Kentucky Butter Cake

Indulge in the rich, buttery decadence of a classic Kentucky Butter Cake—a timeless dessert that’s as moist as it is flavorful. This old-fashioned bundt cake is made with pantry staples like buttermilk and vanilla extract, creating an ultra-tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The magic lies in the luscious butter glaze, which is poured over the warm cake, seeping into every bite and infusing it with irresistible sweetness. Perfect for celebrations or a simple dessert, this cake delivers unmatched comfort and nostalgia with minimal effort. Serve it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly unforgettable treat.

Nutriscore Rating: 38/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons water
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and generously grease and flour a bundt pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition.

Step 6

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

While the cake is baking, prepare the butter glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the water, 0.25 cup of unsalted butter, and 0.5 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Remove the glaze from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Set aside.

Step 10

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Do not turn the cake out yet.

Step 11

Using a skewer or toothpick, poke small holes all over the top of the cake while it is still in the pan.

Step 12

Slowly and evenly pour the warm butter glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.

Step 13

Let the cake cool completely in the pan to allow the glaze to fully absorb.

Step 14

Once cooled, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Slice and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1671.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5826.9

Total Fat 272.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 163.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 1418.5mg	0%
Sodium 3289.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 796.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.8g	0%
Total Sugars 514.3g
Protein 71.5g	0%

Vitamin D 324.9IU	0%
Calcium 509.1mg	0%
Iron 21.0mg	0%
Potassium 1074.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.4%

Protein: 4.8%

Carbs: 53.8%