This Kentucky Butter Cake is a true Southern classic—tender, rich, and soaked with a sweet buttery sauce that keeps every bite moist and full of flavor. It’s the kind of cake that needs no frosting, no extras—just a slice and maybe a cup of coffee. It’s buttery, vanilla-kissed, and gets better by the day!
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, potluck, or just because… this cake is always a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Cake
🧈 Ultra-moist and flavorful. The rich butter sauce seeps into every bite.
🎂 No frosting needed! The sauce is the showstopper.
⏳ Even better the next day. This cake actually gets more flavorful over time.
🥣 Simple pantry ingredients. No fancy tools or techniques required.
👩🍳 Perfect for beginners. Foolproof and absolutely delicious.
What Does Kentucky Butter Cake Taste Like?
Think pound cake—but softer, richer, and soaked in a warm, buttery vanilla-almond glaze. The edges are just slightly crisp from the sauce soaking in, while the center stays plush and melt-in-your-mouth soft. The almond extract gives it a signature Southern twist that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
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1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup buttermilk
For the Butter Sauce:
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1 cup sugar
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½ cup (1 stick) butter, cubed
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¼ cup water
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1½ teaspoons almond extract
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1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
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10-inch tube pan (greased and floured)
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Large mixing bowl
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Electric mixer
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Saucepan
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Toothpick or skewer
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Wire cooling rack
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Waxed paper or parchment paper
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake
Step 1: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing just until combined after each addition.
Step 2: Bake
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Smooth the top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently loosen the edges with a knife and invert onto a wire rack set over waxed paper.
Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
Step 4: Soak the Cake
While the cake is still warm, poke holes in the top with a skewer or toothpick. Spoon ¼ cup of the sauce over the cake. Let it soak in.
Repeat this twice more, allowing the cake to absorb all the buttery goodness.
Then, poke holes into the sides of the cake and brush the remaining sauce along the edges.
Let the cake cool completely. (It gets even better as it rests!)
Tips for the Best Butter Cake Ever
✔ Room temperature ingredients mix better and give a smoother batter.
✔ Don’t skip the soaking! The sauce is what transforms this from good to legendary.
✔ Let it rest. This cake tastes even better on Day 2!
✔ Use high-quality extracts for the best flavor payoff.
✔ Store covered at room temp. It stays moist for days.
What to Serve With Kentucky Butter Cake
🍓 Fresh berries and whipped cream
☕ A hot cup of coffee or sweet tea
🍨 A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream
🍷 A dessert wine or spiked eggnog (holiday vibes!)
Storage Instructions
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Room Temp: Keep covered for up to 5 days
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Fridge: Store tightly wrapped for up to 1 week
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Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp.
Final Thoughts: A Classic Worth Baking Again and Again
Kentucky Butter Cake is the definition of Southern comfort baking—simple, old-fashioned, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that becomes a family tradition after the first bite. Moist, rich, and dripping with buttery vanilla sauce… what’s not to love?
If you make it, let me know how it turned out! 📸 Tag a pic, share a slice, and pass the recipe on. 💛
More Southern Favorites to Try:
🍋 Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake
🥧 Classic Chess Pie
🍌 Southern Banana Pudding