Kentucky Butter Cake

Ingredients

• Cake:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• Butter Sauce:
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Optional: 2 tablespoons bourbon or rum

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly.

1. Make the Cake Batter:

• In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla.
• In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

1. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
• Remove from oven and place on a wire rack (keep the cake in the pan).

1. Prepare the Butter Sauce:

• While the cake is baking, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup sugar, 1/3 cup butter, and 3 tablespoons water.
• Cook over medium heat until fully melted and combined, but do not boil.
• Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Add bourbon or rum if desired.

1. Finish the Cake:

• Poke holes all over the warm cake using a skewer or fork.
• Slowly pour the butter sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
• Let the cake cool completely in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice and serve the cake as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• The cake can be stored at room temperature for several days, becoming more flavorful as it sits.

Enjoy your homemade Kentucky Butter Cake, a rich, buttery treat perfect for any special occasion or just a cozy night in!