Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

If you have a craving for a dessert that’s rich, buttery, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious, the Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe is your golden ticket. This classic Southern bundt cake is known for its tender crumb soaked with a luscious butter glaze that seeps deep into every slice, delivering a perfect harmony of sweetness and buttery goodness. Once you try this cake, it’s hard to imagine celebrating any occasion without it—it’s an all-time favorite that simply feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe starts with simple but essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that unforgettable flavor and texture. From the creamy butter that keeps the cake moist to the tangy buttermilk that lightens the crumb, everything comes together beautifully to create a cake you’ll want to make again and again.

• Unsalted butter, 1 cup (softened): The base of the cake’s rich flavor and silky texture.
• Granulated sugar, 2 cups: Sweetens the cake while helping with the tender crumb.
• Large eggs, 4: Adds structure and moisture for the perfect rise.
• Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• All-purpose flour, 3 cups: The cake’s sturdy yet tender foundation.
• Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cake rise beautifully and evenly.
• Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances the acidity from the buttermilk for tenderness.
• Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness pop.
• Buttermilk, 1 cup: Adds moisture and a slight tang that brightens the cake.

For the Butter Sauce:

• Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup: Sweetens the buttery glaze that soaks into the cake.
• Unsalted butter, 1/3 cup: The key to that signature luscious, buttery finish.
• Water, 3 tablespoons: Helps dissolve the sugar and creates the perfect sauce consistency.
• Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Adds aromatic complexity to the glaze.

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and thoroughly greasing and flouring a 10-inch bundt pan—this ensures your cake releases easily after baking. Having all ingredients measured and at room temperature makes the process smoother and guarantees better mixing and texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is vital in creating a tender cake crumb and ensuring the sugar incorporates fully for even sweetness. Take about 3 to 4 minutes here, and enjoy the creamy texture you’re building.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully blended before adding the next. This helps create structure and moisture in the batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant, warm note that’ll elevate your cake to unforgettable levels.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This pre-mixing keeps everything evenly distributed so your cake rises perfectly and has consistent flavor throughout. It’s all about that flawless balance in the Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients with Buttermilk

Add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk—starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can make the cake dense, but you want a moist, tender crumb.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check doneness—it should come out clean. The cake’s beautiful golden color and aroma will fill your kitchen with welcoming warmth.

Step 7: Make the Butter Sauce

While the cake bakes, prepare that iconic butter sauce by combining sugar, butter, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves—avoid boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a luscious, silky glaze.

Step 8: Soak the Cake with Butter Sauce

Once the cake comes out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then poke holes throughout the cake with a skewer or fork, and slowly pour the warm butter sauce over it. This step is what sets the Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe apart—allowing the glaze to soak deep into the cake, creating pure buttery bliss.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate. This resting time allows the sauce to absorb fully and the cake to firm up, ready to impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice.

How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

While the Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe stands boldly on its own, consider adding fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the rich, buttery sweetness. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can add just a touch of elegance for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you want to turn it into a full dessert experience, try serving alongside fresh fruit compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect temperature contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, slice and arrange the cake on a beautiful serving platter, drizzling a little extra butter sauce over the top. You can also turn it into individual servings by cutting the cake into small squares and topping each with a berry and mint leaf garnish, making each bite feel like a special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it moist and fresh. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate in an airtight container to preserve the buttery texture and flavor for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best results.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven to bring back that fresh-baked sensation. Reheating helps to resurrect the butter glaze’s softness and revives the cake’s luscious texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?

While regular milk can be used in a pinch, buttermilk adds acidity that activates the baking soda and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb. For best results, try mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar in 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk.

What kind of bundt pan should I use?

A 10-inch bundt pan with non-stick coating or one thoroughly greased and floured works best. A well-prepared pan ensures easy release and maintains the beautiful shape that’s iconic to this cake.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on butter and buttermilk for its texture and flavor, but you can experiment with dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk mixed with an acid like lemon juice to approximate buttermilk. The texture might vary slightly but still delicious.

How long does the butter sauce keep?

The butter sauce is best used fresh and poured immediately onto the warm cake. Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days but may solidify—rewarm gently to bring it back to the perfect drizzle consistency.

Is the cake better the same day or the next day?

The Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe truly shines the day after baking, once the butter sauce has fully soaked in, making each bite even more moist and flavorful. If you can wait, it’s worth it!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and indulgent about the Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe that makes it a must-have in your baking repertoire. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a celebration of buttery goodness and Southern charm that brings smiles every time. I can’t encourage you enough to try this recipe—you might just find yourself making it a family favorite for years to come!

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