I have years of experience making this traditional Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe in my home kitchen. My Baking Addiction brings you the classic Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe.
Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, moist pound cake soaked in a sweet butter sauce. I made this Kentucky Butter Cake to share comfort, warmth, and deep Southern flavor with my family.
The main specialty lies in its buttery crust and tender crumb created by soaking the cake in the warm sauce. I will now show step-by-step how to prepare this Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe from scratch using simple ingredients and time-tested baking techniques.
About This Recipe
Kentucky Butter Cake is a traditional Southern dessert known for its rich, buttery taste and moist texture. The cake combines ingredients such as buttermilk, flour, sugar, eggs, and softened butter, creating a tender crumb.
After baking, a warm butter sauce made from butter, sugar, water, almond, and vanilla extracts is poured over the hot cake, soaking deeply into the layers. This process gives the cake a sweet, silky finish that enhances every bite.
The preparation is straightforward, making it accessible for home bakers. This Kentucky Butter Cake delivers comforting flavors that bring warmth and satisfaction to any gathering.
How To Prepare Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe?
To make this Kentucky Butter Cake perfectly, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process. Clear instructions and helpful tips will ensure great results every time.
I’ve included a list of kitchen tools that make baking easier, but don’t worry if you don’t have them all. Use what you have, and enjoy creating this rich, buttery cake!
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American (Southern Classic)
Yield: 12
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Bundt pan
- Small saucepan
- Cake tester or toothpick
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 teaspoons rum (or substitute with rum extract or vanilla extract)
For the Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup butter, cubed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1½ teaspoons almond extract
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease and flour a Bundt pan, making sure to cover all the crevices to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—this takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Proper creaming is key to the cake’s texture.
4. Add the Eggs & Flavoring
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the rum (or your extract of choice). Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
5. Combine with Dry Ingredients & Buttermilk
Add the flour mixture to the batter in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is incorporated—don’t overbeat.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Butter Sauce
While the cake is baking, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and water over medium heat. Cook until the butter is melted and the sugar is mostly dissolved, but do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in the almond and vanilla extracts.
8. Soak and Cool
When the cake is done, leave it in the pan and poke holes all over it with a skewer or toothpick. Slowly pour the warm butter sauce over the cake while it’s still hot. Allow the cake to soak and cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Facts Of Kentucky Butter Cake
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Carbohydrates | 63g |
| Sugars | 44g |
| Protein | 5g |
Why It’s A Favorite Among Dessert Lovers?
Kentucky Butter Cake is a favorite among dessert lovers because of its irresistible combination of rich butter flavor and moist, tender crumb.
The warm butter sauce poured over the cake adds a luscious sweetness that soaks into every bite, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
This cake strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort, making it both satisfying and memorable.
Its classic Southern roots and timeless appeal keep people coming back for more, turning it into a beloved dessert for family gatherings and special occasions alike.
Health Benefits
Beyond its rich taste, Kentucky Butter Cake offers benefits that come from using real, wholesome ingredients. The buttermilk helps add moisture and tenderness while providing important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which support strong bones.
The natural sugars in the recipe provide quick energy, making it a good pick-me-up dessert. Using real butter instead of processed fats means you’re getting natural fats that aid in vitamin absorption.
Baking this cake at home also encourages mindful eating and creativity in the kitchen, which can reduce stress and promote a sense of accomplishment.
My Tips For Success
1. Always use butter and eggs that have been brought to room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend smoothly, resulting in a creamier batter and a softer cake texture.
2. Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing can develop gluten, making the cake dense and tough instead of light and tender. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
3. Measure your flour accurately by gently spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour will dry out the cake.
4. After baking, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the cake’s surface before pouring the butter sauce. This allows the sauce to seep deeply into the cake, keeping it moist throughout.
5. Check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and active. Old leavening agents can cause the cake not to rise properly, affecting the texture.
6. Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before adding the butter sauce. Pouring the sauce on too hot or too cold cake can cause it to slide off instead of soaking in.
7. Once the sauce is added, allow the cake to rest and absorb the flavors for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the butter sauce fully penetrate the cake, making every bite rich and delicious.
Amazing Serving Ideas
Kentucky Butter Cake tastes wonderful served slightly cooled, letting the buttery glaze soak in perfectly. Pair it with a generous spoonful of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a tangy contrast.
Seasonal fruits like peaches or raspberries add a fresh, natural sweetness. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup enhances the flavors without overpowering the cake.
Enjoy it alongside a warm cup of chai or herbal tea to balance the richness. For a simple, elegant look, sprinkle a few toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans on top before serving to add texture and flavor.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftover Kentucky Butter Cake properly, first let the cake cool completely to room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
Store the wrapped cake in the refrigerator if you plan to keep it for more than two days; it will stay fresh for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the cake by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
FAQs about Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds acidity that reacts with baking soda to create a tender, moist cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a substitute.
What type of pan is best for baking this cake?
A Bundt pan is recommended because its shape helps hold the butter sauce and allows the cake to bake evenly, creating a beautiful presentation with ridged edges.
How should I store Kentucky Butter Cake after baking?
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to three days to maintain moisture. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly, for up to a week.
Is there a gluten-free option for this cake?
You can try substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, so it may require some adjustments.
Can I use rum extract instead of real rum in the recipe?
Yes, rum extract is a great alcohol-free alternative that still provides the rich flavor that complements the cake’s buttery profile.
Should the butter sauce be poured hot or cooled onto the cake?
Pouring warm butter sauce over the hot cake allows the sauce to soak deeply, making the cake moist and flavorful. Pour slowly to ensure even absorption.
Personal Touch Or Story
Kentucky Butter Cake has been part of my family for years, passed down from my grandmother’s kitchen. I remember watching her pour the warm butter sauce over the freshly baked cake, filling the house with an inviting aroma.
Baking this cake today brings those memories alive and connects me to my roots. Sharing it with friends and family always sparks joy, making it more than just a dessert—it’s a heartfelt tradition.
Conclusion
This easy and delicious Kentucky Butter Cake was truly a joy to make and even more enjoyable to share. The rich, buttery flavor and moist texture made every slice worth the effort.
After baking, the sweet glaze soaked in beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. I enjoyed every moment, from mixing the batter to the final bite.
Try it soon and make it your own you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is. Bake it once, and it may become your new favorite treat.
More Butter Cake Recipes You’ll Love
Warm Butter Cake Recipe [Rich, Soft, and Buttery]
Traditional Butter Cake Recipe
Classic Southern Paula Deen Gooey Butter Cake
Erin French Butter Cake Recipe | Moist And Buttery
Butter Cake Mastro’s Recipe (Copycat)
Kentucky Butter Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Bundt pan
- Small saucepan
- Cake tester or toothpick
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 teaspoons rum or substitute with rum extract or vanilla extract
For the Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup butter cubed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1½ teaspoons almond extract
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease and flour a Bundt pan, making sure to cover all the crevices to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Cream the Butter & Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—this takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Proper creaming is key to the cake’s texture.
Add the Eggs & Flavoring
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the rum (or your extract of choice). Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Combine with Dry Ingredients & Buttermilk
- Add the flour mixture to the batter in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is incorporated—don’t overbeat.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Butter Sauce
- While the cake is baking, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and water over medium heat. Cook until the butter is melted and the sugar is mostly dissolved, but do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in the almond and vanilla extracts.
Soak and Cool
- When the cake is done, leave it in the pan and poke holes all over it with a skewer or toothpick. Slowly pour the warm butter sauce over the cake while it’s still hot. Allow the cake to soak and cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Kentucky Butter Cake
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Carbohydrates | 63g |
| Sugars | 44g |
| Protein | 5g |
Hi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.