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Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe with Easy Bourbon Glaze Tutorial

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A rich, tender Kentucky Butter Cake soaked with a buttery bourbon glaze that is moist, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings. This recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients and offers options for non-alcoholic and gluten-free variations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • For the Bourbon Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) pure bourbon (optional; substitute with apple juice or extra buttermilk for non-alcoholic)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter and lightly dust with flour or use parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with flour. Mix each addition just until combined.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 35 minutes.
  9. While the cake bakes, prepare the bourbon glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine melted butter, brown sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract.
  10. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm.
  11. Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the surface using a skewer or fork.
  12. Slowly pour the warm bourbon glaze evenly over the hot cake to soak in.
  13. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use softened (not melted) butter for best texture. Poke holes in the cake before pouring glaze to ensure it soaks in well. Start checking cake doneness at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking. For non-alcoholic glaze, substitute bourbon with apple juice or extra buttermilk. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Let the cake rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow glaze to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kentucky Butter Cake, bourbon glaze, Southern dessert, easy cake recipe, buttery cake, bourbon cake, moist cake, party dessert

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/perfect-kentucky-butter-cake-recipe-with-easy-bourbon-glaze-tutorial/