Kentucky Butter Cake is an old-fashioned, rich, and buttery pound cake that’s incredibly moist and flavorful. What makes this cake truly special is the buttery vanilla glaze that soaks into the warm cake, creating a tender crumb with a deliciously crisp outer crust.

This classic Southern dessert is perfect for any occasion—holidays, potlucks, or just a simple treat with a cup of coffee. Plus, it gets even better the next day as the flavors develop!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Buttery – Loaded with real butter for the best flavor.
Moist & Tender – The buttery glaze keeps it extra soft.
Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples make this easy to whip up.
Better with Time – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Butter Glaze:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan, making sure to coat all the crevices to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top.
2. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Butter Glaze

1. While the cake is cooling, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Add sugar and water, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Soak the Cake with Glaze

1. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or toothpick.
2. Slowly pour the butter glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
3. Let the cake sit in the pan for 15-20 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
2. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream and berries.

Baking Tips & Variations

How to Ensure a Perfect Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps create a smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of tender.
• Grease the Bundt pan well – This cake is delicate, so proper greasing helps with an easy release.

Variations

• Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter.
• Spiced Version: Mix in 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for a warm flavor.
• Bourbon Butter Cake: Replace 2 tablespoons of water with bourbon in the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Milk Instead of Buttermilk?

Yes, but for the best results, make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

How Do I Store Kentucky Butter Cake?

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 1 week in the fridge.
• Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I Make This Cake in a Regular Cake Pan?

Yes! You can bake this in a 9×13-inch pan for about 40-45 minutes instead of a Bundt pan.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky Butter Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert with a rich, buttery crumb and an irresistible glaze. It’s perfect for any occasion, and best of all, it gets even more delicious with time!

Try it today and enjoy a true Southern classic!