Kentucky Butter Cake is a slice of Southern nostalgia, rich with both flavor and tradition. The cake has earned its reputation as a timeless comfort food, beloved for its dense, moist crumb and golden, buttery sweetness that seems to melt in your mouth. When served, it has a warm, inviting presence, its delicate, sugary glaze adding a perfect finishing touch that makes each bite feel like a celebration. Often shared during family gatherings, special occasions, or just on a quiet afternoon with a cup of coffee, this cake holds the warmth of home and a sense of Southern hospitality in every forkful. With each decadent bite, you taste the heart of Kentucky’s culinary legacy, where simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary, and the flavors seem to carry whispers of history and tradition.
Kentucky Butter Cake
Ingredients
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ white sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Collect all the necessary ingredients. Make sure to have everything measured and ready before you begin preparing the recipe. This will ensure a smoother cooking or baking process.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan. This step ensures that the cake will bake evenly and easily release from the pan once it's done. Proper preparation of the pan helps prevent sticking and gives the cake a smooth, professional finish.
- Prepare the cake: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the buttermilk, butter, eggs, and vanilla, and mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes. Once the batter is smooth and well-blended, pour it into the prepared Bundt pan. This step ensures the ingredients are fully incorporated and helps create a light, fluffy texture in the finished cake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This ensures the cake is fully cooked and allows you to check for any raw batter in the middle. If the toothpick comes out with moist batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- As the cake nears completion, prepare the butter sauce: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, water, and vanilla over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, being careful not to let it come to a boil. This creates a rich, flavorful glaze that will soak into the cake, adding moisture and sweetness.
- Remove the cake from the oven and, while it’s still warm, use a fork or skewer to prick small holes across the surface. Gradually pour the butter sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. This helps the sauce absorb deeply into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before removing it. This resting period helps the cake set and makes it easier to release from the pan without breaking or sticking. It also gives the butter sauce time to fully absorb into the cake.
- Enjoy! Take a moment to savor the rich, buttery flavor and moist texture of the cake. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed solo, this treat is sure to bring comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
