Kentucky Butter Cake...To Die For!

Prep: 20 min Cook: 65 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist butter cake with a tender crumb, infused with vanilla and topped with a flavorful butter sauce, perfect for special occasions or indulgent desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups sifted flour
  • 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups butter
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla or rum flavoring

Instructions

  1. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and soda; set aside.
  2. Combine buttermilk and 2 teaspoons of vanilla; set aside.
  3. Cream 1 cup of butter, gradually add 2 cups sugar, and beat well.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Alternate adding the buttermilk mixture and the dry flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
  6. Blend well after each addition, preferably with an electric mixer on slow speed.
  7. Pour the batter into a greased 10-inch tube pan or two 9 x 5 x 3-inch pans.
  8. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched in the center.
  9. Run a spatula along the edge and stem of the pan. Prick the cake with a fork.
  10. Pour hot Butter Sauce over the cake.
  11. Cool before removing from the pan.
  12. Just before serving, sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or almond extract. For a twist, try pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which adds a delightful creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cake warm, drizzled generously with the hot Butter Sauce for an indulgent touch. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation. This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider adding fresh berries on the side.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Kentucky Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it for longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kentucky Butter Cake...To Die For! contains roughly 317 calories, with 7g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value).

317 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7g 14% DV
Total Fat 9.9g 13% DV
Carbs 50.1g 18% DV
Fiber 1.3g 4% DV
Sugar 3.8g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 423.8mg 18% DV
Potassium 288.4mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 78.6mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 55.2mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 159.9mg 12% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 type of flour for this recipe?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter cake or a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just be sure to check the specific measurements as gluten-free flours can vary.

What can I do if my cake is too dry?

If your cake turns out dry, you can serve it with additional Butter Sauce to add moisture. Another option is to brush the cake with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved. This will enhance the flavor and texture.

How can I make this cake more flavorful?

To intensify the flavor, consider adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the batter. This will brighten the taste. Additionally, you can experiment with different flavorings such as almond or rum to complement the vanilla.

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).

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