Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite desserts: Kentucky butter cake! This cake is a true gem, with roots deep in Southern baking traditions. It’s rich, moist, and oh-so-buttery—one bite and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic. The combination of simple ingredients creates a flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s the kind of cake that brings back memories of family gatherings, where everyone gathers around the table, eager for a slice. Trust me, once you try this Kentucky butter cake, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home too! The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both special occasions and cozy weeknight treats.
Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your delicious Kentucky butter cake. Trust me, each one plays a crucial role in achieving that rich, moist texture and buttery flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cake, providing structure. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: This will sweeten your cake beautifully. It also helps in creating that lovely caramelization on the outside.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming. This adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 1 cup buttermilk: This ingredient not only adds flavor but also keeps the cake super moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
- 3 large eggs: These provide moisture and help bind everything together. Bring them to room temperature for the best results.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile of your cake, making it even more irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This will help your cake rise beautifully, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A crucial ingredient that works with the buttermilk for leavening, ensuring your cake doesn’t fall flat.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors wonderfully!
How to Prepare Kentucky Butter Cake
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making this delightful Kentucky butter cake! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering.
Preheat and Prepare the Bundt Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for a perfectly baked cake! While that’s heating up, take a bundt pan and grease it generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Don’t forget to dust it lightly with flour too—this helps the cake release easily once it’s baked. Trust me, no one wants a cake that sticks!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. I love using an electric mixer for this—it makes the process so much quicker! Mix them on medium speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is super important because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake that lovely, tender texture. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and fluffy!
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Next up, let’s add the eggs one at a time. Crack an egg into the bowl, mix well until it’s fully incorporated, then add the next one. This gradual addition helps maintain that nice creamy texture. Once all the eggs are in, pour in the vanilla extract and give it another good mix. The aroma of vanilla wafting through your kitchen is just heavenly!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your cake rise uniformly. Plus, it’s a great way to combine those dry ingredients without any lumps!
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. I usually start with a third of the dry ingredients, then half of the buttermilk, and repeat until everything is combined. This method keeps the batter smooth and avoids overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake. You want a lovely, thick batter that flows easily but holds its shape!
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes, but keep a close eye on it!
Cooling and Removing the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit before you try to flip it out. After that, carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re gentle, it will come out beautifully, allowing you to savor every buttery bite without any mishaps!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious Kentucky butter cake. Each slice is a delightful treat, but it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s what you can expect per serving (about one slice):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 5g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, as they can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. But hey, a little treat now and then is what makes life sweeter, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly moist and buttery—every bite melts in your mouth!
- The flavor is rich and comforting, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
- Simple ingredients mean you can whip this cake up with things you likely already have at home.
- Easy preparation steps make it suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- This Kentucky butter cake is versatile—enjoy it plain, or dress it up with a glaze or fresh fruit!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that always gets rave reviews at gatherings and parties.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as delightful the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Kentucky butter cake turns out perfectly every single time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, these little tricks can make a big difference!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before you start. This helps them incorporate better, leading to a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake, and nobody wants that!
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer. You want that cake to bake evenly, and a consistent temperature is key!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. You want a toothpick to come out clean, but if it’s overbaked, the cake can dry out.
- Let It Cool Properly: Be patient and let the cake cool in the pan before flipping it out. This step helps it hold its shape and prevents any potential breakage.
- Add a Glaze or Topping: While Kentucky butter cake is delicious on its own, drizzling a simple glaze or topping it with whipped cream or fresh berries can elevate the flavor and presentation.
- Store It Right: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days. This keeps the cake moist and ready for your next sweet craving!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake a Kentucky butter cake that’s sure to impress. Happy baking!
Variations of Kentucky Butter Cake
If you’re anything like me, you love experimenting in the kitchen! Kentucky butter cake is such a versatile base, and there are so many fun ways to give it a twist. Here are some delightful variations that you can try to keep things fresh and exciting:
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy kick. This adds a refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery richness.
- Almond Extract: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract to give your cake a nutty depth. Just a teaspoon will do, but you can adjust to your taste!
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent chocolatey touch. Oh my, it’s like a chocolate lover’s dream come true!
- Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
- Maple Glaze: Top your cooled cake with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup for an extra layer of sweet goodness.
- Fresh Berries: Serve slices of your Kentucky butter cake with a handful of fresh berries on top. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and freshness!
- Coconut Flakes: Mix in some sweetened shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. It adds both flavor and texture, making each bite a mini-vacation!
- Nut Topping: Toast some chopped pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them on top of the glaze for a delightful crunch and added flavor contrast.
With these variations, you can create a new favorite every time you bake! Whether you stick to the classic or choose to mix things up, Kentucky butter cake is sure to impress with its buttery goodness. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect version!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked your delectable Kentucky butter cake, let’s talk about how to serve it for an unforgettable dessert experience! Trust me, the right accompaniments can elevate your cake to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the rich, buttery flavor of the cake. It’s like a match made in dessert heaven!
- Fresh Berries: Serve slices of cake with a handful of juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness and adds a pop of color.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: There’s nothing quite like warm Kentucky butter cake paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The melty ice cream against the warm cake is pure bliss!
- Custard Sauce: A drizzle of smooth custard sauce provides a rich and comforting element, making every bite even more indulgent.
- Chocolate Ganache: For all the chocolate lovers out there, a warm chocolate ganache poured over your cake is simply divine. It adds a luscious layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cake.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce can add a lovely sweetness and a touch of gooeyness that will make everyone swoon.
- Lemon Glaze: If you chose to add lemon zest to your cake, a light lemon glaze drizzled on top can enhance that citrus flavor, making it even more refreshing!
Mix and match these suggestions to find your perfect pairing! Whether you keep it simple or go all out, serving your Kentucky butter cake with these delightful accompaniments will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy every buttery bite!
Imprimer
Kentucky Butter Cake: 7 Indulgent Reasons to Bake Today
- Temps Total: 75 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Kentucky butter cake is a rich and moist dessert with a buttery flavor.
Ingrédients
- 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 bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with buttermilk.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before removing it from the pan.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest to the batter.
- Serve with a drizzle of glaze or whipped cream.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 60 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: kentucky butter cake, dessert, cake, butter cake
