Kentucky Butter Cake is a moist, buttery cake that’s drenched in a rich, sweet butter sauce, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It has a slightly caramelized, crispy exterior and a soft, dense crumb. This cake is perfect for special occasions or a simple treat. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delightful cake:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan (or a 9×13-inch baking dish if you prefer).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened 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.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three batches, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
2. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan or baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes (if using a bundt pan) or 40-45 minutes (if using a 9×13-inch dish), or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Butter Sauce:
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the sugar and water. Stir constantly and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Drizzle the Sauce:
- Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, poke small holes in the top of the cake using a skewer or toothpick.
- Slowly pour the warm butter sauce over the cake, making sure it soaks into the holes. Let the cake absorb the sauce as it cools.
5. Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. The butter sauce will keep the cake moist and give it a sweet, buttery flavor.
- Optionally, you can top the cake with powdered sugar or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Enjoy Your Kentucky Butter Cake!
This cake is incredibly moist, rich, and flavorful, with a delightful buttery texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea!
Would you like to adjust the recipe for a different flavor, or perhaps need tips for presentation? Let me know!