Indulgent Keto Kentucky Butter Cake: Recipes and Variations

Kentucky Butter Cake is traditionally a moist, buttery pound cake soaked in a sweet butter sauce. This article explores keto-friendly versions of this classic dessert, offering recipes and tips for achieving a delicious low-carb treat.

What is Keto Kentucky Butter Cake?

Keto Kentucky Butter Cake is a low-carb adaptation of the traditional Kentucky Butter Cake. It maintains the original's moist, buttery texture and rich flavor while using keto-friendly ingredients like almond flour and sugar substitutes. This allows individuals following a ketogenic diet to enjoy a classic dessert without compromising their dietary goals.

Key Ingredients and Their Role

Creating a keto version of Kentucky Butter Cake requires careful selection of ingredients to mimic the texture and flavor of the original while keeping the carbohydrate count low.

• Almond Flour: This is a staple in keto baking, providing a gluten-free base. It has a higher fat content than wheat flour, contributing to the cake's moistness.
• Coconut Flour: Often used in combination with almond flour, coconut flour helps to balance the moisture content and prevent the cake from becoming too dense.
• Sugar Substitutes: Erythritol, stevia, and other sugar substitutes are used to provide sweetness without the carbs. Blends like Swerve are also popular.
• Butter: Essential for the cake's flavor and texture. Unsalted, room-temperature butter is typically recommended, with a significant amount required for both the cake and the glaze.
• Eggs: Act as a binder and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Cream Cheese: Some recipes incorporate cream cheese for added richness and a unique flavor profile.
• Protein Powder: Some recipes use protein powder to improve the cake's texture. Whey protein or egg white protein can be used.

Essential Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Electric Mixer: For creaming butter and sweetener, and for mixing batter. A hand mixer works well.
• Bundt Pan or Springform Pan: Traditional for Kentucky Butter Cake, but cupcakes can also be made. Grease the pan VERY well and then dust with a few tbsp of almond flour.
• Saucepan: For making the butter glaze.
• Skewer or Utensil: For poking holes in the cake to absorb the glaze.

Recipe 1: Keto Kentucky Butter Cake

This recipe uses a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to achieve a tender crumb:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (230g) almond flour, packed
• 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream, levelled
• 1/2 cup (100g) butter, melted
• 3 eggs
• 2/3 cup (120g) sugar substitute (erythritol)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla

Butter Syrup:

• 1/4 cup (50g) butter
• 1/3 cup (60g) sugar substitute (erythritol)
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt cake pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake ingredients.
3. Pour into the prepared bundt cake pan.
4. Bake for 35 minutes.
5. While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a pot over medium heat for the syrup.
6. Whisk in the sugar substitute, vanilla, and water. Heat and stir until the sugar substitute has dissolved.
7. Once the cake is done, use a skewer to poke several small holes into the top of the cake.
8. Pour the butter mixture around the cake, making sure the holes are filled with the butter.

Recipe 2: Keto Gooey Butter Cake

This variation aims for a gooey texture, similar to traditional gooey butter cake:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese
• Sweetener (combination recommended)
• Eggs
• Almond flour
• Vanilla

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
2. Cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sweetener with an electric mixer.
3. Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix.
4. Add in the almond flour and mix until incorporated.
5. Spread in the prepared baking dish.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the cake and sprinkle with powdered sweetener.
7. Bake for 30-32 minutes until the cake is barely golden and no longer looks wet on top.

Recipe 3: Keto Butter Cake with Coconut Flour

This recipe utilizes both almond and coconut flour for optimal texture:

Ingredients:

• Almond flour
• Coconut flour
• Whey protein (optional)
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Butter
• Sweetener
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whipping cream
• Water

Butter Glaze:

• Butter
• Sweetener
• Water
• Vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a bundt cake pan very well and dust with almond flour.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, whey protein, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and the sweetener together until light and creamy.
4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
5. Beat in the almond flour mixture and then beat in the whipping cream and water until well combined.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until golden brown and the cake is firm to the touch.
8. While the cake is still warm and in the pan, poke holes all over with a skewer.
9. Pour the glaze over and let cool completely in the pan.

Cupcake Variation

The Keto Kentucky Butter Cake batter can also be used to make cupcakes:

1. Prepare the batter as described in any of the recipes above.
2. Fill cupcake liners close to the top.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20 minutes, checking for doneness at 15 minutes.
4. After baking, poke holes in the cupcakes and pour the butter syrup over them.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification and a smoother batter.
• Greasing the Pan: Grease the baking pan thoroughly, using butter or coconut oil spray, followed by a dusting of almond flour to prevent sticking.
• Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry cake. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
• Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar substitute to your preference, keeping in mind the aftertaste of some sweeteners like stevia.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before inverting to prevent it from breaking.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with tart fruits like blueberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness.
• Serve with keto-friendly whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture and flavor.
• Enjoy alongside your morning or afternoon coffee.

Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3-6 months.
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Dry Cake: Ensure accurate measurements of flour and avoid overbaking.
• Cake Sticking to the Pan: Grease the pan thoroughly and use parchment paper at the bottom if necessary.
• Grainy Texture: Ensure sugar substitutes are fully dissolved and ingredients are well combined.
• Strong Aftertaste: Experiment with different sugar substitutes or blends to find one that suits your taste.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information varies depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, a typical serving of Keto Kentucky Butter Cake may contain:

• Net Carbs: 3-5 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Protein: 5-10 grams

Always calculate nutritional information based on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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