The Best Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Baking a delightful kentucky butter cake transports you to a world of sweet, moist indulgence.

Silky layers melt on your tongue with each creamy bite.

Rich buttermilk creates a tender crumb that whispers comfort.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this decadent dessert as a beloved tradition.

Warm vanilla and smooth butter dance together in perfect harmony.

Subtle hints of nostalgia emerge with every forkful.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s create a slice of pure happiness that will make everyone smile.

What Makes Kentucky Butter Cake So Irresistible

• Effortless Elegance: Whip up this Kentucky Butter Cake with minimal baking skills, perfect for novice bakers looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth, making it an instant hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Serve as a decadent breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or show-stopping dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Requires basic pantry staples and creates a luxurious, bakery-quality cake that looks and tastes far more complicated than its straightforward recipe suggests.

Kentucky Butter Cake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine white powder that creates the cake's soft structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredient that provides moisture and tenderness.
• Unsalted Butter: Rich dairy product that adds richness and flavor.
• Large Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a smooth cake texture.
• Buttermilk: Tangy liquid that adds moisture and helps activate leavening agents.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic liquid that enhances overall cake flavor.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Ingredients that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer that balances the cake's sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Water, Vanilla Extract: Sweet mixture that creates a rich, moist coating for the cake.

Kentucky Butter Cake Baking Process

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 325°F. Coat a Bundt pan thoroughly with baking spray, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, continuing to beat for about 5 minutes to create a fluffy base.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Gently add eggs one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, consistent batter.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda

Whisk these ingredients together to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Create Batter Harmony

Gradually blend the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture. Start and finish with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined to maintain the cake’s tender texture.

Step 6: Add Flavor Essence

Stir in vanilla extract, infusing the batter with a rich, aromatic touch.

Step 7: Fill the Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Craft the Buttery Glaze

• Sugar
• Butter
• Water
• Vanilla extract

Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and sugar dissolves completely.

Step 10: Soak the Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven, use a skewer or toothpick to create multiple holes across the surface. Slowly drizzle the warm glaze over the hot cake, allowing it to seep into every crevice.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool entirely within the pan before carefully turning it out onto a serving plate. The result is a moist, butter-soaked delight that melts in your mouth.

Baking Advice for Kentucky Butter Cake

Boost Butter Cake Perfection: Easy Tips

• Create Silky Texture: Let butter and eggs reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother, more evenly incorporated batter.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Don't overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake tender and moist, mixing just until ingredients combine.
• Master Glaze Technique: Pour the warm glaze slowly and evenly over the hot cake, allowing each layer to absorb completely for maximum flavor penetration.
• Bundt Pan Prep: Generously grease the pan with baking spray or butter and flour to guarantee a clean, seamless cake release without sticking.
• Storage Secret: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and keep at room temperature for up to 4 days, intensifying its rich butter flavor.

Kentucky Butter Cake: Best Way To Store For Days

• Store the Kentucky Butter Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve its moist texture.
• Wrap the entire cooled cake in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best results, use the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain the cake's original moisture and texture.

Kentucky Butter Cake Match-Up Ideas

• Indulge in Delightful Pairings
• Brew Bold Coffee Match: Rich, dark roast coffee creates a perfect counterpoint to the cake's sweet butteriness, cutting through the richness and enhancing every delectable bite.
• Vanilla Ice Cream Companion: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a luxurious contrast, melting softly against the warm, buttery cake and creating a heavenly temperature balance.
• Wine Elegance Suggestion: Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or late harvest Riesling, which complements the cake's sugary glaze and adds a sophisticated touch to your dessert experience.
• Whipped Cream Elevation: Light, freshly whipped cream with a hint of vanilla adds an airy texture that beautifully highlights the cake's dense, moist crumb and buttery flavor profile.

Kentucky Butter Cake: Sweet Twist Suggestions

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the texture remains moist and tender. Add xanthan gum for better binding and structure.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute buttermilk with almond or oat milk mixed with apple cider vinegar. Use coconut oil or dairy-free margarine instead of butter in both cake and glaze.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Replace part of the sugar with unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture and sweetness.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, replace butter with coconut oil, and use plant-based milk. Select a vegan-friendly sugar to complete the transformation.

FAQs

• Why is buttermilk important in this recipe?

Buttermilk adds moisture and helps create a tender, soft texture in the Kentucky Butter Cake. It also contributes to the cake’s rich flavor and helps activate the leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda.

• Can I make my own buttermilk at home?

Yes, you can easily make buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly, creating a buttermilk substitute.

• What makes the butter glaze special?

The butter glaze is key to this cake’s signature flavor and texture. It creates a sweet, buttery crust that soaks into the cake, making it incredibly moist and adding an extra layer of richness and sweetness.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to maintain the cake’s moisture.

Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky Kentucky butter cake melts in your mouth with rich, velvety texture and buttery sweetness. Indulgent Southern comfort dessert promises pure bliss for passionate bakers craving classic homestyle goodness.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup softened unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

Leavening Agents:

• 1.5 teaspoons (1.5 tsp) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons (0.5 tsp) baking soda
• 1.5 tablespoons (1.5 tbsp) vanilla extract

Preparation Ingredients:

• Baking spray with flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for glaze)
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
• 0.25 cup water (for glaze)
• 1.5 teaspoons (1.5 tsp) vanilla extract (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 325°F and thoroughly coat a Bundt pan with non-stick baking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth cream-like texture.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to maintain a silky, even consistency.
4. Separately sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to eliminate potential lumps.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two and mixing gently to prevent overmixing.
6. Gently fold in the vanilla extract, distributing the flavor evenly throughout the batter.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, carefully smoothing the surface to create an even layer.
8. Bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
9. During baking, craft the glaze by melting butter with sugar, water, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat until completely smooth and integrated.
10. Once the cake emerges from the oven, puncture multiple holes across its surface using a thin skewer, then methodically pour the warm glaze, allowing it to seep deeply into the cake.
11. Allow the cake to rest and cool completely within the pan before delicately inverting onto a serving plate.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent texture throughout the cake.
• Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, which helps create a lighter, more tender crumb.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to prevent a tough, dense cake – stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Generously grease the Bundt pan to guarantee the cake releases smoothly without sticking or breaking apart.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
• Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain moisture and softness for up to 4-5 days.
• Create variations by adding lemon zest to the batter or sprinkling toasted nuts over the glaze for extra flavor and crunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg