Kentucky Butter Cake

This Kentucky butter cake is rich, buttery, and soaked in a sweet vanilla glaze that keeps every bite soft and moist. Simple ingredients and an easy recipe make this classic cake perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family desserts.

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This Kentucky butter cake is soft, rich, and drenched in a buttery vanilla glaze that soaks into every bite. It bakes into a golden, moist cake with a sweet, crackly crust. The simple ingredients come together fast, making it perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm or chilled, and watch it disappear.

Making this cake is easy with the step-by-step photos and directions below. We also share pro tips and tricks to help you get the best results. Plus, we answer the most frequently asked questions so you can bake with confidence.

This moist butter cake bakes in about an hour and comes out rich, buttery, and soaked in a sweet vanilla glaze. The crackly crust and moist center make every bite irresistible, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a weekend treat.

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this classic, just a few pantry staples and a bundt pan. The glaze seeps into the cake while it’s warm, making it extra soft and packed with flavor.

What you'll need to make this easy butter cake recipe:

For The Cake:

• 2 cups of sugar  
• 4 eggs  
• 1 cup of salted butter, softened to room temperature  
• 2 teaspoons of rum extract  
• ½ teaspoon of butter extract  
• 1 cup of buttermilk  
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour  
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder  
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda  

For The Glaze:

• ¾ cup of sugar  
• ⅓ cup of salted butter  
• 3 tablespoons of water  
• 2 teaspoons of rum extract  

Make your butter cake your own with easy swaps and tasty extras! A few simple changes can take this classic to the next level. Try these fun substitutions and additions:

• Substitute vanilla extract: Swap it for almond or rum extract to give the cake a deeper, nutty, or warm spiced flavor.
• Use brown sugar: Replace half the white sugar with brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like sweetness in the cake and glaze.
• Add chopped nuts: Fold in pecans or walnuts for a little crunch and extra flavor in every bite.
• Substitute whole milk: Use half-and-half or heavy cream for a creamier texture and even more richness.
• Mix in warm spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to bring cozy, spiced flavor to this classic cake.
• Drizzle extra glaze: Double the butter glaze for an even more moist and buttery cake.

Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips to make the best butter cake recipe. We’ll guide you through every step, from mixing the batter to pouring the buttery glaze. Let’s get started and bake this rich, sweet cake!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and lightly flour a 10-inch bundt pan. Set aside. 

SECOND STEP: In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar, eggs, butter, rum extract, butter extract, and buttermilk. Using a handheld mixer on the highest speed setting, cream together for two minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. 

THIRD STEP: Add flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Turn the hand mixer down to medium-low speed and continue to beat together until no streaks of the flour mixture remain. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

FOURTH STEP: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Place it into the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes.

FIFTH STEP: Remove the cake from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes.

SIXTH STEP: While the cake is cooling, make the glaze. In a medium saucepan, over medium-low heat, add the sugar, butter, water, and rum extract.

SEVENTH STEP: Whisk together, stirring often, until the mixture is melted together and combined. Watch it closely and remove it from the heat just before it begins to bubble.

EIGHTH STEP: Set aside a third of the butter mixture in a small bowl. Pour the remaining sauce over the cake while still in the pan.

NINTH STEP: Once all of the sauce soaks into the cake, carefully turn the bundt pan over onto a serving dish. Drizzle the remaining glaze over the top of the cake before serving. 

This butter pound cake recipe works for any occasion, from cozy nights to big celebrations. Serve it warm or chilled, and enjoy every buttery bite! Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:

• Perfect for holidays and potlucks: This rich, buttery cake makes a crowd-pleasing dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family gatherings. The sweet glaze keeps it moist for days. Serve it at an adult gathering with a buttery nipple shot or a mug of spiked hot chocolate for a festive treat.
• A sweet weekend treat: Bake this cake on a lazy weekend for a simple, satisfying dessert. It pairs perfectly with pumpkin ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy a slice with a warm mug of coffee or homemade latte.
• Great for birthdays and special celebrations: Dress up this cake for a party with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of hot fudge sauce. Add a scoop of cookie dough ice cream or a side of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

This best butter cake recipe has been a longtime favorite with our readers, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, packed with rich flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s why this buttery cake keeps people coming back for more:

• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is already in your pantry, so no last-minute store runs.
• Easy to Make: Just mix, bake, and pour the warm glaze over the cake—no complicated steps required.
• Rich and Buttery: The sweet, buttery glaze soaks in, creating a moist texture with a deliciously crackly crust.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it for birthdays, holidays, or just because—it always disappears fast.
• Great Make-Ahead Dessert: This cake stays moist for days, making it an ideal treat to bake in advance.

This is the kind of recipe that turns into a family tradition. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again!

Why is my kentucky butter cake dry?
If your cake turned out dry, it likely baked too long. Check it a few minutes early with a toothpick.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt to keep the flavor balanced.

Why didn’t my cake absorb the glaze?
If the glaze didn’t soak in, the cake may have cooled too much. Pour the glaze while the cake is still warm.

Can I make kentucky butter cake in a different pan?
Yes, but baking time will change. A bundt pan works best, but a 9x13-inch pan bakes faster, so watch closely.

Why did my cake stick to the pan?
Grease and flour your bundt pan well, or use baking spray with flour to help the cake release cleanly.

Can I double the glaze for extra moisture?
Yes, doubling the glaze makes the cake even more buttery and moist. Just pour it slowly so it fully absorbs.

Should I serve kentucky butter cake warm or cold?
Both ways taste great! Serve it warm for a soft, buttery bite or chilled for a firmer, dense texture.

Can I add toppings to kentucky butter cake?
Yes! A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel, or a dollop of whipped cream adds extra sweetness.

What’s the best way to slice kentucky butter cake?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut. This keeps the slices neat and prevents crumbling.

Can I serve kentucky butter cake for a special occasion?
Yes, it’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, and potlucks! The rich, buttery flavor makes it a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Should I let the cake sit before serving?
Yes, let the cake cool slightly so the glaze fully absorbs. This makes the texture soft and buttery in every bite.

Can I serve kentucky butter cake with ice cream?
Absolutely! A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream melts into the warm cake for an extra rich dessert.

Follow the storage directions, tips, and tricks below to keep the best butter cake fresh and delicious. Whether making it ahead or saving leftovers, these steps help maintain its buttery texture and rich flavor.

Can I make kentucky butter cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake a day in advance and let it fully cool. Store it covered at room temperature until ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftover kentucky butter cake?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a longer shelf life. Wrapping it in plastic wrap will help to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze kentucky butter cake?
Yes, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to three months for best freshness.

How do I thaw frozen kentucky butter cake?
Let the cake thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or overnight in the fridge, before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat kentucky butter cake?
Warm individual slices in the microwave for ten to fifteen seconds or heat the whole cake in a 300°F oven for ten minutes.

Can I reheat kentucky butter cake in the microwave?
Yes! Heat a slice in ten-second bursts until warm. Be careful not to overheat, or the glaze may melt too much.

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Kentucky Butter Cake

This Kentucky butter cake is rich, buttery, and soaked in a sweet vanilla glaze that keeps every bite soft and moist. Simple ingredients and an easy recipe make this classic cake perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family desserts.

Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!

5 from 29 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Cake, Dessert, Desserts

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 10

Calories 606 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Cake

• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup salted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons rum extract
• ½ teaspoon butter extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Glaze

• ¾ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup salted butter
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons rum extract

DIRECTIONS

 

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and lightly flour a (10-inch) bundt pan. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, add sugar, eggs, softened butter, rum extract, butter extract, and buttermilk. Using a hand mixer on the high speed setting, cream together the wet mixture until it is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes.
• Add flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Continue to beat together on medium-low, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed until the mixture is combined and no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter or it will yield a tough cake.
• Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Place in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Remove the bundt cake from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes.
• While the cake is cooling, make your sauce by adding a medium saucepan over medium-low heat to the stovetop. Add sugar, butter, water, and rum extract. Whisk together stirring often until the mixture is melted together and combined. You don’t want this sauce to boil so watch it carefully and remove it from the heat right before it begins to bubble.
• Once the sauce has been removed from the stovetop, reserve ⅓ cup in a small bowl. Pour the remaining sauce over the cake while still in the bundt pan.
• Once the cake has soaked up all of the sauce, carefully turn the bundt pan over onto a serving dish. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the top of the cake before serving.

Notes

• The ingredients will be easiest to combine if everything is at room temperature. If you have time bring the butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature before you begin.
• Be careful not to overmix the cake batter or your cake will be tough.
• To check that the cake is done, insert a toothpick. It should come out clean.
• You can serve this delicious cake right away, but it will taste even better if you let it rest overnight before tucking in the next day.

Nutrition

Calories: 606kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 56g | Vitamin A: 891IU | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 2mg

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