Kentucky Butter Cake

A golden, moist cake infused with the rich flavors of butter and rum, topped with a luscious glaze that adds a delightful sweetness to every bite. This is the magic of Kentucky Butter Cake, a classic dessert that has been delighting taste buds for generations. In this blog post, we will explore the tantalizing journey of this beloved cake, from its humble origins to its status as a timeless treat. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we dive into the world of Kentucky Butter Cake.

The Origins of Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake traces its roots back to the heartland of America, where it was first created in the kitchens of Kentucky. This region is renowned for its culinary traditions, and this cake is no exception. With its simple yet decadent ingredients, it quickly became a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. The cake’s popularity spread like wildfire, captivating the hearts and taste buds of people far and wide.

A Symphony of Flavors

At the heart of Kentucky Butter Cake lies its irresistible flavor profile. The combination of sugar, eggs, and softened salted butter creates a rich and buttery base that forms the foundation of this delectable treat. To enhance the flavor, a touch of rum extract and butter extract is added, infusing the cake with a subtle warmth and depth. The addition of buttermilk lends a tangy note that balances the sweetness perfectly.

The Art of Baking

Creating the perfect Kentucky Butter Cake requires precision and care. The batter is prepared by creaming together the wet ingredients, resulting in a light and fluffy mixture. Gradually, the dry ingredients are incorporated, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture. The batter is then lovingly poured into a greased and floured bundt pan, ready to be transformed into a work of art.

The Baking Process

The cake is gently placed in a preheated oven, where it bakes to perfection. As the aroma of butter and sweetness fills the air, anticipation builds. After 55 to 60 minutes, a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating that it is ready to be transformed into a masterpiece.

The Glorious Glaze

No Kentucky Butter Cake is complete without its signature glaze. A heavenly mixture of sugar, salted butter, water, and rum extract is gently heated until it melds together into a glossy sauce. Care must be taken to prevent boiling, as the magic lies in the perfect consistency. Once removed from the heat, a portion of the glaze is reserved, while the rest is poured over the cake while still in the bundt pan. The cake eagerly soaks up the sweet elixir, infusing every bite with a burst of flavor.

Unveiling the Masterpiece

After the cake has absorbed the glaze, it is time to unveil the masterpiece. With anticipation, the bundt pan is carefully overturned onto a serving dish, revealing the golden beauty within. The reserved glaze is then drizzled over the top, adding a final touch of decadence. It is now ready to be served and savored by all who are lucky enough to partake in this indulgent delight.

INGREDIENTS

Cake:

• sugar 2 cup
• eggs 4
• sticks salted butter (softened to room temperature) 2
• rum extract 2 tsp
• butter extract ½ tsp
• buttermilk 1 cup
• all-purpose flour 3 cup
• baking powder 1 tsp
• baking soda ½ tsp

Glaze:

• sugar ¾ cup
• salted butter ⅓ cup
• water 3 tbsp
• rum extract 2 tsp

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and lightly flour a bundt pan. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl add sugar, eggs, softened room temperature butter, rum extract, butter extract, and buttermilk. Using a hand mixer on the high speed setting, cream together the wet mixture until it is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Continue to beat together on medium-low, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed until the mixture is combined and no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter or it will yield a tough cake.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Place in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
5. Remove the bundt cake from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes.
6. While the cake is cooling make your sauce by adding a medium saucepan over medium-low heat to the stovetop. Add sugar, butter, water, and rum extract. Whisk together stirring often until the mixture is melted together and combined. You don’t want this sauce to boil so watch it carefully and remove from the heat right before it begins to bubble.
7. Once the sauce has been removed from the stovetop, reserve ⅓ cup in a small bowl. Pour the remaining sauce over the cake while still in the bundt pan.
8. Once the cake has soaked up all of the sauce, carefully turn the bundt pan over onto a serving dish. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the top of the cake before serving.

Kentucky Butter Cake is more than just a dessert. It is a testament to the art of baking, a celebration of flavors, and a symbol of cherished traditions. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as the grand finale to a special meal, this cake never fails to impress.