The Ultimate Recipe for Kentucky Butter Cake

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan generously to ensure easy release.
  1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  • Add the softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on low speed for about 30 seconds to combine the ingredients, then increase the speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy.
  1. Bake the Cake:
  • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  1. Prepare the Butter Sauce:
  • While the cake is baking, prepare the butter sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Do not let the mixture boil.
  1. Soak the Cake:
  • Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately poke holes all over the top of the cake while it’s still in the pan, using a skewer or toothpick.
  • Slowly pour the warm butter sauce over the top of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let the cake sit in the pan for 10-15 minutes to absorb the sauce.
  1. Unmold and Serve:
  • After the cake has absorbed the butter sauce, carefully turn it out onto a serving plate. Let it cool completely before slicing.
  1. Optional Glaze:
  • For an extra touch, you can drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a little milk or cream. This adds a lovely finishing touch.

Tips:

  • Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop, so feel free to make it a day ahead.
  • Serving: Serve plain, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This Kentucky Butter Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert, with a buttery, tender crumb and a luscious sauce that makes it truly unforgettable. Enjoy!