Kentucky Butter Cake
Indulge in the classic southern delight of Kentucky Butter Cake, a moist, rich cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With its buttery flavor and luscious glaze, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether served as a dessert or a sweet treat with coffee, Kentucky Butter Cake is a timeless recipe that embodies comfort and warmth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 12 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 50-60 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Total Fat: 18g
– Saturated Fat: 11g
– Carbohydrates: 44g
– Sugars: 25g
– Protein: 4g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, using almond extract instead of vanilla can add a unique flavor twist.
Serving and Pairings
Kentucky Butter Cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also delightful when served with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Not greasing the bundt pan properly may cause sticking.
- Skipping the cooling step before glazing can make the icing melt.
- Using cold eggs can affect the mixing process.
- Not checking for doneness may result in an undercooked center.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Try adding lemon zest for a citrusy flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing.
- For extra moisture, consider brushing the cake with a butter syrup.
FAQs
What makes Kentucky Butter Cake unique?
Kentucky Butter Cake is known for its rich buttery flavor and a sweet glaze that seeps into the cake, resulting in a moist texture. Its origin in Kentucky gives it a southern charm, making it a beloved dessert.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Kentucky Butter Cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and glaze it right before serving for the best flavor.
How can I make the cake more flavorful?
Enhancing the flavor can be achieved by adding spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon to the batter. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like almond or coconut.
Is it possible to use a different pan?
Yes, you can use a regular cake pan or a loaf pan, but the baking time may vary. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I freeze the Kentucky Butter Cake?
Yes, it freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Kentucky Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that brings joy to any gathering. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a classic southern treat. Whether enjoyed alone or with company, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Kentucky Butter Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
- 2 tablespoons milk for glaze
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
