Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan well.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
2. Beat in softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and water. Cook, stirring constantly, until butter is melted and sugar dissolved (about 3-4 minutes). Do not boil.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Glaze & Cool

1. Poke holes in the warm cake using a skewer or toothpick.
2. Pour warm glaze over the cake, letting it soak in.
3. Let cool completely before serving.

Cooking Tips & Notes

• Grease well! Use plenty of butter and flour (or non-stick spray) to prevent sticking.
• Buttermilk Substitute: Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes.
• Don’t skip the poking! This ensures maximum glaze absorption.

Variations

• Lemon Butter Cake: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the batter and use lemon extract in the glaze.
• Almond Butter Cake: Use almond extract (half the amount of vanilla) in both batter and glaze.
• Chocolate Chip Butter Cake: Fold in 1 cup mini chocolate chips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Ahead?

Yes! It even tastes better the next day. Store covered at room temperature.

2. How Do I Store It?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer (bring to room temperature before serving).

3. Can I Freeze It?

Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

4. Can I Use a Different Pan?

Two 9-inch round pans can be used. Adjust baking time to 35-40 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious Kentucky Butter Cake! Its rich, buttery flavor and moist texture make it a truly special treat.