If you have a hankering for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the South, this Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This rich and moist bundt cake, soaked in a luscious butter sauce, delivers the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and tender crumb. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving just one more slice. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering or simply treating yourself, this classic Southern dessert will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; each one plays an essential role in building the Kentucky Butter Cake’s incredible flavor and texture. From the creamy butter that brings richness to the fluffy buttermilk that keeps it moist, these pantry staples come together to create something truly special.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The star fat that lends creaminess and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cake while helping create a light, fluffy texture.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the ingredients and add richness and structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses warm, aromatic notes that elevate the cake’s flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The sturdy base that provides structure and the right density.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with buttermilk to create tender crumb and a perfect rise.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tang and moistness that makes every bite tender and soft.
- Butter sauce ingredients: Granulated sugar (3/4 cup), unsalted butter (1/3 cup), water (3 tablespoons), and vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) combine to form the irresistible glaze.
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
Start strong by greasing and flouring a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly. This ensures your cake releases beautifully once baked. Preheat your oven to 325°F so it’s ready to give your cake a slow, steady bake that develops a gorgeous golden crust and tender inside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this is where the magic begins. The air you whip into this mixture creates that perfect lift in the cake’s crumb, so don’t rush this step. About 3 to 4 minutes should do the trick.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully beaten in before adding the next. This technique prevents curdling and keeps the cake texture smooth. Follow up by mixing in the vanilla extract, giving the batter that warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Alternate With Buttermilk
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mix to your creamed butter mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour. This careful balance keeps the batter tender and moist without becoming dense.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top gently. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Patience here rewards you with that beautiful golden crust and melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Step 6: Make the Butter Sauce
While the cake is baking, combine sugar, butter, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This warm, silky sauce is what transforms this cake from great to unforgettable.
Step 7: Soak Your Cake
Right after removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or fork, then slowly pour the warm butter sauce over it, letting the liquid seep deep into every nook. This final step infuses the cake with moist, buttery richness that defines the Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a delicate touch, but why not elevate your presentation with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream? These garnishes add a pop of color and complement the buttery sweetness with fresh and light contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake shines as a dessert, but pairing it with a rich scoop of vanilla ice cream or a smooth custard adds an incredible dimension. For an afternoon treat, serve it alongside bold coffee or a hot cup of tea to balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into petite bundt-shaped portions or even individual cupcakes for a charming party treat. Drizzling extra warm butter sauce on each serving just before presenting will make your guests swoon. For a festive twist, sprinkle toasted nuts or edible flowers on top for texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the Kentucky Butter Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it covered ensures the cake retains its moist texture and buttery flavor without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake if you plan to keep it longer. Wrap it well in several layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature to enjoy the flavors at their best.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to revive that freshly baked taste. Reheating enhances the buttery sauce’s softness, making every bite as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can be a substitute, buttermilk gives the Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe its signature tangy moistness and tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is it important to poke holes before pouring the butter sauce?
Absolutely! Poking holes allows the warm butter sauce to seep deep into the cake layers, ensuring every bite is saturated with buttery goodness. Skipping this step might leave the sauce just sitting on top instead of fully absorbed.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To keep the essence of the Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe intact, you’d want to use a reliable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the buttery, moist qualities can still shine through.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, the cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Refrigerating it extends its life but may slightly firm the crumb, so be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?
You can double the recipe, but it’s best to bake in two bundt pans rather than a larger pan to maintain the proper baking time and texture. Larger pans may require adjustments in baking time and may affect how evenly the cake bakes.
Final Thoughts
This Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe is a true Southern gem that brings joy with every forkful. Its buttery richness, tender crumb, and that unbeatable butter sauce glaze make it one of those desserts you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether it’s for a special occasion or your next sweet craving, dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a cake that feels like a warm embrace from Kentucky itself.
Print
Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kentucky Butter Cake is a classic Southern dessert known for its moist, rich texture and buttery flavor. This bundt cake is infused with a luscious butter sauce that soaks into the cake after baking, creating a tender crumb with a delicious glaze. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting treat, this recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver a timeless dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
Butter Sauce Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, helping the cake rise nicely.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully combine. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition just until combined to prevent overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the Butter Sauce: While the cake bakes, combine the sugar, butter, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful not to boil the sauce.
- Apply Butter Sauce to Cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Poke holes all over the cake using a skewer or fork, then slowly pour the warm butter sauce over the cake, letting it soak in deeply.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan, then invert it onto a serving plate. Serve as is or with berries and whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- The cake tastes even better the next day after the butter sauce has fully soaked in.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Serving with fresh berries or whipped cream enhances the flavor and presentation.
