Here’s a rich, buttery Kentucky Butter Cake recipe, along with tips and techniques to make it irresistible! This classic, moist, buttery cake has a rich vanilla flavor and a delightful butter glaze that seeps into the cake, making it even more tender and flavorful. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make with pantry staples and delivers a fantastic flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
For the Butter Glaze:
- ⅓ cup butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a Bundt pan thoroughly and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking. Kentucky Butter Cake is traditionally made in a Bundt pan, which allows the butter glaze to seep into every crevice.
Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting these ingredients ensures even distribution and a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, around 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for a soft, tender crumb, as it incorporates air into the batter.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Stir in the vanilla extract. By adding eggs gradually, you help the batter emulsify, creating a smooth texture.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low, add one-third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, then half of the buttermilk. Repeat, ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should start to pull away from the sides.
Step 7: Make the Butter Glaze
About 10 minutes before the cake finishes baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, sugar, and water. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful not to overheat the glaze; it should be smooth, not caramelized.
Step 8: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is out of the oven, leave it in the pan and use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the surface. Pour about half of the butter glaze slowly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 minutes to absorb the glaze fully.
Step 9: Invert and Glaze Again
Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack. Spoon the remaining butter glaze over the top and sides, letting it drip down the crevices. The glaze will add a beautiful sheen and rich flavor to the cake.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely before slicing. This allows the butter glaze to set and enhances the flavor. Once cooled, slice and serve. Kentucky Butter Cake is delicious on its own, but you can add a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch.
Tips for the Best Kentucky Butter Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smooth batter.
- Grease the Bundt Pan Well: Kentucky Butter Cake can be sticky due to the butter glaze. Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray and a light dusting of flour for easy release.
- Let the Glaze Soak In: Poking holes in the cake while it’s warm allows the glaze to seep through, adding moistness and flavor to every bite. For best results, pour the glaze in stages.
- Storage: Kentucky Butter Cake stays fresh for several days when wrapped well and stored at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the cake in an airtight container.
- Flavor Variations: Add a splash of almond extract or a hint of bourbon for a Kentucky-inspired twist!
Serving Suggestions
Kentucky Butter Cake is moist and flavorful enough to enjoy on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate it:
- With Fruit: Serve with fresh berries or a spoonful of fruit compote for a pop of color and flavor.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the buttery richness.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch.
This Kentucky Butter Cake is a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s rich, buttery, and perfect for gatherings. The sweet glaze that seeps into the cake makes it extra moist and flavorful with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. Enjoy this Southern classic!
