Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare Pan: Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add Vanilla and Buttermilk: Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the Butter Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, water, and vanilla extract.
- Heat Sauce: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Do not let it boil.
Step 6: Soak the Cake
- Poke Holes: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately poke holes all over the cake while it is still in the pan using a skewer or fork.
- Pour Sauce: Slowly pour the butter sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes to allow the sauce to fully absorb.
Step 7: Serve
- Remove from Pan: Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.
- Serve: Slice and serve the Kentucky Butter Cake as is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Moisture: For an even moister cake, let it sit overnight before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Conclusion
Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, buttery, and moist dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delicious, flavorful cake with minimal effort. Enjoy making and sharing this classic cake with your family and friends.
Key Takeaway
Kentucky Butter Cake offers a quick, easy, and satisfying dessert that’s full of rich, buttery flavor and a moist texture. This versatile recipe can be customized with various flavorings to suit your taste. Enjoy the delicious, comforting goodness of homemade Kentucky Butter Cake!