Go Back
Homemade Kentucky Butter Cake photo

Kentucky Butter Cake

This Kentucky Butter Cake is a rich, moist Southern classic soaked in a sweet buttery glaze that’s utterly irresistible!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Southern
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric Mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Cooling rack
  • Saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup butter for glaze
  • 3/4 cup sugar for glaze
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla for glaze
  • 3 tablespoons water for glaze

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
  • Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air for a lighter texture.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • While baking, prepare the glaze by combining 1/3 cup butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and 3 tablespoons water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
  • Remove cake from oven and cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Poke holes all over the top with a fork or toothpick, then pour the warm glaze evenly over the cake to soak in.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake texture.
  • Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness in the cake.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Keyword Butter Cake, Cake, Easy, Glazed, Southern