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Kentucky Butter Cake

Indulge in the Richness of Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake is a timeless dessert that combines a moist, tender crumb with a luscious butter sauce. This classic Southern treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or a simple weeknight dessert. Let’s explore the steps to create this delightful cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup melted butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Butter Sauce:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Beat until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
  2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Sauce

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cubed butter, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Finish the Cake

  1. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the cake.
  2. Pour the Sauce: Slowly pour the butter sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let the cake sit in the pan until completely cooled.
  3. Invert and Serve: Once cooled, invert the cake onto a serving plate. The cake is now ready to be served!
See also  Cinnamon Sugar Bread

Tips for the Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

  • Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps the batter mix more evenly and results in a smoother cake texture.

Avoid Overmixing

  • Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake.

Let the Cake Cool Properly

  • Allowing the cake to cool in the pan helps it absorb the butter sauce more effectively, enhancing its flavor and moistness.

Customize Your Butter Sauce

  • For an extra twist, add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the butter sauce. This will add a rich depth of flavor to the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes, Kentucky Butter Cake can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it covered at room temperature for up to three days.

Can I Use a Different Pan?

While a Bundt pan is traditional, you can use a regular cake pan or loaf pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.

What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?

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

Can I Freeze Kentucky Butter Cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What Can I Serve with Kentucky Butter Cake?

Kentucky Butter Cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Kentucky Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that embodies the charm of Southern baking. Its moist texture, rich buttery flavor, and the luscious butter sauce make it a perfect choice for any dessert table. With these detailed instructions, tips, and FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to create a cake that’s sure to impress. Enjoy baking and indulging in this timeless classic!