🍰 KENTUCKY BUTTER CAKE 🧈
🍰 KENTUCKY BUTTER CAKE 🧈
📋 Ingredients:
For the cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the butter glaze:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter
3 tbsp water
2 tsp vanilla extract
🥣 Directions:
Prepare the cake:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
Add the softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Make the butter glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, water, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, about 3-4 minutes. Do not let it boil.
Glaze the cake:
While the cake is still in the pan, use a skewer or a thin knife to poke holes all over the cake.
Slowly pour the warm butter glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes and down the sides.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan, allowing the glaze to soak in, about 1 hour.
Serve:
Once the cake has cooled and the glaze has set, invert it onto a serving plate. Slice and enjoy this rich, buttery treat!
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 70 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins | Servings: 12 | Calories: 450 kcal per slice
Kentucky Butter Cake is renowned for its incredibly moist texture and rich buttery flavor, achieved by the unique process of pouring a warm butter glaze over the cake while it's still in the bundt pan. Poking holes in the cake before glazing is key, as it allows the glaze to soak deep into the cake's crumb, resulting in the signature moistness and depth of flavor. For best results, use room temperature unsalted butter to ensure even mixing and greater flavor control. Buttermilk not only tenderizes the cake but also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, a homemade substitute can be made by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes. The slow cooking of the butter glaze is important—don't allow it to boil, as this can alter the flavor and texture. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the butter melts, then remove it from heat before pouring. Kentucky Butter Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea and can be served plain or with fresh berries for added freshness. This cake keeps well and often tastes even better the next day after the glaze has fully absorbed. For bakers looking to customize, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel on top. This will add texture contrast and deepen the southern flavor profile. By following these tips and the recipe carefully, you can create a classic Southern dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or any cozy occasion.