Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried Kentucky butter cake yet, you are in for a real treat! This cake is the epitome of rich, buttery goodness that just melts in your mouth. It’s incredibly moist, thanks to that sweet glaze that seeps right into the cake, creating an irresistible combination of flavors. I remember the first time I had this delightful cake at a family gathering; it was the star of the dessert table! Everyone was raving about it, and I just had to know how to make it myself. Trust me, once you serve this cake, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears. It’s a great go-to for holidays, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in. You’re going to love the way this cake fills your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma while it bakes!
Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (This is going to give your cake that luscious, buttery flavor!)
- 1 cup milk (Use whole milk for the best richness!)
- 3 large eggs (Make sure they’re at room temperature for easy mixing.)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (This helps your cake rise beautifully.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Trust me, this adds so much flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (Just a pinch to balance the sweetness!)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for glaze – this is the magic that takes it over the top!)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze – sweeten it up!)
- 1/4 cup milk (for glaze – this will make it pourable and perfect!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze – it’s all about that flavor!)
How to Prepare Kentucky Butter Cake
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for that perfect bake!
- Grab a bundt pan and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray, then sprinkle a bit of flour to coat. This ensures your cake will slide out effortlessly!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is where the magic begins, so don’t rush it!
- Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s important to give them time to incorporate fully.
- Stir in that beautiful vanilla extract—oh, the aroma is just heavenly!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. This technique keeps your batter nice and smooth!
- Once everything is combined, pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean!
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. While it cools, whip up that luscious glaze by mixing melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until it’s nice and smooth.
- Finally, drizzle that sweet glaze over the cooled cake, and get ready for a slice of pure bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Kentucky Butter Cake
- Incredibly moist and rich, with a buttery vanilla flavor that’s simply irresistible!
- Easy to prepare—perfect for bakers of all levels, so you can impress your friends without the stress!
- The sweet glaze seeps into the cake, creating a delightful texture that just melts in your mouth.
- Versatile enough to serve for any occasion—holidays, parties, or even a cozy dessert night at home.
- It keeps well, meaning you can enjoy it for days (if it lasts that long!).
Tips for Success with Kentucky Butter Cake
Okay, let’s make sure your Kentucky butter cake turns out absolutely perfect! First off, be sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start; this helps them blend together smoothly and creates that dreamy texture we all love. When you’re creaming the butter and sugar, take your time—about 3-5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy is ideal. This step is crucial for a nice rise!
Also, don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour; just mix until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it to be light and airy! Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early. Your cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Follow these tips, and you’re bound to impress everyone with your baking skills!
Variations of Kentucky Butter Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many delicious ways to give your Kentucky butter cake a twist! For a rich chocolate version, simply swap out a cup of flour for cocoa powder and add some chocolate chips to the batter for an extra indulgent treat. If you’re in the mood for something fruity, try adding the zest of a lemon or orange to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the buttery glaze.
Another fun idea is to infuse the glaze with different extracts—like almond or maple—for a unique flavor profile. You can also top the finished cake with fresh berries or toasted nuts to add some texture and visual appeal. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make this cake your own!
Nutritional Information for Kentucky Butter Cake
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition—after all, we want to enjoy this cake guilt-free, right? Each slice of this delicious Kentucky butter cake has approximately 350 calories, with about 18g of fat and 4g of protein. You’ll also find around 42g of carbohydrates and 30g of sugar per slice. Keep in mind, these values are just estimates, so feel free to indulge while still keeping an eye on those numbers!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Kentucky Butter Cake
To keep your Kentucky butter cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out!
If you’d like to enjoy it warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give you that delightful, just-baked feel without drying it out. Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm slice of this cake to brighten your day!
FAQ About Kentucky Butter Cake
Can I use a different pan for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a bundt pan is traditional, you can use a 9×13-inch baking dish if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
No worries! You can use salted butter, but just reduce the amount of salt in the recipe slightly to balance it out.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just store it covered at room temperature. You can even freeze it for later enjoyment!
How do I know when my cake is done?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just adjust the flour a bit to accommodate any added ingredients!
Kentucky Butter Cake: 7 Irresistible Tips for Perfection
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, moist cake infused with a buttery vanilla flavor and topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup milk (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by mixing melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: kentucky butter cake, butter cake, bundt cake, vanilla cake
