Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake is a moist, rich, and buttery pound cake that is soaked in a sweet butter sauce, giving it an extra layer of flavor and tenderness. This cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Butter Sauce:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly, ensuring all crevices are coated.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In another large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Add Eggs:

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

6. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Prepare the Butter Sauce:

• While the cake is baking, prepare the butter sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Do not bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

8. Soak the Cake:

• Once the cake is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
• Slowly pour the butter sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let the cake sit in the pan until completely cooled.

9. Remove and Serve:

• Once the cake is completely cooled and the butter sauce has been absorbed, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.
• Slice and serve. This cake is delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for the best texture and consistency.
2. Thorough Greasing: Properly grease and flour the Bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily.
3. Slow Soaking: Pour the butter sauce slowly to allow it to soak into the cake evenly.
4. Storage: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors improve as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Enjoy this classic Kentucky Butter Cake with its rich, buttery flavor and moist texture, perfect for any gathering or just as a delightful treat at home!