Kentucky butter cake with a moist glazed crumb

Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky butter cake is a classic buttermilk Bundt cake with a tender vanilla crumb and a warm butter-sugar sauce that soaks into every slice.

Kentucky butter cake with a moist glazed crumb

Kentucky Butter Cake

A moist vanilla buttermilk cake soaked with a warm buttery sugar sauce for a rich, tender crumb and crisp glazed crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar for the butter sauce
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cubed, for the butter sauce
  • 1/4 cup water for the butter sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract for the butter sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube or Bundt pan thoroughly.
  2. Beat the softened butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a thin knife around the outer edge and center tube, then invert the cake onto a wire rack set over waxed paper.
  6. For the butter sauce, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and the water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla.
  7. Poke holes over the warm cake with a skewer. Slowly spoon the warm butter sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in before adding more.
  8. Let the cake cool and absorb the sauce before slicing.

How to Keep Butter Cake Moist

Add the sauce while the cake is still warm and pour it slowly so it can soak into the holes instead of running off the surface.

Similar Posts

  • Blackbottom Strawberry Banana Cream Pie

    This easy blackbottom strawberry banana cream pie recipe is packed with incredible flavor and simple to prepare. Perfect for family meals or special occasions! This easy blackbottom strawberry banana cream pie recipe is packed with incredible flavor and simple to prepare. Perfect for family meals or special occasions! Tips for the Best Blackbottom Strawberry Banana…

  • Homemade Cheese Steak Subs

    This easy homemade cheese steak subs recipe is packed with incredible flavor and simple to prepare. Perfect for family meals or special occasions! This easy homemade cheese steak subs recipe is packed with incredible flavor and simple to prepare. Perfect for family meals or special occasions! Tips for the Best Homemade Cheese Steak Subs Pre-heat…

  • Easy Cheesy Breadsticks

    Delicious homemade Easy Cheesy Breadsticks recipe, easy to prepare and full of flavor! Delicious homemade Easy Cheesy Breadsticks recipe, easy to prepare and full of flavor! Tips for the Best Easy Cheesy Breadsticks Pre-heat & Prep: Always gather all ingredients before cooking easy cheesy breadsticks. Flavor Adjustment: Adjust seasoning to taste near the end of…

  • Surf and turf burritos

    This easy surf and turf burritos recipe is packed with incredible flavor and simple to prepare. Perfect for family meals or special occasions! This easy surf and turf burritos recipe is packed with incredible flavor and simple to prepare. Perfect for family meals or special occasions! Tips for the Best Surf and turf burritos Pre-heat…

  • FRESH APPLE CAKE RECIPE

    Delicious homemade FRESH APPLE CAKE RECIPE recipe, easy to prepare and full of flavor! Delicious homemade FRESH APPLE CAKE RECIPE recipe, easy to prepare and full of flavor! Tips for the Best FRESH APPLE CAKE RECIPE Pre-heat & Prep: Always gather all ingredients before cooking fresh apple cake recipe. Flavor Adjustment: Adjust seasoning to taste…