In the heartland of Kentucky, amidst rolling hills and the soothing drawl of bluegrass tunes, lies a culinary gem cherished by generations: Kentucky Butter Cake. This iconic dessert embodies the essence of Southern hospitality, its recipe passed down through the ages, whispered from kitchen to kitchen like a well-guarded secret. With each velvety crumb, this cake tells a story of tradition and heritage, its aroma evoking memories of Sunday suppers and holiday feasts. The magic begins as butter, sugar, and flour harmonize, creating a symphony of flavors that captivate the senses. From its delicate golden crust to its tender interior, every bite is a journey into a bygone era, where simplicity reigns supreme and quality is paramount. As the cake emerges from the oven, crowned with a decadent butter sauce, it becomes a beacon of comfort and joy, beckoning all to partake in its splendor. So, gather ’round the table, dear friends, and indulge in the timeless charm of Kentucky Butter Cake – a slice of tradition, served with love.

KENTUCKY BUTTER CAKE

Kentucky Butter Cake is a beloved dessert known for its rich, buttery flavor and moist texture. Here’s a classic recipe for making this delicious cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Butter Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. While the cake is baking, prepare the butter sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  9. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  10. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the butter sauce over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and soak the cake.
  11. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before inverting it onto a serving plate.
  12. Slice and serve the Kentucky Butter Cake, optionally dusting with powdered sugar or serving with whipped cream or ice cream.

Enjoy your delicious Kentucky Butter Cake!