Kentucky Butter Cake is a moist, buttery, and sweet cake with a rich flavor, often drenched in a buttery glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Here’s how to make this delicious treat!
Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe
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 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with whole milk)
For the Butter Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Make the Cake:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition until just 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.
- Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Butter Glaze:
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and water, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Glaze the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled for 10 minutes, drizzle the butter glaze evenly over the cake while it is still warm. You can poke a few holes in the cake with a skewer to help the glaze soak in.
- Allow the cake to cool completely and absorb the glaze before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Kentucky Butter Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- You can also add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for decoration.
This cake is wonderfully rich and buttery, with a perfect balance of sweetness. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just a simple indulgence. Enjoy every slice! Let me know how it turns out!