How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake: A Delicious Southern Treat

Kentucky Butter Cake. Even the name itself conjures up images of warm, buttery goodness, doesn’t it? This classic Southern dessert is famous for its incredibly moist texture and rich, buttery flavor. What makes this cake truly special is the buttery sauce poured over it while it’s still warm, soaking into every crumb and creating a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with a taste of Southern hospitality!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (60g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment You’ll Need:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Let’s Get Baking!

Step 1: Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out easily.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where your electric mixer comes in handy!

3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, resulting in a cake that rises beautifully.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 2: Baking the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Kentucky Butter Cake Baking

Step 3: Making the Butter Sauce

1. While the cake is baking, prepare the butter sauce. In a saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and milk.

2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.

3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: The Final Touch

1. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use a fork or a skewer to poke holes all over the top. This allows the warm butter sauce to seep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

2. Slowly pour the hot butter sauce evenly over the warm cake.

Kentucky Butter Cake Sauce

3. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before serving. This gives the sauce time to soak in and work its magic!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, ensures they blend seamlessly into the batter, resulting in a smoother, more consistent texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop gluten, leading to a tough and chewy cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own. Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

• Storage: Leftover Kentucky Butter Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

FAQs about Kentucky Butter Cake:

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick to unsalted butter for this recipe as it allows you to control the salt content. If you do use salted butter, omit the additional salt in the cake batter.

Q: Can I freeze Kentucky Butter Cake?

A: While you can freeze the cake, the sauce tends to separate when frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Enjoy Your Southern Delight!

This Kentucky Butter Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from potlucks to family gatherings. The combination of a moist, buttery cake and a rich, sweet sauce is simply irresistible. So why not give it a try? We’re sure it will become a new family favorite!

Don’t forget to share your baking experience with us in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers. And for more delicious recipes and baking inspiration, be sure to explore our website!