Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Kentucky butter cake! This cake is like a warm hug on a plate; it’s so moist and buttery, you won’t believe it. The best part? It gets soaked in this sweet butter sauce that takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. I remember the first time I made this cake for my family gathering—everyone was practically swooning over it! My grandma always made it for special occasions, and now it’s become a cherished recipe in my home. Every time I bake it, the smell fills my kitchen and brings back such wonderful memories. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this cake is a classic and why I can’t get enough of it! It’s truly a slice of happiness.
Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this heavenly Kentucky butter cake. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and flavor, so let’s get right into it!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of your cake, giving it structure and a lovely crumb.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – This sweetens the cake and helps it achieve that beautiful golden crust.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The star of the show! You want it soft enough to cream easily, adding that rich, buttery flavor we all adore.
- 4 large eggs – These bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s moistness.
- 1 cup buttermilk – This adds moisture and a slight tang that balances out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that lovely aromatic flavor that makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Another leavening agent that works in tandem with the buttermilk.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A little salt enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create something magical in your kitchen!
How to Prepare Kentucky Butter Cake
Alright, let’s dive into the delicious process of making this Kentucky butter cake! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise the end result is so worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring that buttery goodness in no time!
Preheat the Oven
The first step is super important—preheating your oven! Set it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly, giving it that lovely golden color and fluffy texture. Trust me, don’t skip this step!
Prepare the Bundt Pan
Next up, let’s get that bundt pan ready! Grease it generously with butter and then dust it with flour. This helps the cake slide out effortlessly after baking. I like to use my hands to really get into those nooks and crannies, making sure every inch is coated. Oops, just a little mess is okay—it’s all part of the fun!
Mix the Batter
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. You’ll want to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to make sure everything is mixed evenly. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. It’s like giving your batter a little love! Stir in the vanilla extract, and let that beautiful aroma fill your kitchen.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key for a perfectly risen cake. I like to use a fine mesh sifter for this, but a good whisk works wonders too!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! Gradually add your dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with a third of the dry mix, mix it in gently, then add half of the buttermilk. Repeat this process, finishing with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until everything is combined. You want that batter to be nice and smooth but not too beaten up!
Bake the Cake
Pour that luscious batter into your prepared bundt pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will have your mouth watering—just wait for it!
Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Give it a gentle tap on the counter if needed, and voilà! You have a beautifully baked Kentucky butter cake ready to be drizzled with that amazing butter sauce or enjoyed just as it is. Enjoy every slice of this delightful creation!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Kentucky butter cake turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that you’ll definitely want to keep in mind!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: It’s super important that your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix together more smoothly, creating that light and fluffy texture we love. Just take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and airy. So, be gentle with that batter!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a little early. Use that toothpick test—insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out!
- Let it Cool: Don’t rush the cooling process! Allow the cake to cool in the pan before inverting it. This helps ensure it keeps its shape and doesn’t crumble on you.
- Serve with Butter Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, serve your cake with a drizzle of homemade butter sauce. It takes the flavor to another level and makes it even more special!
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it, but it’s best enjoyed at room temp.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to creating a Kentucky butter cake that will impress everyone at the table. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for a slice of Kentucky butter cake. Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 30g
So, there you have it! This cake is definitely a treat, so enjoy it in moderation. But trust me, every bite is worth it, and you’ll feel that delightful burst of buttery goodness with each slice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got some questions about Kentucky butter cake? No worries! I’ve got you covered with the answers to some common queries that might pop up while you’re baking this delicious treat.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftover cake (which is rare, trust me!), just store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it, but I recommend letting it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How long does the cake last?
This Kentucky butter cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it will stay good for about 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the fridge. Just be sure to keep it covered to maintain that moist goodness!
Can I make variations of this cake?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can add a splash of lemon extract for a citrusy twist or mix in some chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate butter cake. You could even try adding nuts or dried fruit for some extra texture. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes! If you want to make it ahead of time, you can freeze the cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It will last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
What’s the best way to serve it?
While this cake is delicious on its own, I highly recommend drizzling it with that sweet butter sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also serve it with whipped cream or fresh berries for a delightful contrast. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Hopefully, these FAQs help you with your Kentucky butter cake journey! Happy baking, and enjoy every buttery bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious cake in no time!
- Incredibly Flavorful: The moist, buttery texture combined with the rich flavor will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, this cake fits right in.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite flavors or toppings, making it your own signature dessert!
- Impressive Presentation: The bundt shape and golden color make it look stunning on any dessert table.
- Leftover Friendly: If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), it stays delicious for days, perfect for snacking!
- Family Tradition: This recipe is steeped in nostalgia and can become a delightful tradition in your home, just like it did in mine!
Kentucky Butter Cake: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Bake It
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Kentucky butter cake is a moist, buttery cake with a rich flavor. It’s often soaked in a sweet butter sauce for added depth.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before inverting onto a serving plate.
Uwagi
- Serve with a drizzle of butter sauce for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This cake can be made a day ahead of serving.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 60 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 30g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 9g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: kentucky butter cake, butter cake, dessert, bundt cake
