Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or a regular cake pan, making sure to coat the crevices well so that the cake won’t stick. A Bundt pan is traditional for this recipe, as it allows the cake to cook evenly and gives it a beautiful presentation, but any round or tube pan will work.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. This dry mixture will form the base for your cake.

In a separate mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This can take about 3 minutes on medium speed. Once the butter is soft, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Add the sour cream last, and mix just until incorporated. The batter should be smooth and thick, with a nice consistency for pouring.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the prepared batter into the greased Bundt pan and spread it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles and level the batter. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, don’t open the oven door frequently, as this can cause the cake to collapse. The cake should rise evenly and turn golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Butter Glaze

While the cake is baking, prepare the butter glaze by combining the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is melted and the sugar is completely dissolved, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

Let the glaze simmer for about 2-3 minutes while stirring. The glaze should slightly thicken, but it should remain pourable. Once ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. It will soak into the cake when applied.

Step 5: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up a bit before you invert it onto a serving platter.

Carefully flip the cake over onto the platter. You’ll notice that the cake will still be warm, and this is when you want to pour the warm butter glaze over it. Using a spoon, slowly drizzle the glaze all over the top of the cake. The glaze will soak into the cake, giving it that delicious buttery richness.

Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for another 15-20 minutes to let the glaze fully soak in. As it cools, the glaze will form a slightly crisp, sugary layer on the outside, while the inside remains moist and rich with flavor. Slice and serve the cake warm, or store it in an airtight container for up to a few days.

Tips for the Best Kentucky Butter Cake:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the flour and milk, mix just until combined. Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
3. Flavor Variations: Feel free to add citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the batter for a refreshing twist, or mix in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans for added crunch.
4. Make Ahead: This cake can be baked ahead of time and stored for a day or two. The glaze should be added just before serving to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Kentucky Butter Cake as a standalone dessert, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Garnish with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a pop of color and added flavor.
• If you want to make it extra festive, drizzle with a chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent touch.

Conclusion:

Kentucky Butter Cake is the ultimate indulgence, combining a soft, buttery cake with a rich, sweet glaze. The method is straightforward, and the ingredients are simple, but the end result is a showstopper that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just because you crave something sweet, this cake is sure to impress. With its moist texture and deep buttery flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!