In the heart of Kentucky, where tradition and flavors intertwine, lies the iconic Kentucky Christmas Cake, a culinary masterpiece that takes center stage during the festive season. This rich and decadent cake is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring layers of moist, tender crumb, a velvety smooth filling, and a delightful crunch from the signature topping. Our curated collection of Kentucky Christmas Cake recipes offers a variety of options to cater to every baker's skill level and taste preference. From the classic rendition passed down through generations to contemporary twists that add a touch of modernity, these recipes promise an unforgettable holiday treat that will leave your loved ones craving for more. Indulge in the timeless tradition of Kentucky Christmas Cake with our carefully selected recipes, each offering a unique journey into the realm of culinary delight.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
BLUE-RIBBON BUTTER CAKE
I found this buttercake recipe in an old cookbook I bought at a garage sale and couldn't wait to try it. I knew it had been someone's favorite because of the well-worn page. -Joan Gertz, Palmetto, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h15m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition., Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. tube pan. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 55-70 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges and center tube of pan. Invert cake onto a wire rack over waxed paper. , For sauce, combine the sugar, butter and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat just until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat; stir in extracts., Poke holes in the top of the warm cake; spoon 1/4 cup sauce over cake. Let stand until sauce is absorbed. Repeat twice. Poke holes into sides of cake; brush remaining sauce over sides. Cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 410 calories, Fat 19g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 100mg cholesterol, Sodium 344mg sodium, Carbohydrate 56g carbohydrate (38g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
HOLIDAY BOURBON FRUITCAKE
Moist and tasty fruitcake is made with all types of candied fruit and nuts with a hint of orange and more than a hint of bourbon. It takes about three days to complete the process, but it is well worth the time and effort!
Provided by Cookin' Canuck
Categories Desserts Cakes Holiday Cake Recipes
Time P2DT4h5m
Yield 30
Number Of Ingredients 30
Steps:
- On the first day, combine the candied orange peel, candied citron, candied pineapple, red and green candied cherries, currants, raisins, walnuts, and almonds. Combine the orange juice and the 2/3 cup bourbon; pour over the fruit and nuts. Stir and then cover tightly. Let the fruit marinate in a cool place for 1 full day, or at least 20 hours.
- On the second day, line two 9x5 inch loaf pans with parchment paper or aluminum foil and grease the inside with cooking spray. Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, ginger, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and stir with a whisk to blend.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Stir in the egg yolks until blended and then mix in the applesauce, the 1/2 cup bourbon, and vanilla until fluffy. Continue stirring, and add the the flour mixture gradually until well combined. Add the molasses and stir to combine. When the batter is thoroughly mixed, gently mix in the fruit and nut mixture with all of its juices.
- In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with an electric mixer until they can hold a stiff peak. Fold egg whites into the batter. Divide evenly between the prepared pans. Cover loosely with a towel and let the batter stand overnight in a cool, dry place.
- On the third day, preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Place a large baking pan on the bottom shelf and pour boiling water into it until almost full. Place a baking sheet on the center shelf and place the fruit cakes on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 2 1/2 hours in the preheated oven. Check the water level and refill if needed. Cover the cakes with a sheet of parchment paper, taking care not to let it touch the shelf. Continue to bake until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour more. Cool fruitcakes in the pans, set over a wire rack. Once cool, remove the cakes from the pans, and leave the parchment paper on. Sprinkle with more bourbon if desired and wrap in aluminum foil. Place in a tin or other sealed container overnight before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 422.3 calories, Carbohydrate 64.9 g, Cholesterol 65.4 mg, Fat 14.9 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 6.6 g, Sodium 172.1 mg, Sugar 33.3 g
KENTUCKY BOURBON CAKE
Fruit cake soaked in whiskey. Should be made a month in advance, if you can wait that long (I can't!). You'll need some cheesecloth for giving this cake its trademark bourbon wrap.
Provided by Holly
Categories Desserts Fruit Dessert Recipes Cherry Dessert Recipes
Yield 14
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease a 10 inch tube pan and line bottom with parchment paper.
- Soak raisins and cherries in 2 cups of bourbon or whiskey for 48 hours. Before making cake, drain well and reserve the bourbon.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, nutmeg and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, cream butter with the white sugar. In a separate small bowl, cream yolks and brown sugar until very light.
- In a very large bowl, combine the two sugar mixtures and blend well.
- Alternately add flour mixture and reserved bourbon in three stages, mixing well with each addition.
- Add soaked fruit and fold in. Add nuts and fold in.
- In a clean medium bowl, whip egg whites until stiff but not dry. Fold into batter until evenly distributed.
- Pour into prepared 10 inch tube pan. Place a pan of water in the bottom of the oven and bake for 4 to 5 hours at 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Ovens vary, so watch the baking time. Test cake with wooden pick. (May take longer than 5 hours).
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before turning out. When almost cool, brush sides and inside hole heavily with bourbon. Wrap cake with bourbon soaked cheesecloth, then with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight and saturate again with bourbon. Cover with plastic wrap and then with foil and store for at least 2 weeks in a cool dry place.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1076.8 calories, Carbohydrate 131.4 g, Cholesterol 140.1 mg, Fat 45.6 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 11 g, SaturatedFat 15.4 g, Sodium 234.1 mg, Sugar 86.2 g
KENTUCKY BUTTER CAKE
Moist and buttery cake made from readily available ingredients with a luscious butter sauce.
Provided by Suzanne Stull
Categories Desserts Cakes Yellow Cake Recipes
Time 2h
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, 2 cups sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Blend in buttermilk, 1 cup of butter, 2 teaspoons of vanilla and 4 eggs. Beat for 3 minutes at medium speed. Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Prick holes in the still warm cake. Slowly pour sauce over cake. Let cake cool before removing from pan.
- To Make Butter Sauce: In a saucepan combine the remaining 3/4 cups sugar, 1/3 cup butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and the water. Cook over medium heat, until fully melted and combined, but do not boil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 508.3 calories, Carbohydrate 71.1 g, Cholesterol 117 mg, Fat 22.6 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 13.6 g, Sodium 467.4 mg, Sugar 47.1 g
Tips:
- Prepare Ingredients Accurately: Precisely measure and prepare ingredients according to the recipe's instructions to ensure the cake's proper texture, flavor, and rise.
- Use Fresh and Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and spices, to elevate the cake's flavor and richness.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Patiently: Take the time to cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy, as this step incorporates air and creates a smooth, even batter.
- Gradually Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly: Whisk together dry ingredients, such as flour, baking powder, and salt, to evenly distribute them and avoid pockets of unmixed flour in the batter.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients Gently: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined, as overmixing can toughen the cake.
- Bake at Proper Temperature: Preheat the oven to the specified temperature and bake the cake for the recommended duration, checking for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester.
- Cool Cake Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving, as this helps stabilize the structure and prevents crumbling.
- Decorate as Desired: Once the cake is cooled, decorate it with your favorite frosting, such as a classic buttercream or a rich chocolate ganache, and add festive touches like sprinkles, candy canes, or holly.
Conclusion:
The Kentucky Christmas Cake is a delectable and enchanting holiday tradition that combines the warmth and richness of spices with the sweetness of dried fruits and nuts. By following the tips mentioned above and carefully executing each step of the recipe, you can create a stunning and flavorful cake that embodies the spirit of the season. Whether you enjoy it as a centerpiece at your holiday gathering or share it as a thoughtful gift, this Kentucky Christmas Cake is sure to bring joy and merriment to all who indulge in its festive flavors.
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