why make this recipe
Kentucky Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Its sweet, buttery flavor and moist texture make it a favorite for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a simple afternoon treat. This cake is easy to make and requires basic ingredients you likely have on hand. Plus, the glaze adds a delicious finish that soaks into the cake, making it irresistibly good.
how to make Kentucky Butter Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by combining 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon almond extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the cake is done, let it cool for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan.
- Poke holes in the cake with a skewer and pour the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
how to serve Kentucky Butter Cake
This cake is perfect on its own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for brunch or dessert.
how to store Kentucky Butter Cake
To keep your Kentucky Butter Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be wrapped securely in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
tips to make Kentucky Butter Cake
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a lighter cake.
- If you want a more intense flavor, let the cake sit overnight after glazing; the flavors will meld beautifully.
variation
For a chocolate twist, you can replace a cup of flour with cocoa powder. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for texture and flavor. Another variation is to use different extracts, like lemon or coconut, to customize the taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pan?
Yes! If you don’t have a Bundt pan, you can use a regular cake pan or muffin tins. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cake holds up very well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store it properly.
3. What can I do if I don’t have almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can simply omit it or replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract for a delicious flavor.

Kentucky Butter Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by combining butter, sugar, water, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the cake is done, let it cool for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan.
- Poke holes in the cake with a skewer and pour the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.