The Ultimate Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Introduction

Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, moist, and buttery pound cake that has been a Southern favorite for generations. The magic of this cake lies in its sweet butter sauce, which is poured over the cake while it’s still warm, allowing it to soak in and create a deliciously moist interior. Whether you’re looking for a cake to accompany your afternoon tea or an indulgent dessert to impress your guests, this Kentucky Butter Cake recipe is sure to be a hit.

In this post, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of creating this classic cake from scratch. With easy-to-follow instructions and tips for achieving the perfect texture, you’ll have a mouthwatering cake that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients

Before we get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

For the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Butter Sauce:

1/3 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh berries for a burst of flavor

Equipment Needed

Bundt pan or a round cake tin
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Saucepan for making the butter sauce
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour your bundt pan thoroughly to ensure easy release of the cake after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, prepare the butter sauce.

Step 4: Make the Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and water, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven, leave it in the pan. Use a toothpick or skewer to poke small holes all over the cake. Slowly pour the warm butter sauce over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and coat the cake evenly.

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before turning it out onto a serving platter.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

For an extra touch, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries if desired. Slice and serve the Kentucky Butter Cake with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgent experience.

Tips for the Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a finer crumb.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense instead of light and airy.
Glazing While Warm: Pour the butter sauce over the cake while it’s still warm. This allows the cake to absorb the sauce more effectively, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Kentucky Butter Cake in Advance?

Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day after the butter sauce has fully absorbed. You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it at room temperature in an airtight container. If you prefer to serve it warm, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Can I Substitute Buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

How Do I Store Kentucky Butter Cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. When freezing, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Is There a Gluten-Free Version?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend you use is meant for baking and contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for best results.

The Perfect Occasion for Kentucky Butter Cake

This classic cake is versatile and can be served for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a family gathering, or simply a weekend treat, Kentucky Butter Cake will leave a lasting impression. Its moist, buttery flavor is both nostalgic and comforting, making it a beloved dessert for all ages.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping cake that doesn’t require fancy decorations or complicated techniques, this is the one. The buttery glaze creates a delightful contrast with the golden crust, while the inside remains soft and tender.

Conclusion

Kentucky Butter Cake is a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with decadence. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a cake that’s bursting with flavor. The secret to its richness lies in the butter sauce that soaks through the cake, leaving it irresistibly moist.

Whether you’re baking it for the first time or it’s a recipe passed down through your family, this cake is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out for yourself, and let us know how it turns out! Your friends and family will thank you for introducing them to this delicious Southern classic.