cakes
What You Need for a Kentucky Butter Cake
Kentucky Butter Cake: A Rich and Moist Southern Classic"
Introduction:
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of this Kentucky Butter Cake, a true Southern classic. With its tender crumb and sweet, buttery glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making a moist and flavorful cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredient List:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup of melted butter – Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 2 cups of sugar – Provides the perfect amount of sweetness.
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature – Ensures a fluffy and light texture.
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract – Infuses the cake with a deep, aromatic flavor.
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour – The foundation for the cake’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder – Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda – Assists in the leavening process.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup of buttermilk – Adds tanginess and helps keep the cake moist.
For the Butter Sauce:
- 1 cup of sugar – Sweetens the glaze that soaks into the cake.
- 1/2 cup of butter, cubed – Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the glaze.
- 1/4 cup of water – Helps dissolve the sugar for a smooth glaze.
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
Directions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix 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 butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
2. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges and invert the cake onto a wire rack set over a sheet of wax paper.
3. Prepare the Butter Sauce:
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the butter sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and water.
- Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar is fully dissolved. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.
4. Glaze the Cake:
- Using a skewer or toothpick, poke holes all over the warm cake.
- Slowly pour the butter sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Pour any remaining sauce over the top of the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely, allowing the sauce to fully absorb and infuse the cake with flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Warm: This cake is delicious when served slightly warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Perfect for Holidays: Kentucky Butter Cake makes an excellent dessert for holiday dinners or special occasions.
- Gift Idea: Wrap slices in decorative paper for a homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
Tips for the Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Don’t Skip the Sauce: The butter sauce is essential for adding moisture and flavor—make sure to let it soak in fully.
- Use a Bundt Pan: The classic bundt shape helps the cake bake evenly and allows the sauce to penetrate every bite.