Kentucky Butter Cake: A Recipe for Decadent Deliciousness
The Kentucky Butter Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a legend. Known for its incredibly moist crumb, rich buttery flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe will guide you through creating this iconic treat, ensuring a perfect bake every time. Get ready to experience the magic of the Kentucky Butter Cake!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even beginner bakers.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons buttermilk (add more for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Bliss
Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect Kentucky Butter Cake texture.
Preparing the Cake Batter:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
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Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Adding Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Combining Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don't overmix.
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Baking: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cooling: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Irresistible Glaze:
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Whisk it Up: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more buttermilk if needed to achieve a pourable consistency.
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Glazing Magic: Once the cakes are completely cool, pour the glaze evenly over the top of one layer. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and drizzle remaining glaze over the entire cake.
Tips for Kentucky Butter Cake Perfection:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions:
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Enjoy this slice of Kentucky heaven!
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