Anytime I mention this recipe to someone, I get hit with the same two questions: What is a Kentucky butter cake? And what does it taste like? A Kentucky butter cake is light, fluffy, and baked in a tube pan. It tastes similar to a cake donut, but when you infuse it with the glaze, it becomes a super buttery, ultra-moist cake to die for. It’s so good, in fact, that it requires no icing at all, just that beautiful glaze. I usually plate it up with some whipped cream and fresh berries. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also looks gorgeous. 😍
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake
Make the Cake
Prep the Tools – Preheat the oven to 300°F/150°C. Then generously grease a tube or bundt pan with cooking spray and set aside.Cream Butter and Sugar – Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar at high speed with a stand or handheld mixer until it’s fluffy and looks white, about 5 minutes. (Photo 1)Add Eggs – Stir in the eggs, a little at a time, and beat the mixture well between each addition. (Photos 2-3)Dry Ingredients – Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the batter. (Photo 4)Finishing Up – Next, add the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined but not overmixed. Scrape down the mixing bowl’s sides. (Photos 5-6)Pour the Batter into the greased tube cake pan. Tap the pan on the work surface to remove any large air bubbles. (Photo 7)Bake – Then put it in the oven and bake at 300℉/150℃ until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on your oven, it will probably take 65 minutes or a little longer.Cool – Remove your cake from the oven and set it aside.
Glaze the Cake
Heat the Ingredients – Add sugar, butter, water, salt, and bourbon in a small saucepan. Heat it on low until the butter melts, stirring occasionally, but don’t let it boil. (Photo 8)Add Vanilla – Next, take the mixture off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Save about ⅓ cup of glaze for brushing the outside of the cake.Soak the Cake – Poke holes into the cake with a skewer. Then spoon most of the syrup over the top of the cake (but not down the sides), so it can soak in.Chill – Then, let the cake cool for 15 -20 minutes.Final Stretch – After cooling, invert the cake onto a serving plate.Glaze Cake – Brush or glaze the outside of the cake with the remaining glaze.Cool – Finally, let it cool and serve with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries, if desired.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
Because it’s infused with glaze, Kentucky butter cake tastes even better the day after you bake it, believe it or not. So, yes! Make this cake the day before you serve it! You can also freeze this cake, whole or sliced, for up to three months. So if you want to make it even further ahead of time, just freeze it in an airtight container, then thaw it in the fridge the night before serving.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Serve Kentucky butter cake after it’s completely cooled. Store it covered (I like putting it in a cake carrier) on the countertop at room temperature for three days. If you prefer this cake chilled, you can always store it in the fridge for up to a week if it lasts that long. If you prefer your cake just a tad warm, heat up individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
What to Serve With Kentucky Butter Cake
Definitely consider topping this cake with some homemade whipped cream and fresh fruit. It’s a beautiful pairing. 🥹 Maybe some candied pecans and homemade caramel sauce too? I vote yes. Oh, and don’t forget to serve it with a luscious drink. I’m thinking of a hot chai tea latte or some homemade eggnog. Yum! Whatever you go with, I’m sure it will be delish.
More Delectable Dessert Recipes to Try
Conclusion
You now have what you need to make a simple yet surprisingly unique cake that is wonderfully moist and buttery. Do you have a favorite moisture-infused cake recipe? I’d love to hear what it is in the comment section below.
Watch How to Make It
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