### Introduction:
Kentucky Butter Cake is a beloved Southern dessert known for its moist, buttery texture and rich, sweet flavor. This cake features a tender, pound-cake-like base that is soaked in a buttery glaze, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth treat. The simplicity of the ingredients—flour, sugar, eggs, and butter—combined with the indulgence of the glaze, makes it a timeless classic that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve something comforting and delicious. The cake’s slight vanilla and buttery flavor pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal dessert for any time of day.
### Origin and Cultural Significance:
Kentucky Butter Cake has its roots in the American South, particularly in Kentucky, where the combination of butter, sugar, and eggs in cakes became a hallmark of regional baking traditions. The cake is often associated with Southern hospitality, where homemade treats are a sign of warmth and welcoming. While its exact origin is somewhat debated, the cake has become a staple in Southern kitchens and is sometimes referred to as a “pound cake” due to its dense and buttery texture.
The cultural significance of Kentucky Butter Cake lies in its representation of traditional Southern baking, where the emphasis is on simple, quality ingredients and a focus on flavor. The cake’s rich glaze, which soaks into the cake, is a hallmark of many Southern desserts, adding an indulgent touch to the basic recipe.
### Ingredients Quantity:
**For the Cake:**
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 5 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
**For the Butter Glaze:**
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
### Optional Additions:
– **For extra flavor**: Add a tablespoon of bourbon (a nod to Kentucky’s bourbon heritage) to the butter glaze for a unique twist.
– **For texture**: Stir in a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake batter for a crunchy element.
– **For a citrusy touch**: Add lemon zest to the cake batter or glaze for a bright, refreshing flavor.
– **For a richer glaze**: Add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the glaze to make it even creamier.
– **For extra sweetness**: Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added layer of decadence.
### Tips for Success:
1. **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to help the ingredients combine smoothly and create a fluffier batter.
2. **Don’t Overmix**: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. **Prepare the Pan Well**: Grease and flour your bundt pan generously to prevent the cake from sticking, or use a non-stick spray with flour.
4. **Glaze While Hot**: Pour the butter glaze over the cake while both the cake and the glaze are still warm for the best absorption.
5. **Let the Cake Rest**: Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing it. This helps the cake firm up and makes it easier to release from the pan.
6. **Bake Evenly**: If using a bundt pan, make sure the oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven to ensure even baking.
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Cake**:
– Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan, or use a non-stick bundt pan.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
– In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
– Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined.
– Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. **Bake the Cake**:
– Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
– Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. **Prepare the Butter Glaze**:
– In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the water and sugar, bringing the mixture to a boil.
– Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until the glaze has thickened slightly.
– Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Glaze the Cake**:
– While the cake is still warm, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes in the top of the cake. Pour the warm butter glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
– Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
### Description:
Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, buttery dessert with a slightly dense but moist texture, thanks to the generous amount of butter and sugar in both the cake and the glaze. The cake has a simple vanilla flavor with a slight sweetness, which is perfectly complemented by the sweet, golden glaze that soaks into the cake, making each bite moist and indulgent. The glaze is a perfect balance of butter, sugar, and vanilla, adding extra depth and shine to the cake. It’s an unforgettable treat that offers both a satisfying texture and a nostalgic, comforting flavor.
### Nutritional Information (per slice, assuming 12 slices):
– **Calories**: 400-450 kcal
– **Carbohydrates**: 55g
– **Protein**: 4g
– **Fat**: 20g
– **Saturated Fat**: 12g
– **Fiber**: 1g
– **Sugar**: 40g
– **Sodium**: 200mg
**Note**: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.
### Conclusion:
Kentucky Butter Cake is a Southern classic that combines simplicity and indulgence in the best possible way. The buttery flavor of the cake and its rich glaze are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or as a sweet treat to share with friends, this cake will surely become a favorite. Its moist texture and decadent glaze make it a showstopper every time.
### Recommendation:
For those seeking a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent, Kentucky Butter Cake is an excellent choice. Its balance of rich flavor, moist crumb, and sweet glaze makes it a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion. While it’s a decadent treat, you can embrace healthful indulgence by enjoying a smaller slice and pairing it with fresh fruit or a light whipped cream topping. If you’re looking for a nostalgic dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress, Kentucky Butter Cake is a perfect option.