Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Kentucky butter cake! This dessert is like a warm hug from Grandma—so buttery and moist, it just melts in your mouth. I first discovered this cake at a family reunion, and it instantly became my go-to treat. Every bite reminds me of sunny afternoons spent on the porch, surrounded by laughter and stories. The way the cake practically glistens with that buttery glaze is just irresistible! Trust me, once you try this Kentucky butter cake, you’ll understand why it has a special place in my heart and in American dessert culture. It’s the perfect way to bring a little nostalgia to your kitchen, and I can’t wait to share my secrets with you!
What is Kentucky Butter Cake?
Kentucky butter cake is a delightful Southern dessert that’s all about richness and flavor. This cake is characterized by its moist crumb, which is thanks to the generous amount of butter and buttermilk in the batter. Originating from the heart of the Bluegrass State, it’s often served at family gatherings and special occasions, imparting a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Its unique buttery glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that seeps into every bite, making it truly unforgettable. I love how this cake is simple yet elegant, embodying the spirit of American home baking. Whether it’s a holiday or just a Tuesday, Kentucky butter cake brings a taste of tradition to any table and is sure to impress your friends and family alike!
Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this incredible Kentucky butter cake! Gather these simple ingredients, and I promise you’ll be on your way to a delicious dessert that everyone will love:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Make sure your butter is nice and soft for easy mixing—trust me, it makes all the difference! And don’t skip the buttermilk; it’s the secret to that moist, tender crumb we all adore. Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Kentucky Butter Cake
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making this scrumptious Kentucky butter cake! It’s super straightforward, and I promise, you’ll be basking in the buttery aroma in no time. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial, so don’t skip it! While that’s warming up, go ahead and grease and flour your bundt pan. This step is key to ensuring your cake comes out perfectly.
Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream together that soft, luscious butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one—don’t rush this part. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, and let that heavenly smell fill your kitchen. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Now, here’s the fun part: gradually add the flour mixture to your buttery mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. This helps keep the batter smooth and prevents any lumps.
Once everything is combined and you have a lovely batter, pour it into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a plate. And just like that, you’ve got yourself a beautiful Kentucky butter cake ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top if needed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a plate to cool completely.
Tips for Success with Kentucky Butter Cake
Want to make sure your Kentucky butter cake turns out absolutely perfect? I’ve got you covered! First, always remember to cream the butter and sugar until it’s really light and fluffy—this aeration is key to a nice rise. When you add the eggs, mix gently but thoroughly; overmixing can make your cake dense. Keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is a little different, so start checking at the 50-minute mark. If a toothpick comes out clean, you’re golden!
Once the cake is out, let it cool in the pan for those crucial 10 minutes—this helps prevent it from breaking. For storage, keep it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay moist for days. Trust me, this cake is so good, you’ll want to savor every last crumb!
Variations of Kentucky Butter Cake
One of the best things about Kentucky butter cake is how easy it is to customize! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of lemon or almond extract to the batter for a delightful twist. The lemon adds a refreshing zing, while almond gives it a lovely warmth.
Wanna take it up a notch? Consider swirling in some fresh blueberries or chopped pecans into the batter before baking. They’ll add a burst of flavor and texture that’s simply divine! And don’t forget about toppings—drizzling a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cake gives it an extra sweet finish. You could also dust it with powdered sugar or serve it with fresh whipped cream and berries for a beautiful presentation. With these variations, you’ll have a Kentucky butter cake that’s uniquely yours, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Nutritional Information for Kentucky Butter Cake
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious Kentucky butter cake! Each slice packs a flavorful punch, and here’s an estimated breakdown to keep you informed:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
Remember, these values are estimates, so they can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. But hey, a little indulgence now and then is totally worth it, right? Enjoy your slice of Kentucky butter cake, and savor every buttery bite!
FAQ About Kentucky Butter Cake
Got questions about making Kentucky butter cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I get:
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing one cup of regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes, and you’re good to go!
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your Kentucky butter cake is ready! Keep an eye on it, especially after the 50-minute mark.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Totally! Kentucky butter cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
What if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake usually means it was underbaked or overmixed. Make sure to mix just until combined, and always check for doneness before taking it out of the oven.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for a couple of months. Just thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy another slice!
Kentucky Butter Cake: 7 Ways to Indulge in Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kentucky butter cake is a moist, rich dessert with a buttery flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan before inverting onto a plate.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This cake can be served plain or with a glaze.
- For added flavor, consider adding lemon or almond extract.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: kentucky butter cake