Irresistibly Moist Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Kentucky butter cake stands as a Southern classic that melts in your mouth with silky, rich decadence.

Sweet butter elevates ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert with remarkable depth and complexity.

Soft, tender crumb defines this beloved recipe that whispers comfort and nostalgia in every delectable slice.

Regional baking traditions inspire this remarkable confection, highlighting the pure magic of simple ingredients working together harmoniously.

Subtle vanilla undertones and a signature glaze elevate this cake beyond standard dessert expectations, creating a memorable experience for anyone who tastes it.

Bakers appreciate how straightforward techniques produce such an impressive result that feels both elegant and homey.

Generations have cherished this recipe, passing down its delightful secrets from kitchen to kitchen with love and care.

How to Bake and Glaze It Just Right

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to 325°F. Grab a bundt pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set this powdery mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large bowl, whip the softened butter and granulated sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Flavor

Crack eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract for that extra delicious kick.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients Carefully

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the buttery mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Smooth the batter into the prepared bundt pan, creating an even surface with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

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

Step 8: Craft the Butter Glaze

• Butter
• Sugar
• Water
• Vanilla extract

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 9: Soak the Cake

While the cake is still warm, poke multiple holes using a skewer. Drench the cake with the warm butter glaze, letting it seep into every delicious crevice.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, slice and enjoy this Southern delicacy!

Tips for Buttery Flavor in Every Bite

• Master the Butter Softening: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve the perfect creamy texture for smooth mixing.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients until just combined to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.
• Create Precise Glaze Consistency: Stir butter glaze continuously to prevent burning and ensure a silky, even coating for maximum moisture.
• Guarantee Even Baking: Rotate bundt pan halfway through baking to ensure uniform heat distribution and prevent uneven browning.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use high-quality vanilla extract and fresh buttermilk to elevate the cake's rich, classic taste profile.

Storing Butter Cake Without Losing Texture

• Store Leftovers
• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture. Seal the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Refrigerate for extended freshness, keeping the cake for 7-10 days without losing its delightful texture.
• Reheat Method 1 – Oven: Warm individual slices at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. This technique restores the cake's soft, tender crumb and enhances its buttery flavor.
• Reheat Method 2 – Microwave: Gently warm slices for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture. Enjoy the cake's rich, moist goodness with a quick zap.

Best Beverages and Toppings for Butter Cake

• Pair with Creamy Coffee: Complement the rich, buttery cake with a smooth, velvety latte or cappuccino. The coffee's warmth and subtle bitterness will balance the cake's sweet, dense texture perfectly.
• Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: Elevate the cake's indulgence by serving a small glass of Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling. These sweet wines enhance the cake's buttery notes and provide a luxurious tasting experience.
• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a slice with a scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, dense cake and the cold, smooth ice cream creates a delightful sensory explosion that will make taste buds dance.
• Accompany with Fresh Berries: Garnish the plate with fresh raspberries or strawberries. Their tangy brightness cuts through the cake's richness and adds a refreshing touch to each decadent bite.

Fun Flavors to Mix Into the Base

• Citrus Zinger: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the cake's richness.
• Nutty Comfort: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a crunchy texture and deep, earthy undertones.
• Chocolate Whisper: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the batter or dust the top with cocoa powder for a subtle chocolate enhancement.
• Spiced Warmth: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to create a cozy, aromatic version of the classic Kentucky Butter Cake.

The Secret Behind Kentucky Butter Cake’s Popularity

• Indulge in Buttery Bliss: This Kentucky Butter Cake delivers an incredibly rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth with an irresistible butter-infused flavor that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Southern Comfort Simplified: Surprisingly easy to prepare, this recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to create a stunning dessert without complicated steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats, this cake appeals to all ages and can be enjoyed at room temperature, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert that's sure to impress everyone at the table.
• Luxurious Glaze Magic: The signature butter glaze transforms an already delicious cake into a show-stopping dessert, creating a crispy exterior and ensuring each bite is infused with incredible moisture and sweet, buttery goodness.

What You Need to Bake This Moist Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cake. – Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.
• Butter, Buttermilk: Adds richness, moisture, and tender crumb to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Eggs: Provides sweetness and helps bind ingredients together.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic, warm flavor to the cake.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall cake flavor.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar, Water, Vanilla Extract: Creates a sweet, rich glaze that soaks into the warm cake, adding extra moisture and flavor.

Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Kentucky Butter Cake melts with rich, velvety goodness straight from Southern kitchens. Warm butter sauce cascades over a tender crumb, creating pure comfort that welcomes you to savor each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk

Butter Glaze Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack in the center position and heat to 325°F (163°C). Thoroughly coat a 10-inch (25.4 centimeters) bundt pan with butter and dust with flour, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Create a uniform dry ingredient mixture and set aside.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, uniform texture. Blend in pure vanilla extract.
5. Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain cake’s delicate texture.
6. Transfer batter into prepared bundt pan, using a silicone spatula to evenly distribute and smooth the surface.
7. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, rotating pan halfway through cooking time. Test doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center; it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
8. Simultaneously prepare butter glaze by combining unsalted butter, granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring continuously.
9. While cake remains warm, puncture multiple holes using a wooden skewer or fork. Slowly pour warm glaze over cake, allowing it to seep into created channels.
10. Let cake rest in pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving this decadent Southern delicacy.

Notes

• Moisture Magic: This cake’s unique butter glaze creates an incredibly moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth with rich, buttery goodness.
• Temperature Tip: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and a perfectly even cake texture.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: The cake stays wonderfully moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Bundt Pan Brilliance: A well-greased bundt pan ensures the cake releases smoothly and maintains its beautiful shape.
• Glaze Game-Changer: Poking holes allows the butter glaze to penetrate deeply, infusing every bite with extra flavor and moisture.
• Southern Comfort Serving: Enjoy this cake slightly warm or at room temperature, potentially topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 458 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.8 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg