Kentucky Butter Cake
Kentucky Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of butter with a hint of rum and vanilla, creating a moist and flavorful cake.
The combination of tender crumb and sweet syrup soaked into the cake gives it a signature taste that makes it a beloved classic in southern kitchens.
It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a more celebratory event, and is sure to impress anyone who gets a taste.
Ingredients
CAKE
3 cups flour (all-purpose)
1 teaspoon powdered baking soda
a half teaspoon of salt
16 tbsp butter (unsalted) (2 sticks) temperature in the room
1/2 cup shortening with a buttery flavor
3 cups sugar (granulated)
5 room temperature eggs
vanilla extract (two tablespoons)
a quarter teaspoon of rum extract
1 cup buttermilk.
SYRUP WITH BUTTER.
12 stick unsalted butter (½ tablespoons)
½ cup sugar (granulated)
1/3 cup liquid
1 teaspoon extract de Vanille
rum extract (1/2 teaspoon)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and greasing and flouring a bundt pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, shortening, and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process is crucial to getting the right texture for the cake.
Once combined, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and rum extracts.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can affect the cake’s texture.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cake for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the sugar and liquid.
Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts to simmer, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and rum extracts.
Once the cake has cooled slightly, poke a few holes in the top using a fork or skewer, then slowly pour.
the warm syrup over the cake. Allow the syrup to soak into the cake completely before serving.
How to Make
To make the Kentucky Butter Cake, start by carefully preparing your cake pan and preheating your oven to the right temperature.
Make sure to sift the dry ingredients to avoid clumping, and don’t forget to cream the butter and sugar properly, as this step helps to create a light, fluffy texture.
When mixing the wet ingredients, it’s important to add the eggs one at a time. This allows them to fully.
incorporate into the batter and contributes to a smooth and even texture. Mixing in the extracts adds that wonderful depth of flavor that makes this cake so unique.
Be sure to mix the batter gently when incorporating the dry ingredients and buttermilk. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense rather than light.
Pouring the batter into the bundt pan evenly ensures the cake will bake properly and have an even rise.
The syrup is a critical part of the recipe, as it adds moisture and a beautiful shine to the cake. Make sure the syrup is warm when you pour it over the cake to ensure it soaks in thoroughly.
The syrup should be poured slowly, allowing it to seep into every crevice, making the cake extra rich and delicious.
Once the syrup is absorbed, let the cake sit for a bit to allow the flavors to fully meld. The cake will continue to absorb the syrup as it rests.
becoming even more flavorful over time. Serving the cake slightly warm is ideal for enjoying its rich, buttery goodness.
If you want to add a little extra flair to the cake, consider dusting it with powdered sugar or drizzling a little extra syrup over individual slices before serving.
It’s all about making it your own and adding those personal touches that make the dessert even more enjoyable.
This cake is best enjoyed on the day it’s made, but it can also be kept covered at room temperature for a few days.
allowing the flavors to continue to develop. It’s a perfect dessert to serve at gatherings, and it holds up well when transported.
Tips
When measuring the flour, be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This will prevent adding too much flour to the recipe, which could affect the texture of the cake.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it by mixing a cup of regular milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Let the mixture sit for five minutes before using it in the recipe.
Room temperature ingredients are key to making this cake turn out perfectly. Make sure the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are all at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, you can experiment by adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
These variations will give the cake a unique twist while still maintaining its rich, buttery taste.
If you find that the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum.
foil during baking to prevent over-browning while allowing the cake to cook through completely.
For a decorative touch, consider garnishing the cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
This will not only enhance the presentation but also add some fresh contrast to the rich cake.
If you plan to make the cake ahead of time, make sure to store it in an airtight container once it has cooled completely. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Conclusion
Kentucky Butter Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The rich butter flavor and moist texture.
combined with the sweet syrup soak, create a dessert that is both comforting and elegant. Whether.
served as a special treat for a gathering or as a sweet end to a casual meal, this cake will impress everyone who tries it.