Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, buttery delight that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. This delectable cake pairs a tender crumb with a luscious, sweet butter sauce that seeps into its crevices, creating a moist and flavorful dessert you’ll crave again and again. The irresistible charm of this cake lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity, making it the perfect recipe for bakers of all skill levels. If you’re looking for a delightful cake to impress family and friends, this Kentucky Butter Cake recipe is worth making, and we’ll guide you through the process, step-by-step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Kentucky Butter Cake. First, its easy prep makes it a perfect choice for busy days or spontaneous gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, the light and fluffy cake comes together effortlessly, ensuring that you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious treats with your loved ones.

This cake is incredibly family-friendly, making it a fantastic option for children and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, this Kentucky Butter Cake will be the star of your dessert table. Plus, you’ll appreciate its traditional touches, giving a nod to Southern baking heritage.

Finally, with minimal ingredients, you can keep your pantry stocked while still being able to whip up this delightful cake whenever the craving strikes. Trust us; once you try it, it will become your go-to recipe for sweet celebrations!

Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake

To make this Kentucky Butter Cake, gather the following ingredients to ensure each slice is as delicious as possible:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the butteriness wonderfully.
• 1 tsp baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Additional leavening for fluffiness.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for that irresistible texture.
• 4 large eggs: A source of moisture and stability within the cake.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Provides tang and moisture for a tender crumb.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic essence.

For the luscious butter sauce that sets this cake apart, you will need:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the sauce.
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter: For a rich, buttery flavor.
• 3 tbsp water: Helps combine the ingredients smoothly.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: For that extra layer of flavor in your sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions

To make Kentucky Butter Cake, follow these easy, step-by-step directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature is ideal for baking a cake that’s both light and moist.
2. Generously grease and flour a bundt pan to prevent stickiness. This will ensure your cake releases beautifully without any mishaps.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
4. Next, add the softened butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Pour the batter carefully into the prepared bundt pan, ensuring an even distribution for uniform baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake bakes, prepare the butter sauce by combining sugar, butter, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the mixture melts together smoothly, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Once the cake is done baking, leave it in the bundt pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use a skewer to poke holes throughout the cake to allow the sauce to seep in.
9. Slowly pour the warm butter sauce over the cake, letting it soak in to enhance the flavor.
10. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before inverting onto a plate for serving.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some chef’s secrets to ensure your Kentucky Butter Cake turns out perfectly:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, use room-temperature butter and eggs. They incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
• Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: The buttermilk adds a tender quality to the crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
• Shorter Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cake during the last few minutes in the oven. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s best to check if it’s done based on toothpick results.
• Let it Soak: Allowing the cake to soak in the butter sauce is crucial. It elevates the flavor and moisture level, making your cake extra special.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Kentucky Butter Cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your presentation and flavor pairings in creative ways:

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving adds a touch of elegance.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of seasonal berries like strawberries or raspberries, adding tartness to balance the sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream can complement the cake’s texture beautifully.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For a truly indulgent experience, serve slices of the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, allowing it to melt into the cake for extra creaminess.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoying a slice with a warm cup of coffee or tea creates an inviting experience perfect for a cozy afternoon.

Nutritional Information

While indulging in Kentucky Butter Cake is a delightful experience, it’s good to be mindful of the nutritional aspects. Each slice contains approximately:

• Calories: 350-400 (depending on portion size)
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 30g

Enjoying a slice may be a moment of indulgence, but remember that it’s okay to treat yourself occasionally!

Storing Tips & Variations for Kentucky Butter Cake

To keep this cake fresh and enjoyable, consider the following storage tips and variations:

• Freezing: This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will stay fresh for up to three months.
• Reheating: To enjoy a slice that tastes freshly baked, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm each slice in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
• Healthier Swaps: For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of butter or buttermilk or a sugar substitute to reduce calories.
• Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest or almond extract for a unique flavor twist. You can also fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture.

Conclusion for Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that embodies the heart of Southern baking. Its moist, tender crumb soaked in sweet butter sauce will make you and your guests return for seconds and thirds. Don’t wait; try this Kentucky Butter Cake recipe today and bring a piece of comfort and joy into your kitchen!

FAQs

What should I do if my cake is stuck in the pan?

If your cake sticks, first ensure you’ve greased and floured your pan properly. If it’s stuck, gently run a knife around the edges to release it. You can also try placing the pan in warm water for a few minutes to loosen it.

Can I use a different type of pan?

Yes, while a bundt pan is traditional, you can also use a 9×13 inch baking dish. Just adjust the baking time to 30-40 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

How long can I store the cake?

Kentucky Butter Cake is best enjoyed within 3-4 days. If stored properly, it can last up to a week in the refrigerator, or up to three months in the freezer.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake keeps well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture.

Can I substitute ingredients if I’m allergic?

For butter allergies, you can use a dairy-free butter alternative. If you need to avoid gluten, consider a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, remembering to adjust other factors like baking time accordingly.

Print Recipe

Kentucky Butter Cake

A rich, buttery cake that pairs a tender crumb with a luscious, sweet butter sauce for a moist and flavorful dessert.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Keyword: butter cake, Easy Cake Recipe, Kentucky Butter Cake, rich cake, Southern Dessert

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 375kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure and tender crumb.
• 2 cups granulated sugar Balances the butteriness.
• 1 tsp baking powder Leavening agent for rise.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda Additional leavening for fluffiness.
• 1 tsp salt Enhances flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds richness and moisture.
• 4 large eggs Provides moisture and stability.
• 1 cup buttermilk Provides tang and moisture.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract Adds warm, aromatic essence.

Butter Sauce

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness to the sauce.
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter Rich buttery flavor.
• 3 tbsp water Helps combine the ingredients.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract Extra flavor in the sauce.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Generously grease and flour a bundt pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the softened butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
• Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.

Baking

• Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, and water for the butter sauce, cooking until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract.

Finishing

• Leave the cake in the bundt pan for about 10 minutes, then poke holes in the cake with a skewer.
• Pour the warm butter sauce over the cake and let it soak in for at least 30 minutes.
• Invert onto a plate for serving.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture. Don’t skip the buttermilk; it's crucial for a tender crumb.