Kentucky Butter Cake – Moist, Buttery & Irresistible
Introduction
This Kentucky Butter Cake is a true Southern classic. Imagine a tender vanilla pound cake baked to golden perfection, then soaked with a luscious butter sauce that seeps into every crumb. The result? A moist, melt‑in‑your‑mouth cake with a sweet, buttery flavor that keeps people coming back for seconds. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy family dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist & rich: The butter sauce ensures every bite is flavorful.
Classic Southern dessert: A timeless recipe with nostalgic charm.
Crowd‑pleaser: Perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Make‑ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day as the sauce soaks in.
Ingredients
For the Cake
3 cups all‑purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 cup milk
1 tbsp white vinegar (or lemon juice, to sour the milk)
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Butter Sauce
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
¼ cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Stir vinegar into milk to create buttermilk. Alternate adding dry mixture and milk to the butter mixture until smooth.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 55–65 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Make Butter Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter with sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Step 7: Soak Cake
While cake is still warm, poke holes in it with a skewer. Slowly pour butter sauce over cake, letting it soak in.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Cool completely before slicing. Serve plain or with whipped cream and berries.
Tips & Tricks
Don’t skip the sauce: It’s what makes the cake moist and flavorful.
Bundt pan prep: Grease thoroughly to avoid sticking.
Flavor twist: Add almond extract or rum to the sauce.
Storage: Wrap tightly; cake stays moist for up to 5 days.
Variations
Lemon Butter Cake: Add lemon zest to batter and sauce.
Chocolate Drizzle: Pour melted chocolate over cooled cake.
Holiday Spice: Add cinnamon and nutmeg for festive flavor.
Mini Cakes: Bake in mini bundt pans for individual servings.
Serving Ideas
Serve with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
Pair with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence.
Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day after the sauce soaks in.
Q: Can I freeze Kentucky Butter Cake?
Absolutely—wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use buttermilk instead of milk + vinegar?
Yes, it’s a perfect substitution.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12–14
Final Thoughts
This Kentucky Butter Cake is buttery, moist, and unforgettable—a true classic that deserves a spot in your recipe collection. With its rich flavor and simple preparation, it’s the kind of cake that turns ordinary moments into sweet celebrations.