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Delicious slice of Kentucky Butter Cake with buttery glaze and cake texture.
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Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake is a delightful and moist dessert with rich vanilla flavor and a buttery sauce that soaks into the cake, making it incredibly tender and irresistible.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: buttery dessert, Easy Cake Recipe, Kentucky Butter Cake, moist cake, vanilla flavor
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

For the cake

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour for a perfectly structured cake
  • 2 cups granulated sugar to add sweetness and depth
  • 1 tsp baking powder for the perfect rise
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda for lightness
  • 1 tsp salt to balance the sweetness
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to ensure tenderness
  • 4 large eggs for richness
  • 1 cup buttermilk to impart moisture and flavor
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract for that aromatic touch

For the buttery sauce

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar for the sauce
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter for the sauce
  • 3 tbsp water for the sauce
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the sauce

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  • Grease and flour a bundt pan generously.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add the butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla to the dry ingredients, and beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.

Baking & Saucing

  • Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • While the cake bakes, combine the sugar, butter, and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium until melted, then stir in the additional vanilla extract.
  • Once out of the oven, leave the cake in the pan. Use a skewer to poke holes throughout the cake, then pour the warm buttery sauce over it.
  • Let the cake rest for at least 30 minutes before inverting onto a plate.

Notes

Don't rush the cooling process; this allows the cake to soak in the buttery sauce for rich flavor. Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to three days. Experiment with flavors by adding citrus zest, spices, or replacing some buttermilk with sour cream.