Kentucky Butter Cake: The Southern Dessert Everyone Falls in Love With

There’s something profoundly nostalgic about a Kentucky Butter Cake the golden crumb, the rich buttery aroma filling the kitchen, and that silky glaze seeping through every bite.

This old-fashioned Southern treasure has stood the test of time because of its simplicity and irresistible flavor. It’s a cake that doesn’t need frosting, decoration, or extravagance; its beauty lies in its buttery richness and tender texture that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re baking for a Sunday dinner, a special occasion, or just because you crave comfort, this Kentucky Butter Cake promises to deliver pure joy with every forkful.

What Makes Kentucky Butter Cake So Special?

This cake isn’t just another pound cake. The secret lies in the warm buttery glaze that’s poured over the cake right after baking.

The glaze seeps deep into the crumb, infusing every inch with moisture and sweetness. The result is a dense yet delicate texture with a crackly, sugary crust on the outside and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior.

Unlike typical cakes, Kentucky Butter Cake doesn’t rely on frosting or cream it shines on its own, gaining more flavor and moisture as it rests overnight. That’s why many bakers (including us) prefer to make it a day ahead it tastes even better the next day.

The Perfect Ingredients for the Ultimate Kentucky Butter Cake

To achieve that iconic balance of texture and flavor, each ingredient plays a crucial role. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Southern Butter Cake.

For the Cake:

• 1 cup butter, cubed at room temperature – Butter is the heart of this recipe. It gives the cake its signature richness and tender crumb. Use real, high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
• 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps create that golden crust.
• 4 large eggs – Add structure, moisture, and richness.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – For a deep, aromatic flavor that complements the butter perfectly.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cake’s texture.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Provides just enough lift for a dense yet fluffy crumb.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Ensures a perfect rise and even texture.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Adds tanginess and keeps the cake ultra-moist.

For the Butter Glaze:

• ⅓ cup butter – Rich and smooth, it’s the base of the glaze.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Melts into the butter, creating a sweet syrup.
• 2 tablespoons water – Helps dissolve the sugar and thin out the glaze.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Infuses the glaze with warmth and depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake

Follow these steps to bake the most luscious, perfectly golden Kentucky Butter Cake that will make your kitchen smell like heaven.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Generously grease a 10-inch bundt pan with butter or shortening, making sure every curve and crevice is coated. Dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking. A well-prepared pan ensures the cake releases beautifully after baking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer with the paddle attachment), combine butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and buttermilk.

Start mixing on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then increase to medium speed for about 3 minutes. The batter should become thick, creamy, and pale yellow.

Pro Tip: Don’t overmix this can make your cake dense instead of tender.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan and smooth out the top.
Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
The top should be a rich golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 4: Make the Butter Glaze

While the cake is baking, prepare the vanilla butter glaze.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter, sugar, water, and vanilla.

Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely but do not boil. You’re looking for a silky, glossy syrup that smells absolutely divine.

Step 5: Glaze the Cake While Warm

When the cake comes out of the oven, poke small holes all over the surface using a skewer, chopstick, or thin knife. Slowly pour the warm glaze evenly over the hot cake while it’s still in the pan.
The glaze will soak into the holes, creating that signature buttery richness throughout every bite.

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before inverting it onto a serving plate.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Here’s the secret to greatness let the cake rest overnight. Cover it tightly and allow the flavors to meld. The next day, the texture will be even more tender and the taste richer than ever.

Serving and Storage Tips

Slice your Kentucky Butter Cake into thick, generous portions. Each slice glows with buttery perfection and pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh berries and whipped cream
• A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce
• A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for longer storage just make sure to wrap them well to lock in moisture.

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• Keto Scones

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	514 kcal
Sugar	47.1 g
Sodium	296.3 mg
Fat	23 g
Carbohydrates	71.4 g
Protein	6.2 g
Cholesterol	118.5 mg

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)

Why You’ll Love This Kentucky Butter Cake

• Unbelievably moist: The buttery glaze locks in moisture for days.
• Simple ingredients: Everything you need is already in your pantry.
• No frosting needed: The glaze doubles as both flavor and decoration.
• Perfect for any occasion: From holidays to casual gatherings, this cake never disappoints.
• Better the next day: The flavor deepens as it rests a rare quality in cakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a classic recipe can go wrong if rushed. Here’s how to ensure success:

1. Don’t skip greasing the pan properly. A bundt cake’s design makes it prone to sticking.
2. Avoid overmixing the batter. It can make the cake dense and chewy.
3. Pour the glaze while the cake is warm. This allows it to soak evenly into the crumb.
4. Be patient before removing from the pan. Let it cool completely to prevent breakage.
5. Use real butter. Margarine won’t deliver the same flavor or richness.

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FAQs About Kentucky Butter Cake

Expert Tips for Perfect Texture

• Room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and buttermilk blend more smoothly, creating a better crumb.
• Low and slow baking: The lower temperature ensures even cooking without drying out the edges.
• Don’t rush the glaze: The sugar must fully dissolve for the right syrupy texture.
• Rest overnight: The key to achieving that moist, velvety texture is patience.

A Timeless Southern Classic

The Kentucky Butter Cake is more than a recipe it’s a tradition passed through generations. It embodies everything we love about Southern desserts: warmth, simplicity, and indulgence.

Each slice tells a story of family gatherings, handwritten recipes, and the comfort of homemade sweetness.

This is the kind of cake that earns compliments, requests, and memories. One taste, and it’s easy to see why this classic remains one of the most cherished desserts across America.