A golden Kentucky butter cake bundt with a glossy butter glaze, sliced to show a tender crumb, with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Kentucky butter cake is rich, buttery, and so tender it practically melts in your mouth. The best part is the warm butter glaze that soaks into the cake and makes every slice taste extra moist. This is a cozy, classic bundt cake that feels perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a simple weekend treat.
Introduction
If you want a cake that’s easy but tastes like you worked really hard, Kentucky butter cake is your answer. It’s a simple batter, a quick bake, and then you pour on a buttery glaze while the cake is still warm.
The standout trick is poking tiny holes in the cake before adding the glaze. That helps the glaze soak in instead of sitting on top. Trust me, don’t skip that step… it’s why the cake stays so moist.
This cake is also a fan-favorite because it travels well. It’s sturdy enough for parties, but still soft and tender inside.
Why You’ll Love This Kentucky Butter Cake
- Ultra-buttery and moist: The warm glaze soaks into every bite.
- Easy bundt cake: Simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps.
- Perfect for gatherings: Great for potlucks, holidays, and celebrations.
- Stays fresh: Keeps moist for days.
- Cozy and classic: Sweet vanilla-butter flavor everyone loves.
Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake
Cake
- All-purpose flour (3 cups) – structure; spoon and level.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups) – sweetness and tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon) – lift.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) – balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup) – rich flavor; room temp helps it cream well.
- Eggs (4) – structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) – warm flavor.
- Sour cream (1 cup) – keeps cake extra moist; plain yogurt works too.
- Milk (1/2 cup) – smooth batter; whole milk is richest.
Butter Glaze
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup) – the star.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup) – dissolves into a syrupy glaze.
- Water (3 tablespoons) – helps melt sugar.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – cozy flavor.
Helpful note: Grease the bundt pan really well. Bundt cakes love to stick if you rush that step.
Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe Step-by-Step
- 1. Preheat: Heat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 10–12 cup bundt pan very well.
- 2. Whisk: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- 3. Cream: Beat butter and sugar 3 minutes until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well each time. Mix in vanilla.
- 4. Mix: Add dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with sour cream and milk, mixing on low just until combined. Batter will be thick—this is good.
- 5. Bake: Spoon batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- 6. Cool: Cool in the pan 10–15 minutes, then turn out onto a plate.
- 7. Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with sugar and water, stirring until sugar dissolves (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- 8. Soak: Poke small holes all over the warm cake with a skewer. Slowly spoon the warm glaze over the cake, letting it soak in. Let the cake cool before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Kentucky Butter Cake
- Grease the bundt pan thoroughly so the cake releases cleanly.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added—mix just until combined.
- Bake low and steady (325°F) for a tender crumb.
- Glaze while the cake is warm so it soaks in.
- Let it cool before slicing for the cleanest slices.
Variations & Substitutions
- Lemon butter cake: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the batter.
- Almond: Swap 1 teaspoon vanilla for almond extract.
- Mini bundts: Bake in mini bundt pans (time will be shorter; start checking at 18–22 minutes).
- Lighter: Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Leftovers: Toast slices lightly and top with berries for a cozy dessert.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
Fridge: Store covered at room temp 2 days, or in the fridge up to 5 days.
Reheat: Warm slices 10–15 seconds in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.
Freezer: Freeze slices tightly wrapped up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Fresh berries and whipped cream
- Coffee or tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Slice for potlucks and parties
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Reader Review: This cake stayed moist for days and the glaze is unreal. Everyone asked for the recipe after one bite.
If you make this Kentucky butter cake, please leave a rating and comment. Are you serving it plain or with berries?