012 at 11:11 am

      @Barbara I used unsalted butter for the glaze!

  • Reply
    Barbara Geary
    December 24, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    Thank goodness I just checked back I was about to use salted:-(
    Thank you!!!

  • Reply
    Kayla
    January 19, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    I absolutley love this recipe! This was the first time i attempted making caramel. I tried version B and it turned out wonderful! The only thing is my cake tasted a little like flour but wasnt to bad when the carmel was on top. If you have any suggestions or ways to maybe change it it would greatly appreciate it. Other than that i love this recipe and am happy i found it.
    PS: I made homemade whipped cream and also served it on the side of the cake, and it was wonderful :)

  • Reply
    Tammy
    August 23, 2013 at 11:22 am

    Carrie have you made the cake with any kind of chocolate; cocoa etc? I love chocolate with salted caramel.

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      August 23, 2013 at 5:00 pm

      Hi Tammy, I have not but I think it’s worth a try. I would add cocoa to the flour, maybe start off with 1/4 cup of cocoa to see how it bakes.

  • Reply
    Thea D
    November 24, 2013 at 1:10 am

    I have made this cake TWICE this week, and both times it was a big hit. Tonight, 9 of us devoured the whole thing!

    Thanks for sharing the recipe. It is easy and deeeeelicious!

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      November 24, 2013 at 9:37 am

      Thanks Thea for your feedback – I am so glad you all enjoyed it!

  • Reply
    Meredith
    November 28, 2013 at 7:44 am

    Hello. I’m wondering if I can use esprite de sel instead of fleur de sel? I really don’t know what esprite de sel is ?? But the only fleur de sel I found is $15 and I don’t want to spend that to use such a small amt. thanks!

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      November 28, 2013 at 10:05 am

      Hi Meredith, yes you can use Esprit du Sel.

  • Reply
    joyce kelly
    December 21, 2014 at 7:02 pm

    I will .make this for xmas

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      December 21, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      It’s so good especially when warmed :) Merry Christmas!

  • Reply
    Laura
    April 26, 2015 at 7:06 pm

    Hi Carrie
    One ? I do have is that isn’t caramel sauce taste like Carmel?????
    I’ve never made this but have heard it’s terrific.
    The other question I have is I ALWAYS make my cakes 2-3 weeks in advance and freeze them. The day before having company I take them out of,the freezer let them completely thaw then the the day of I frost or spread the mixture over it. My ? Is could I freeze it in advance then Proceed as mentioned?
    Thank you

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      April 27, 2015 at 12:25 pm

      Hi Laura, This is one of my favorite cakes to make. I like to serve it warm with the caramel sauce over it. I’ve never frozen this cake before BUT I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. You could make the cake then freeze it and the day that you want to serve it make the caramel sauce for it.

  • Reply
    Laura
    May 24, 2015 at 7:29 am

    Hi Carrie
    Thank you our cake went over very well with my guests. I’d too have to say it was the tastiest cake I’ve EVER made.
    I did make it a few weeks ahead of time frozen it and removed it the day before to thaw. I made the glaze that morning and kept it in a jar. Right before serving it I warmed the glaze up in the microwave and poured it over the cake. It was out of this world. Definitely a highly recommend cake to make and being able to do it ahead of time made it so easy. I also followed the first instructions on me
    Tong the sugar down and it went ever so smoothly. I think the trick with this glaze is constant stirring as it melts. I used a smaller whisk and it went perfectly.

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      May 28, 2015 at 9:07 am

      Hi Laura, that’s so great to hear!

  • Reply
    Julia
    August 8, 2018 at 8:42 am

    How many ounces is a stick of butter? 2 oz or 4 oz?

    • Reply
      Carrie Pacini
      August 8, 2018 at 8:54 am

      1 stick of butter = 4 oz or 1/2 a cup or 113 grams

    Leave a Reply

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.