Heavenly Kentucky Pound Cake Recipe for Dessert Lovers!
Attention all cake lovers! Do you know what’s better than an ordinary cake? A Kentucky Butter Cake, that’s what. This classic Southern dessert is one of the finest examples of a butter cake, and it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. The first bite will make you wonder where this recipe has been all your life. Trust me; it’s that good.
But don’t let the name fool you. Although it originated from Kentucky, it’s not just for Kentuckians. This beloved cake recipe has spread its way across the country and beyond, earning it a well-deserved reputation as one of America’s favorite cakes.
This Kentucky Butter Cake recipe is old-fashioned and simple yet deliciously rich and moist. It will take you less than fifteen minutes to prepare and forty-five minutes to bake, which means you have plenty of time to lay back and relax while the magic happens.
So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to baking, let me show you how to make the perfect butter cake with Kentucky flair that will make everyone ask for seconds. I guarantee that this Kentucky Pound Cake Recipe is going to be your new favorite dessert to share with your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever tried Kentucky Butter Cake before? It’s an old-fashioned delight that has been cherished across generations. Whether you’re missing the flavors of home or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert to serve at your next gathering, this Kentucky Pound Cake recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
What makes this cake so special is the amount of butter it contains. The cake is not only baked with butter but also soaked in a warm butter sauce after it comes out of the oven. The result is an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth cake that is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Add to that the beautiful golden brown crust and soft texture of the cake, and you’ve got a heavenly taste experience.
This recipe offers a classic twist on traditional pound cake by adding self-rising flour, which gives the cake a little extra lift and lightness. The sweetness of the sugar combined with the subtle hint of vanilla extract makes this cake essentially vanilla in flavor, but it’s not just any vanilla cake. It’s essentially vanilla poke cake topped with sweet butter crunch, creating a sweet and irresistible combination.
Not only is this recipe simple and easy to follow, but it also allows for customization to suit your preferences. If you’re looking for something that gives a more elevated flavor experience, try adding some salted caramel sauce as a topping. This will give your cake more depth and richness, making it even more unforgettable.
In conclusion, if you love cakes that are rich, tender, and bursting with flavor-then this Kentucky Pound Cake recipe is definitely for you. It’s an appetizing delight that you simply cannot resist exceeding once! Don’t wait any longer! Give it a shot and thank me later!
Ingredient List
✅ For the cake:
- 3 cups of purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup of whole-milk or sour cream, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
✅ For the butter sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
✅ For garnish:
-Salted caramel
✅ Optional substitutions or variations:
- Use self-rising flour instead of purpose flour, leaving out the baking powder and baking soda.
- Substitute 1 cup of cake flour for 1 cup all-purpose flour to make a more tender cake.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract for extra flavor.
Note: Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to make the Kentucky Pound Cake. Follow my instructions carefully and you’ll have a delicious cake in no time.
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cook Time
- 1 hour
Total Time
- 1 hour 15 minutes
Steps:
-
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease your bundt pan with butter or cooking spray.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 2 cups of unsalted butter, 4 cups of granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step is important because it adds air to the batter, which makes the cake moist and tender.
-
Add 6 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl after adding each egg.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of sifted self-rising flour, 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of whole milk and stirring after each addition.
-
Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, making sure it’s well combined.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, and smooth over the top with a spatula.
-
Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before removing from pan (If you wait too long the cake will stick!). Set cake aside to cool completely.
Butter Sauce
A Kentucky Butter Cake isn’t complete without a rich butter sauce poured over it.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Steps:
-
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 stick (1/2 cup) of butter over low heat.
-
Add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
-
Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
-
Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat once it thickens.
-
Poke holes into the cake with a toothpick or fork.
-
Pour warm butter sauce slowly over cooled cake, allowing it to soak in.
Butter Crunch Topping
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with the Kentucky Pound Cake recipe, there are a number of ingredient substitutions and variations you can try.
Firstly, if you don’t have self-rising flour on hand or prefer to use all-purpose flour, you can easily make your own version of self-rising flour by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
If you’re looking for a twist on the classic vanilla flavor, try swapping out the vanilla extract for almond extract or orange zest. These additions will give your cake a unique and delicious flavor that’s sure to impress.
For those looking for a slightly healthier option without sacrificing taste, experiment with using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Just be aware that this may result in a slightly denser cake.
To add some extra sweetness to your Kentucky Pound Cake, consider topping it off with salted caramel sauce. The buttery and rich flavors will complement the cake perfectly.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take your Kentucky Pound Cake to the next level, try making a “Poke Cake” variation. Essentially, this involves poking holes in the cake and pouring in sweetened condensed milk or flavored syrup (such as chocolate or strawberry). Once chilled in the fridge, this creates a dense and decadent cake that’s perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Overall, with a few simple ingredient tweaks and creative additions, you can make the traditional Kentucky Pound Cake recipe into an even more delicious treat.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve baked a spectacular Kentucky Pound Cake, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it. This classic Southern butter cake is rich in flavor and has a moist, dense texture. Savor each warm slice with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries.
If you’re feeling a little more creative, try topping your cake with sweet butter sauce or salted caramel for a decadent twist. You can also go the extra mile and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, the contrast between the warm cake and cold ice cream makes it heavenly.
Looking for an adult beverage to pair your cake with? Give bourbon or coffee liqueur cocktails a try – this traditional staple of Kentucky cuisine pairs well with these beverages. If you prefer to keep it simple, hot or iced coffee works great too.
But don’t let these recommendations limit your options! The beauty of pound cake lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with pairing it with different drinks or sweet accompaniments until you find your perfect match.
Whether on its own or paired with something else, this beloved baked good is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. So grab a fork, close your eyes and enjoy each bite of this scrumptious treat!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As someone who bakes often, I know that a lot of time and effort goes into making a great cake recipe. That’s why it’s always useful to find ways to make things easier while still achieving a delicious result. With this Kentucky butter cake recipe, there are many ways to make life easier and still enjoy the full extent of its flavors.
First of all, an excellent advantage of this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. Not only does this mean you can get a head start on your party preparations and maximize your time, but it also allows the flavors to develop more fully as the cake sits, resulting in even greater flavor and texture.
It’s straightforward to store this pound cake recipe once it’s cooled down completely. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can leave the kentucky butter cake at room temperature for up to three days, providing it’s well covered so that it doesn’t dry out. Alternatively, store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
If you want to reheat your Kentucky butter cake, do so on the stovetop or oven rather than in a microwave as microwaving could cause adverse effects on the flavor and texture. To warm it up, place slices of cake in an oven preheated to 350F and leave to heat for approximately 5-10 minutes – just long enough until it’s nice and warm but not dried out.
One thing I enjoy trying is incorporating new flavor combinations when reheating my pound cake – adding salted caramel sauce over slices intensifies its richness while giving you extra flavor depth. Everyone loves options!
Tips for Perfect Results
Baking is both an art and science. As a chef, I understand how important it is to pay attention to every detail when making a cake, especially when it comes to Kentucky Butter Cake. Here are some simple tips that will guarantee that your cake turns out perfect every time.
Tip 1: Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature ingredients ensure that everything mixes together smoothly, creating the perfect texture for the cake. It is essential for the butter to be softened before you start whipping it, so it creamed with sugar easily.
Tip 2: Sift Your Dry Ingredients
Sifting your dry ingredients helps remove any lumps or impurities, which makes your cake fluffier and lighter. Using self-raising flour prevents adding too much baking powder, without overdoing as well.
Tip 3: Measure Accurately
Equally important as using room temperature ingredients and sifting flour is measuring ingredients accurately because they provide the best chemical reactions with each other. Therefore, always measure the correct amount of each ingredient needed.
Tip 4: Don’t Overfill The Cake Pan
This will cause the cake to overflow during baking, leaving you with some burnt bits stuck on your pan. Use a knife or spatula to even out the top after pouring the batter.
Tip 5: Poke Holes on Your Cake
As known fact, Kentucky Butter Cake is made with a rich vanilla flavor that gets enhanced by sticking holes in it once it’s out of the oven. Creating little pockets of butter crunch that will flavor and moisten every part of your cake’s crumb making an essentially vanilla poke cake
Tip 6: Let The Cake Cool Completely Before Adding Toppings
Many toppings like Salted caramel add not only sweetness but also a creamy flavor to your pound cake kentucky butter flavoring. However, wait until its fully cooled before you topple this on top since heat melts can disturb the texture and the structure of the topping.
Remember, there is no substitute for experimenting while baking. Following these tips would improve your cake’s quality, texture, and flavor but doing things differently according to your preferences also matters. So take a beautiful bite of this familiar Kentucky butter cake recipe and have loads of fun!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Kentucky Pound Cake is a recipe that everyone should know how to make. Its simplicity and versatility make it perfect for any occasion, be it a family dinner or a special celebration. With its rich buttery flavor and tender texture, this cake recipe will transport you straight to the heart of the South.
This cake recipe is a true classic, but it’s not outdated in any way. In fact, it remains as relevant today as it did when it was first invented. This cake’s ability to be adapted with various flavors and toppings such as salted caramel, sweet butter sauce or even a crunchy top makes it incredibly dynamic.
So, whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one, this recipe is sure to make your cake-making experience enjoyable and rewarding. By following the simple instructions, implementing tips such as measuring ingredients accurately and adding variations to build your version of the classic Kentucky pound cake recipe, you’ll end up with a moist, flavorful cake that will satisfy every craving.
Overall, I highly recommend trying out this traditional recipe and exploring its potential adaptation possibilities. So why not get on board with this classic Southern staple by trying out this butter cake recipe? You won’t regret it!
Kentucky Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups self rising flour (I make my own, never buy it)
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 tsp.lemon oil
Instructions
- Grease and flour bundt pan or 2 loaf pans. ( I use Pam Baking Spray).
- Heat oven to 350. Beat all ingredients on low for one minute. Pour into pan(s). Bake for 45 mn., checking often towards the end. Let sit in pan for 10 mn. unmold, let cool completely. This is best the next day, after a night wrapped in clingwrap, and placed in fridge.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.