Kentucky Butter Cake is a beloved Southern dessert that embodies comfort, richness, and simplicity. It’s not just a cake; it’s a buttery experience. This dessert has earned its place in American culinary tradition for its incredibly moist crumb and a unique butter-sugar glaze that is poured over the cake while it’s still warm, allowing the sweet, rich liquid to soak deep into every fiber. The result is a golden-brown, tender masterpiece that practically melts in your mouth.
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🎂 What Makes This Cake So Special?
The secret to the irresistible texture of the Kentucky Butter Cake lies in a two-part process. First, the cake batter itself is intensely buttery, often made with a generous amount of butter, sugar, and eggs, resulting in a pound cake-like density but with a lighter, fluffier lift. Second, and most importantly, is the signature warm butter sauce. This mixture—typically just melted butter, sugar, and water or milk—is what elevates the cake from a simple dessert to a truly decadent treat.
🧈 Easy-to-Follow Recipe for Your Own Kentucky Butter Cake
Baking this classic is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The distinct golden crust and unbelievably moist interior will be the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Butter Sauce/Glaze:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan or a 9-inch round cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
4. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and water/milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
6. Apply the Glaze: As soon as the cake is removed from the oven, place the pan on a wire rack. While it’s still hot, poke holes all over the top of the cake using the skewer or a fork. Slowly pour the warm butter glaze over the entire surface, allowing the liquid to soak down into the cake.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan—at least 30 minutes, but preferably an hour—before inverting it onto a serving plate. Enjoy your sweet, moist, buttery creation! 🤩
💡 Practical Insights for Perfect Results
The key to a successful Kentucky Butter Cake is allowing the glaze to fully saturate the cake. This is why you must pour the warm glaze over the hot cake. The heat helps the cake absorb the liquid, ensuring that amazing, moist texture that this recipe is famous for. You’ll be surprised at how much glaze the cake can hold! 😋
🌟 Indulge in a Taste of the South
From its golden hue to its deep, buttery flavor, the Kentucky Butter Cake is a truly satisfying dessert. It’s perfect served plain, dusted with a little powdered sugar, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a simple recipe with a stunning payoff.
Have you tried making this classic Southern cake before? Share your favorite memory of a slice! 👇
