Introduction:
Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, moist, and delicious cake that’s beloved for its buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cake is often drizzled with a sugary butter glaze, which adds a delightful sweetness that complements its tender crumb. A true Southern classic, Kentucky Butter Cake is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a holiday feast. It’s simple to make but delivers a fantastic flavor and texture that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk as a substitute)
For the Butter Glaze:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan.
Make the Cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Make the Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the water and sugar, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a simmer. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. While the cake is still in the pan, carefully pour half of the glaze over the cake. Let it soak in, then invert the cake onto a serving plate and pour the remaining glaze over the top.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Description: Kentucky Butter Cake is a classic Southern dessert that’s simple yet flavorful. The cake itself is incredibly moist and dense, thanks to the butter and buttermilk in the batter. The glaze, made with butter, sugar, and vanilla, adds the perfect touch of sweetness and richness. This cake is perfect for those who love buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cakes with a slight crunch from the glaze on top.
Tips:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This will help the batter come together more easily and result in a smoother texture.
Properly Grease the Pan: Bundt pans can be tricky to release cakes from, so make sure to grease and flour the pan well, or use a non-stick spray designed for baking.
Let the Cake Cool: Don’t rush to flip the cake out of the pan. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before inverting it to prevent it from falling apart.
Serve with Fresh Berries or Whipped Cream: If you want to elevate the cake, serve it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added flavor and texture.
Variations:
Chocolate Kentucky Butter Cake: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to make a chocolate version of the cake.
Nutty Kentucky Butter Cake: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter to give the cake a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Spiced Butter Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced variation of this cake.
Corrections:
If the cake seems too dry, try adding a bit more buttermilk or milk to achieve the right consistency. If it turns out too dense, reduce the mixing time to prevent overmixing.
If the glaze seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time while heating it until it reaches the desired consistency.
Enjoy: Sit back, relax, and enjoy a slice (or two) of this delicious, buttery Kentucky Butter Cake! Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.