Kentucky Butter Cake
Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, buttery dessert with moist texture and sweet glaze, perfect for celebrations or a comforting treat for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Alternately add flour and buttermilk to the mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour batter into a well-greased and floured Bundt pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and punch holes all over the cake with a fork without removing it from the pan.
- Pour hot glaze into the holes so it seeps into the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a light and moist Kentucky Butter Cake, make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly—about 5-7 minutes. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For added flavor, consider incorporating lemon zest into the batter or glaze. This cake also pairs beautifully with Ellen'S Pineapple Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Kentucky Butter Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a nice touch, too. This cake is perfect for gatherings alongside other sweet treats, making it a great addition to a dessert table featuring American recipes or even a brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Kentucky Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kentucky Butter Cake contains roughly 435 calories, with 8g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pan instead of a Bundt pan?
Yes, while a Bundt pan is traditional for Kentucky Butter Cake, you can use a 9x13-inch baking dish instead. Just adjust the baking time; it may take about 45-50 minutes. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A sinking cake can result from underbaking or overmixing the batter. Ensure your oven is properly preheated and avoid mixing too long after adding the flour. Also, check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
How can I make the glaze more flavorful?
To enhance the glaze, consider adding a splash of bourbon or a teaspoon of almond extract. You can also infuse it with citrus by using lemon or orange juice instead of water, giving it a bright, zesty flavor that complements the cake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).