Introduction:
Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, buttery pound cake with a unique twist—a sweet, buttery glaze that seeps into the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. This classic Southern dessert is simple yet indulgent, with a tender crumb and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for any occasion. The buttery glaze gives the cake its signature flavor and ensures that each bite is as moist and decadent as the last.
Inspiration Behind Kentucky Butter Cake:
This old-fashioned cake has been a Southern favorite for generations. Its simplicity, combined with the luxurious flavor from the buttery glaze, makes it a go-to dessert for family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. With ingredients you likely have in your pantry, Kentucky Butter Cake is a timeless dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and moisture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
- 4 large eggs: Adds structure and richness to the cake.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the buttery flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Assists in leavening.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang for balance.
- For the Butter Glaze:
- ½ cup unsalted butter: The star of the glaze.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the glaze and caramelizes slightly.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve the sugar.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds depth to the glaze flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and generously grease and flour a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack.
- Make the Butter Glaze:
- While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the sugar dissolves.
- Glaze the Cake:
- Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or toothpick while it’s still warm.
- Slowly pour the warm butter glaze over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and coat the surface.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake:
- Generously Grease the Pan: Since this cake is dense, make sure your bundt pan is well-greased and floured to prevent sticking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender crumb.
- Let the Glaze Soak In: Poking holes in the cake while it’s warm allows the glaze to seep in, making it extra moist and flavorful.
Variations and Customizations:
- Lemon Kentucky Butter Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract for a citrusy twist.
- Rum-Infused Glaze: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dark rum to the glaze for a boozy kick.
- Coconut Butter Cake: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter and use coconut extract in the glaze for a tropical version.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
This is an indulgent dessert, but you can lighten it up a bit:
- Swap Butter: Use a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
- Reduce Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or cut back on the sugar in both the cake and glaze for a lighter version.
FAQ:
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Kentucky Butter Cake actually tastes better the next day as the glaze continues to soak into the cake. You can bake it a day ahead and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. - How should I store leftover Kentucky Butter Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. - Can I freeze Kentucky Butter Cake?
Absolutely. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
kentucky butter cake
Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, buttery pound cake with a sweet vanilla butter glaze that seeps into every bite, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. A perfect dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- Baking spray with flour: To prevent the cake from sticking to the Bundt pan.
- Unsalted butter: The rich base of the cake creating a tender, buttery texture and flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake.
- Large eggs: Binds the cake batter.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor balancing the sweetness of the cake.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents to give the cake its rise.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture tenderness, and a mild tanginess to the cake.
- Vanilla extract: For depth of flavor.
For the glaze:
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the glaze for a slightly syrupy consistency.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the glaze along with a velvety mouthfeel and glossy finish.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and butter into a pourable glaze.
- Vanilla extract: For an aromatic flavor that enhances the glaze.
Instructions
- Step 1. Make the cake batter: Sift together all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In a liquid measuring cup, stir together buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Step 2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and airy.
- Step 3. Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating to combine after each addition.
- Step 4. Add remaining ingredients: Add flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately in three parts, beating to combine.
- Step 5. Bake the cake: Spray to coat a Bundt pan. Pour in batter and bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6. Prepare the glaze: Heat sugar, butter, and water in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. Stir in vanilla.
- Step 7. Poke cake: Transfer cake pan to a wire rack. Use a skewer to poke deep holes all over the cake.
- Step 8. Glaze the cake: Pour half of the glaze over the cake. Rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 9. Top with remaining glaze: Loosen the sides of the cake, and invert onto a plate or platter. Warm remaining glaze and pour over the cake.
- Step 10. Serve: Cool before serving.