Introduction:
If you’re a fan of rich, buttery desserts, then you’ll fall in love with this Kentucky Butter Cake. This classic Southern cake is perfectly moist with a tender crumb and a luscious butter-sugar glaze that seeps into the cake, creating an irresistible flavor. Simple yet elegant, this cake is ideal for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you need a comforting, homemade dessert.
Inspiration Behind Kentucky Butter Cake:
The inspiration for Kentucky Butter Cake comes from traditional Southern baking, where the focus is on rich flavors and simple ingredients. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness in every bite.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Butter Glaze:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are coated.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Make the Butter Glaze:
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the butter glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and water, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Glaze the Cake:
- Poke holes all over the warm cake using a skewer or toothpick. Slowly pour the butter glaze over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let the cake sit in the pan for at least 30 minutes to absorb the glaze.
- Serve:
- Invert the cake onto a serving platter. Slice and enjoy on its own, or pair with whipped cream or fresh berries.
Tips for the Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Grease the Pan Thoroughly: To prevent the cake from sticking, grease and flour the bundt pan generously, especially in all the grooves.
- Let the Cake Soak: Allow the cake to fully absorb the butter glaze before serving. This helps keep the cake moist and flavorful.
Variations and Customizations:
- Lemon Butter Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and substitute the vanilla in the glaze with lemon extract for a zesty twist.
- Almond Butter Cake: Stir in 1 teaspoon of almond extract into the batter and glaze for a nutty flavor.
- Glazed with a Powdered Sugar Finish: Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar for a classic look.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Rich in Flavor: Kentucky Butter Cake is indulgent and packed with buttery richness, so it’s best enjoyed as a treat.
- Moderation is Key: While delicious, this cake is high in sugar and fat, so enjoy in moderation if you’re watching your intake.
FAQ:
- Can I make Kentucky Butter Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better the next day after the glaze has fully soaked in. Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Kentucky Butter Cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving. - What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Kentucky Butter Cake
This Kentucky Butter Cake is rich, moist, and soaked in a buttery glaze, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Simple ingredients and an easy method make it a go-to recipe for everyone.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup butter cubed at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
Butter Glaze
- 1/3 cup butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F/165°C. Grease a 10- inch bundt pan with butter or shortening very liberally. Dust the pan with flour and set aside.
- Place all the cake ingredients in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low for 30 seconds and then increase the speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 65-75 minutes until a toothpick entered into the center comes out clean.
- When the cake is done make the glaze. Combine all ingredients into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Do not bring to a boil.
- Poke holes all over the warm cake using a knife and pour the glaze evenly on the cake while still in the pan.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan and then invert the cake onto a serving plate.
- I actually like to make this cake a day in advance, finding it to be more moist and flavorful when it rests overnight.
Notes
Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 514
- Sugar: 47.1 g
- Sodium: 296.3 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 71.4 g
- Protein: 6.2 g
- Cholesterol: 118.5 mg
