Kentucky Butter Cake – Spice Crafted

Introduction to Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of Southern culinary tradition that brings a rich, buttery flavor and irresistibly moist texture to the table. Known for its dense yet tender crumb, this cake is a beloved treat at gatherings, bridging generations with its classic appeal.

What Makes Kentucky Butter Cake Unique?

This delightful cake stands out due to its luxurious butter glaze, which soaks into the cake, infusing every bite with vanilla and butter. Unlike traditional pound cakes, the Kentucky Butter Cake comes with a sweet, saturating sauce that differentiates it from other similar desserts.

Rich History: Originating from the Southern United States, Kentucky Butter Cake has become synonymous with hospitality and decadence. Learn more about Southern dessert traditions.
Distinctive Moistness: The key feature of this cake is the butter glaze that is poured over the warm cake, creating a moist texture that is both rich and satisfying.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

4 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

Butter Glaze:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.

In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

For the glaze, combine 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, water, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until fully combined and sugar has dissolved.

Remove cake from oven and poke holes in the warm cake with a fork. Pour glaze over the cake. Let cool in the pan for 20 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 70 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Kcal: 580 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings

How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake is versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion:

Simple Dusting of Powdered Sugar
Fresh Berries or Whipped Cream
Serve with Coffee: Perfect for balancing the sweetness.

Storage Tips

To keep your Kentucky Butter Cake tasting fresh:

Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for a few days.
Freeze: Wrap well and freeze for longer storage. Thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to milk to substitute.
Can I make the cake a day ahead? Absolutely, it often tastes better the next day as flavors meld.

Conclusion

Kentucky Butter Cake is a testament to the simplicity and richness of Southern baking. It’s a cake that demands to be enjoyed with a slow, appreciative savoring of each moist, flavorful bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this cake is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and satisfying texture.