Kentucky Butter Cake

Few cakes compare to the moist, buttery flavor of Kentucky butter cake. This dense Bundt cake is a breeze to put together. Once baked, it's soaked with a vanilla-butter glaze to create a phenomenally flavorful cake with a noticeable sweet coating.

This cake has been a favorite of bakers for decades, dating back to the 1960s with a winning recipe in a baking contest. Using your favorite Bundt pan and an ingredient list of items you likely already have on hand, see for yourself why people can’t get enough of this outstanding cake.

Learn how to make Kentucky butter cake. We guarantee it will be the perfect addition to your next gathering.

Why Kentucky Butter Cake Is A Timeless Favorite

A symbol of Southern hospitality, Kentucky butter cake relies on simple ingredients (and a high ratio of butter), for its rich flavor and texture. It's long been served for celebrations, including birthdays, holidays, and other large gatherings, with recipes passed down through generations of Southern cooks.

Similar to pound cake, Kentucky butter cake has a dense crumb and decadent but simple flavor, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert for all ages. It's known for its unique glazing method, in which the cake is poked and soaked with a butter-sugar syrup, filling it with moisture and intensifying its buttery flavor.

Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake

Not only is this cake incredibly moist and delicious, it relies mainly on pantry staples for its decadent texture and flavor. To make Kentucky butter cake, you'll need:

For the cake:

• Baking spray with flour: To prevent the cake from sticking to the Bundt pan.
• Unsalted butter: The rich base of the cake, creating a tender, buttery texture and flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake.
• Large eggs: Binds the cake batter.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents to give the cake its rise.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture, tenderness, and a mild tanginess to the cake.
• Vanilla extract: For depth of flavor.

For the glaze:

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the glaze for a slightly syrupy consistency.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the glaze, along with a velvety mouthfeel and glossy finish.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and butter into a pourable glaze.
• Vanilla extract: For an aromatic flavor that enhances the glaze.
  

How To Make Kentucky Butter Cake

While making this cake is similar to making a standard pound cake, the fun really comes into play when it comes time to glaze. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Make the cake batter: Sift together all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In a liquid measuring cup, stir together buttermilk and vanilla extract.
• Step 2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and airy.
• Step 3. Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating to combine after each addition.
• Step 4. Add remaining ingredients: Add flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately in three parts, beating to combine.
• Step 5. Bake the cake: Spray to coat a Bundt pan. Pour in batter and bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Step 6. Prepare the glaze: Heat sugar, butter, and water in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. Stir in vanilla.
• Step 7. Poke cake: Transfer cake pan to a wire rack. Use a skewer to poke deep holes all over the cake.
• Step 8. Glaze the cake: Pour half of the glaze over the cake. Rest for 10 minutes.
• Step 9. Top with remaining glaze: Loosen the sides of the cake, and invert onto a plate or platter. Warm remaining glaze and pour over the cake.
• Step 10. Serve: Cool before serving.

Kentucky Butter Cake Variations

To add a unique twist to this cake, consider these variation ideas:

• Citrus: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy, fresh flavor.
• Extract: Add almond extract for a floral, nutty depth.
• Spices: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth, especially if served during the fall and winter months.
• Nuts: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a nutty crunch.
• Mix-ins: Fold in shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or fresh berries for a unique twist.
• Toppings: Add maple extract, a splash of bourbon or rum, or zest into the glaze for additional depth.

Tips for the Best Kentucky Butter Cake

For the best Kentucky butter cake, keep these tips in mind:

• Room temperature butter: For the smoothest mix, make sure your butter is at room temperature for proper creaming.
• Cream until light and fluffy: Creaming the butter and sugar helps to aerate the cake for a tender, light crumb that's able to soak up every bit of that buttery glaze.
• Avoid overmixing: Overmixed cake batters can cause a dense or rubbery result.
• Bake just enough: Bake just until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean for a moist result.
• Glaze while warm: The glaze and cake should both be warm for optimal soaking.
• Rest: Give the cake time to rest and hydrate with the glaze before serving.
• Keep covered: Store tightly wrapped or covered to keep the cake as moist as possible.
• Serve warmed or at room temperature: This cake can be served warm or at room temperature. Just don't serve it cold—its buttery crumb will become firm when chilled.

How To Store Kentucky Butter Cake

To keep this moist cake as rich and decadent as possible, wrap tightly or store covered or in an airtight container. At room temperature, it will keep for about four days.

For longer storage, transfer to the refrigerator for up to one week, or the freezer for up to three months. Make sure to bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

What To Serve With Kentucky Butter Cake

A simple, buttery cake like this one is certainly a delicious dessert all on its own. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of bourbon or sparkling wine for a simple and satisfying experience.

To take this dessert over the top, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish, or serve with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, side of fresh berries, or sprinkling of toasted nuts.

Why This Recipe Gets Rave Reviews

This classic cake remains a favorite through generations of Southern cooks for good reason—it can be made with simple ingredients, and always results in a decadent, flavorful dessert.

One Southern Living community member commented, "Turned out beautifully. So easy for a beginner. I did add 1 tsp vanilla and 1 tsp spiced rum to the frosting and it was delicious."

Another said, "My husband absolutely loves this cake! I love it too! Classic technique and perfect every time!!"

And Beth Bush commented, "This is an excellent recipe! I made three small cakes to go in a box with cookies as gifts and they were perfect!"

We love the idea of giving this cake as a gift. What could be sweeter?

More Rich, Buttery Cake Recipes You'll Love

When you're dreaming of a rich, buttery cake, these tender pound cakes and coffee cakes might just be what you're looking for:

• Grandby's Sour Cream Pound Cake
• Cinnamon Coffee Cake
• Buttery Apple-Almond Cake
• Brown Sugar Pound Cake
• Million Dollar Pound Cake
• Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.