My addiction to Kentucky butter poke cake recipe began long ago when I first saw this classic treat prepared in a small Southern kitchen on a late-night cooking show.
The moist crumb, rich cream cheese blend, and generous buttery glaze drew me in instantly. That moment inspired me to recreate the cake at home using the same ingredients listed above.
The main specialty lies in the way the warm glaze sinks into every pocket, creating deep flavor through the entire pan. Now I’m ready to show step by step how I prepare this beloved Kentucky butter poke cake recipe.
Kentucky Butter Poke Cake Recipe
This Kentucky butter poke cake recipe offers a rich, tender texture soaked in a sweet, creamy glaze that melts through every layer.
The flavor leans buttery, soft, slightly tangy from the cream cheese, and gently warm from vanilla and almond. The cake starts from a yellow mix blended with cream cheese, eggs, and buttermilk, giving a moist base.
The topping uses more cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, milk, and extracts, creating a smooth glaze that sinks into the warm surface. Sliced almonds add a pleasant crunch that balances the soft interior and sweet finish.
How To Prepare Kentucky Butter Poke Cake Recipe?
To make this Kentucky butter poke cake recipe turn out perfectly, we’ll go through every step carefully. I’ve shared simple instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process.
A few kitchen tools can make it easier, but don’t worry if you don’t have them all. Using what you have, you’ll still end up with a moist, buttery, and irresistibly flavorful cake.
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American / Southern
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Toothpick or skewer (for poking holes)
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box Betty Crockerâ„¢ Super Moistâ„¢ Yellow Cake Mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (half an 8-oz block)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Filling & Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1½ cups sliced almonds
- 1â…” cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch pan in oil or line it using parchment. Place the cake mix, softened cream cheese, eggs, and buttermilk in one bowl and beat until you have a smooth, uniform mixture.
2. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick pushed into the center comes out clean.
3. Take the pan from the oven and let the cake sit for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes across the surface, spacing them roughly an inch apart.
3. Blend the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and vanilla. Mix until the texture is loose enough to pour; add a small splash of milk if needed.
4. Slowly pour the warm filling over the cake, aiming to let it run into the holes. Spread gently so it sinks in. Scatter the sliced almonds across the surface and press lightly so they stick.
5. Allow the cake to cool fully, and then place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour so the filling settles. Cut and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes: For extra almond flavor, toast the sliced almonds before adding them. The cake tastes even better the second day as the filling soaks in. You can swap almond extract for more vanilla if you prefer a milder flavor.
Nutrition Facts Of Kentucky Butter Poke Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Protein | 5g |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Kentucky butter poke cake recipe because it delivers an incredibly moist and tender cake that soaks up a rich, creamy glaze, making every bite indulgent.
The subtle tang of cream cheese blends beautifully with buttery sweetness, while almond and vanilla extracts add a delicate depth of flavor. The sliced almonds on top create a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft, luscious interior.
This Kentucky butter poke cake recipe is simple to follow, uses familiar ingredients, and produces a dessert that feels homemade, comforting, and irresistibly rich.
Why My Recipe Works
My Kentucky butter poke cake recipe works because the batter stays moist and tender from the addition of cream cheese and buttermilk, which enrich the yellow cake mix.
Poking holes while the Kentucky butter poke cake recipe is warm allows the buttery, sweet filling to sink deeply, creating consistent flavor throughout.
The creamy topping blends smoothly with powdered sugar, milk, and extracts, coating the cake evenly. Sliced almonds add texture and a subtle nutty flavor that balances the richness.
Every element is designed to ensure the cake stays soft, flavorful, and indulgent from first slice to last.
My Favorite Ways To Serve It Up
My favorite ways to serve Kentucky butter poke cake recipe include cutting it into squares and placing each piece on a dessert plate. I like adding a spoonful of whipped cream on top to enhance the creamy flavor.
Fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries provide a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet, buttery cake.
A light drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce adds extra richness, while the toasted almonds on top give a pleasant crunch. Serving it slightly chilled helps the glaze set perfectly and makes each slice easier to enjoy.
When To Serve
Kentucky butter poke cake recipe is best served after chilling for at least one hour, allowing the creamy filling to set and soak into the cake.
It can be enjoyed slightly chilled for a refreshing texture or brought to room temperature for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Serve Kentucky butter poke cake recipe as a dessert after dinner, at afternoon gatherings, or during celebrations where a rich, comforting sweet treat is welcome.
The cake holds its shape well, so it can also be pre-sliced for parties, potlucks, or holiday meals, making serving easy and visually appealing.
Expert Tips
1. Using fresh cream cheese, real butter, and pure vanilla and almond extract makes a noticeable difference in flavor and richness. Avoid margarine or imitation extracts.
2. Baking is precise. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to keep the cake texture consistent. Too much flour or too little liquid can dry the cake.
3. Whip cream cheese until completely smooth before adding to the batter. Small lumps can affect the cake’s tenderness.
4. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and bake in the center rack. Rotate the pan halfway if your oven bakes unevenly, ensuring the cake rises evenly without overbrowning.
5. Wait until the cake is warm but not hot. If too hot, the filling might slide off; if too cool, it won’t absorb properly.
6. When adding the cream cheese filling, drizzle in stages and spread gently to allow it to sink into the holes. This helps every slice have the right amount of creaminess.
7. After pouring the filling and adding almonds, let the cake chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This sets the filling, balances sweetness, and improves slicing without making it messy.
Additions
➤ Chocolate chips or chunks: Fold ½ to 1 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate into the cake batter before baking. This adds pockets of melted chocolate in every slice and enhances richness.
➤ Coconut flakes: Mix a handful into the glaze or sprinkle on top with the almonds. The slight chewiness and tropical flavor balance the sweet, buttery glaze.
➤ Fresh berries: Add blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries on top after pouring the glaze. They provide a refreshing tartness against the creamy sweetness.
➤ Caramel drizzle or butterscotch sauce: Lightly drizzle over the glaze before the almonds set to deepen flavor and give a professional bakery look.
➤ Chopped pecans or walnuts: Swap some almonds for pecans or walnuts for a nuttier, earthy taste.
Storage Instructions
Store the Kentucky butter poke cake recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and moist. It will stay good for up to 4–5 days.
Before serving, allow it to come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor. For longer storage, the cake can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and sprinkle the almonds on top fresh if they lose crunch during storage.
FAQs About Kentucky Butter Poke Cake Recipe
Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a mix?
Yes, you can use a homemade yellow cake batter. The key is keeping it moist so the filling seeps into the holes properly.
Do I have to use almonds?
No, sliced almonds add texture and flavor, but you can substitute with pecans, walnuts, or leave the nuts out entirely.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for 4–5 days.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What is the best way to serve it?
Serve chilled for a firmer filling or at room temperature for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. A drizzle of caramel, whipped cream, or fresh berries enhances the presentation.
Conclusion
This Kentucky butter poke cake recipe is truly delicious, and every time I make it, it brings joy to anyone I serve. I enjoy preparing it for special gatherings or even a simple treat at home, knowing it will be loved by everyone.
I have shared my easy method step by step to help others recreate this moist, buttery, and flavorful dessert without any hassle.
Making it has become a favorite tradition, and I hope you will try Kentucky butter poke cake recipe, enjoy the rich flavors, and delight in serving it to friends and family.
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Kentucky Butter Poke Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Toothpick or skewer (for poking holes)
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box Betty Crockerâ„¢ Super Moistâ„¢ Yellow Cake Mix
- 4 oz cream cheese softened (half an 8-oz block)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Filling & Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 1½ cups sliced almonds
- 1â…” cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch pan in oil or line it using parchment. Place the cake mix, softened cream cheese, eggs, and buttermilk in one bowl and beat until you have a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick pushed into the center comes out clean.
- Take the pan from the oven and let the cake sit for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes across the surface, spacing them roughly an inch apart.
- Blend the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and vanilla. Mix until the texture is loose enough to pour; add a small splash of milk if needed.
- Slowly pour the warm filling over the cake, aiming to let it run into the holes. Spread gently so it sinks in. Scatter the sliced almonds across the surface and press lightly so they stick.
- Allow the cake to cool fully, and then place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour so the filling settles. Cut and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Kentucky Butter Poke Cake Recipe
Calories: 380 | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Carbohydrates: 50g | Sugar: 37g | Protein: 5gHi! 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.