Kentucky Butter Cake: A Rich and Buttery Southern Classic
Kentucky butter cake is a time-honored classic dessert that has been delighting families for generations. Known for its dense, moist texture and rich buttery flavor, this cake is typically baked in a bundt pan and topped with a sweet glaze that seeps into the cake, making it even more indulgent. Whether you are hosting a family gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake will impress anyone with its melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
For a more detailed breakdown of this dessert and its variations, check out Delish Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe to explore additional techniques and ingredients that make this cake truly stand out.
The History of Kentucky Butter Cake
The origins of the Kentucky butter cake can be traced back to the 1960s, when it first appeared in the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest. Submitted by Nell Lewis, the cake quickly became a popular choice for its simplicity and rich, buttery flavor. The recipe has since become a staple in Southern households, enjoyed for its versatility and deliciousness.
If you’re looking for more inspiration or want to explore variations on this classic recipe, check out AllRecipes Kentucky Butter Cake, which features user reviews and additional tips for mastering this iconic dessert.
Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake
The beauty of Kentucky butter cake lies in its simplicity, relying on basic pantry ingredients to create a showstopping dessert:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and texture.
- Salted Butter: The star ingredient, lending the cake its signature buttery richness.
- Sugar: Both granulated sugar for the cake and brown sugar for the glaze contribute to the sweet flavor profile.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and adding richness.
- Buttermilk: Provides moisture and a slight tang that balances out the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the flavor of the cake and glaze.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: The leavening agents that give the cake its rise and soft crumb.
- Water: Used in the glaze to thin it out and help it seep into the cake.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Kentucky Butter Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
- Begin by buttering and flouring a bundt pan to ensure that the cake releases easily once it’s baked. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving the cake a tender texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to ensure the batter is well-mixed without overbeating.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top with a soft, moist crumb inside.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- While the cake is baking, prepare the butter glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, vanilla extract, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth.
Step 5: Glaze the Cake
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the cake. Slowly pour the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and infuse the cake with extra moisture and flavor. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before turning it out.
Recipe Variations
1. Lemon Kentucky Butter Cake
For a refreshing twist, add lemon zest to the batter and substitute lemon juice for part of the buttermilk. The citrusy flavor brightens up the rich, buttery cake, creating a perfectly balanced dessert.
2. Chocolate-Glazed Butter Cake
For chocolate lovers, replace part of the butter glaze with a chocolate ganache by adding cocoa powder and drizzling it over the cooled cake. This variation offers a richer, more decadent flavor, ideal for chocolate enthusiasts.
3. Coconut Butter Cake
Incorporate a tropical flavor by adding shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkling toasted coconut on top of the glaze. This variation adds texture and flavor while maintaining the cake’s buttery richness.
4. Almond Kentucky Butter Cake
For a subtle nutty flavor, substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract and garnish the cake with slivered almonds. The almonds add a crunchy texture that complements the soft, moist cake.
Tips for the Best Kentucky Butter Cake
Use Salted Butter
Since butter is the primary ingredient, using salted butter adds a salty-sweet balance that enhances the overall flavor of the cake. If you only have unsalted butter on hand, be sure to add a pinch of salt to the batter.
Poke Enough Holes
The glaze is key to achieving the moist, buttery texture that Kentucky butter cake is known for. Be sure to poke enough holes throughout the cake so the glaze can fully soak in, distributing flavor evenly.
Let the Cake Rest
One of the secrets to a perfect Kentucky butter cake is letting it sit after glazing. Allowing the cake to rest for several hours (or even overnight) ensures that the glaze fully absorbs into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Kentucky butter cake is a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways:
- With Fresh Fruit: Top slices of the cake with fresh berries, peaches, or cherries for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery flavor.
- With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy element that complements the dense cake.
- As a Grilled Dessert: For a unique twist, grill slices of butter cake and serve them warm with ice cream. The grilling process caramelizes the sugars in the glaze, creating a smoky, sweet flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does Kentucky butter cake last?
Kentucky butter cake will last for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze helps to keep the cake moist, making it ideal for enjoying over several days.
2. Can I freeze Kentucky butter cake?
Yes, Kentucky butter cake freezes well. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cake at room temperature.
3. Can I make Kentucky butter cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Kentucky butter cake is even better when made a day in advance because the glaze has more time to absorb into the cake, enhancing its moist texture and flavor.
4. What is a poke cake?
A poke cake refers to a type of cake where holes are poked into the cake after baking, allowing a liquid, like a glaze or filling, to seep into the holes. This method ensures that the cake is moist and flavorful throughout.
5. Can I substitute unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you’ll need to add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness of the cake and glaze. Salt enhances the flavor and helps bring out the buttery richness.
Conclusion
Kentucky butter cake is a dessert that stands the test of time. With its simple ingredients and indulgent glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual weeknight desserts. Whether served on its own or with a side of fresh fruit or ice cream, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Explore more variations of this classic recipe and elevate your baking game with the delicious, buttery goodness of Kentucky butter cake.
For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out The Spruce Eats Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe for additional tips and tricks to perfecting this dessert.
