Kentucky Butter Cake: A Southern Delight
If you’re a fan of rich, buttery cakes that melt in your mouth, the Kentucky Butter Cake is the perfect treat for you. This Southern classic is known for its moist texture, buttery flavor, and the delightful glaze that soaks into the cake, creating a heavenly dessert experience. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible cake step by step.
👵🏼 Ingredients 👵🏼
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Butter Glaze:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons brandy (or water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions 👩🍳
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix milk and vinegar (creating homemade buttermilk).
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk mixture into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare the Butter Glaze
- While the cake is baking, melt the butter with sugar and brandy (or water) over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 7: Glaze the Cake
- Once the cake is out of the oven, use a skewer to poke holes all over it.
- Slowly pour the warm glaze over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Invert it onto a serving plate, and drizzle additional glaze if desired.
🧁 Tips for the Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Prevent Sticking: Thoroughly grease and flour your Bundt pan to avoid any disasters while unmolding.
- Soaking Time: Let the glaze soak into the cake while it’s warm for the best flavor and texture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Q: What can I use instead of brandy in the glaze?
A: Water, apple juice, or even a splash of vanilla-flavored syrup are great alternatives.
Q: How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
A: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs but no wet batter.
🚩 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake: Overmixing the batter.
- Solution: Mix just until combined to prevent a dense cake.
Mistake: Skipping the pan preparation.
- Solution: Always grease and flour your Bundt pan thoroughly.
Mistake: Rushing the cooling process.
- Solution: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before attempting to invert.
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