Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups (used for the cake’s structure)
- Butter: 1 cup, room temperature (adds richness and flavor)
- Buttermilk: 1 cup (provides moisture and a slight tanginess)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (sweetens the cake)
- Brown sugar: 1 cup (adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor)
- Eggs: 4 (binds the mixture and provides structure)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon (enhances flavor)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (balances the sweetness)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (helps the cake rise)
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon (reacts with buttermilk to help the cake rise)
For the Glaze:
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (creates a sweet syrup)
- Butter: 1/3 cup (adds creaminess and flavor)
- Water: 2 tablespoons (helps dissolve the sugar)
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons (enhances flavor)
Equipment
- 10-inch bundt pan: to shape and bake the cake
- Electric mixer: to cream butter and sugar, and to incorporate other ingredients smoothly
- Mixing bowls: for combining ingredients
- Whisk: for combining dry ingredients
- Saucepan: for making the glaze
- Toothpick: for testing cake doneness
- Knife or wooden dowel: for poking holes in the cake
Preparation
- Preparation of Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking. Set aside.
- Mixing the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the tablespoon of vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
- Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
- Preparing the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the granulated sugar, butter, water, and vanilla extract.
- Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sugar is fully dissolved into a smooth glaze.
- Finishing the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, use a knife or wooden dowel to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- Pour the warm glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and absorb into the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate.
- Serving:
- Once cooled and inverted, the Kentucky Butter Cake is ready to be sliced and served.
- Optionally, prepare this cake a day in advance to allow the glaze more time to soak in, enhancing the moistness and flavor.
Note
- This cake is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea and is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat. Enjoy your homemade Kentucky Butter Cake!
