kentucky butter cake

Irresistible Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe You’ll Want to Bake Again and Again! 🍰💛

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Introduction

Have you ever wondered what makes a cake irresistibly moist and bursting with buttery flavor? The answer lies in the classic Kentucky butter cake—a Southern delicacy that has captivated taste buds for decades. This cake's unique method of soaking a tender, vanilla-infused batter with a rich butter glaze results in a dessert that's both comforting and indulgent. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Kentucky butter cake recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire.

Ingredients List

To create this delectable Kentucky butter cake, gather the following ingredients:

  • For the Cake:

    • 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
    • 4 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • For the Glaze:

    • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup water
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Note: If buttermilk is unavailable, you can create a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup and filling it with milk up to the 1-cup line. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Timing

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes, plus 1 hour and 30 minutes to cool

This total time is approximately 20% less than the average time required for similar cake recipes, making it a relatively quick and rewarding bake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 12-cup Bundt pan thoroughly with butter and lightly dust it with flour to ensure easy release after baking. This method is more reliable than using nonstick spray alone. (thespruceeats.com)

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Incorporate Butter

Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

6. Pour Batter into Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

7. Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the butter, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

9. Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert the cake onto a serving platter. While the cake is still warm, pour the prepared glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake.

10. Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. The glaze will set, creating a delightful sugary crust on the outside.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Kentucky butter cake (assuming 16 servings per cake) contains approximately:

  • Calories: 382
  • Total Fat: 16.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 10.2g
  • Cholesterol: 87.7mg
  • Sodium: 305.1mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 53.4g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.6g
  • Sugars: 35.4g
  • Protein: 4.7g

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements. (bhg.com)

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While this cake is undeniably delicious, you can make a few adjustments to enhance its nutritional profile:

  • Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content.
  • Reduce Sugar: Cut the sugar in both the cake and glaze by 25% to lower the overall sugar content.
  • Use Light Butter: Opt for light or reduced-fat butter to decrease saturated fat intake.

These modifications may alter the texture and flavor slightly but can make the cake a bit healthier.

Serving Suggestions

This Kentucky butter cake is delightful on its