Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich and moist cake that is soaked in a buttery vanilla glaze, making each bite absolutely irresistible. This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The secret to its amazing flavor and texture is the buttery glaze that is poured over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in and create a tender crumb.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Butter Glaze
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add the softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed until the ingredients are just combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat for about 3-4 minutes until the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, and water. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, about 3-4 minutes. Do not let it come to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Glaze the Cake
- While the cake is still warm, poke small holes all over the surface using a skewer or toothpick.
- Slowly pour the warm butter glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes and seep throughout the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Grease the Pan Thoroughly: Make sure to grease and flour the Bundt pan well to ensure the cake releases without sticking. You can also use a non-stick baking spray that contains flour for extra assurance.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Poking Holes: Poking holes in the cake allows the buttery glaze to soak in, making the cake extra moist and flavorful. Don’t skip this step!
Variations
- Lemon Butter Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter and substitute the vanilla extract in the glaze with lemon extract for a citrus twist.
- Almond Butter Cake: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract in both the cake and glaze for a delicious almond flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Butter Cake: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking for a rich, chocolatey variation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! Kentucky Butter Cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it covered at room temperature.
2. How Do I Store Kentucky Butter Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life, but make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I Freeze This Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I Use a Different Pan?
This recipe is designed for a Bundt pan, but you can use two 9-inch round cake pans instead. Adjust the baking time to about 35-40 minutes and keep an eye on the cakes.
Kentucky Butter Cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. With its rich, buttery flavor and moist texture, it’s the perfect cake to serve for any occasion. The buttery vanilla glaze adds a luxurious touch that makes this cake truly special. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Kentucky Butter Cake is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
