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–+ servings

Vanilla Butter Cake

Also known as Kentucky Butter Cake, this is a new family favorite! It's similar to a pound cake, but is infused with a buttery vanilla syrup while warm and the exterior is brushed with more of the same!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Dessert, Kentucky Butter Cake, Pound Cake
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 3 c all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2 c granulated sugar
  • 1 t baking powder
  • 1/2 t baking soda
  • 1 t salt
  • 1 c softened butter- 2 sticks a bit softer than room temp butter

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 c buttermilk
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 t vanilla extract ( or 1 t almond)

Glaze:

  • 5 T unsalted butter
  • 3/4 c granulated sugar
  • 1/4 c water
  • 2 t vanilla extract ( or 1 t almond)

Instructions

  • Prep bundt pan with Baker's Joy, or generously butter and flour. If your pan has a lot of crevices, I'd use the Baker's Joy.
  • Whisk together the dry ingredients within the mixing bowl on LOW for about 30 seconds.
  • Blend together the wet ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.
  • Add in the softened butter along with about half of the wet ingredients to the mixing bowl and blend on LOW for about a minute.
  • Increase the speed to MEDIUM and add in the rest of the wet ingredients. Mix for about 3 minutes, scraping sides and bottom halfway.
  • Bake at 325°F for 60-70 minutes. Toothpick inserted in center should come out clean. Adjust for additional time after the 60 minute mark.

Syrup:

  • Shortly before cake is removed from the oven, prepare the glaze in a small saucepan over LOW heat. Stir until butter melts; do not boil! Place in a glass measuring cup.
  • Once cake is removed from the oven, place it on a cooling rack. DO NOT REMOVE CAKE FROM THE PAN! Poke holes in the top of the warm cake using a wooden skewer, fork or toothpick, evenly spacing them apart. Stop before reaching the bottom of the cake pan. Slowly pour, or spoon, about half of the syrup over the cake. Reserve the rest.
  • Let it cool before about 3 hours before removing from the pan. Brush the remaining syrup over the cake. (You may need to warm it up slightly in the microwave before brushing it over the cooled cake.) Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.