Kentucky Butter Cake
Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, buttery pound cake soaked in a sweet vanilla butter sauce that creates an incredibly moist texture and irresistible flavor. With its tender crumb and glossy butter glaze, this classic Southern dessert is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and special occasions.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich buttery flavor
- Moist pound cake texture
- Easy from-scratch recipe
- Perfect for holidays
- Great make-ahead dessert
- Family favorite
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Butter Sauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
Step 2
Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
Step 3
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix in vanilla.
Step 4
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.
Mix until combined.
Step 5
Pour batter into prepared Bundt pan.
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6
While the cake bakes, prepare the butter sauce.
Combine sugar, butter, and water in a saucepan.
Cook over low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Step 7
Poke holes throughout the warm cake.
Slowly pour butter sauce over the cake.
Allow cake to absorb the glaze.
Step 8
Cool completely before removing from the pan.
Variations
Lemon Kentucky Butter Cake
Add lemon zest and lemon extract.
Strawberry Kentucky Butter Cake
Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Butter Pecan Kentucky Cake
Add chopped toasted pecans.
Vanilla Bean Butter Cake
Use vanilla bean paste in the glaze.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Kentucky Butter Cake different?
The warm butter glaze soaks into the cake, creating an incredibly moist texture.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Does it need frosting?
No. The butter glaze provides plenty of flavor.