Kentucky Butter Cake
This Kentucky Butter Cake recipe is CRAZY moist, buttery and coated with a sweet buttery sauce that crusts the outside and soaks into the cake making it amazing for days. What you get is a stunning, sweet, buttery, soft cake that is as perfect on its own as it is topped with strawberries and whipped cream!
This Kentucky Butter Cake is officially-officially my most favorite vanilla pound cake.
I have to classify my favorites like that…I can’t just say “favorite cake”, because that’s quite the tall order. I don’t even really know if I could pick a favorite cake of all the cakes.
MY OTHER RECIPESBut this is definitely the winner of the Official Pound Cake Category. Let me explain why…
First, Kentucky Butter Cake is easy to make. Second its flavor is simple and buttery and vanilla-ish. Third its texture is perfection. And fourth…the MOST important part of this cake…is it’s topped with a RIDICULOUS butter/sugar/vanilla sauce that soaks into the cake while also leaving it crispy and sweet on top. It’s like a giant glazed cake doughnut, only better. Better because the cake absorbs so much of the sauce making it dense sweet and really unique. I am in love love love.
Serving Tip
I am going to tell you this Kentucky Butter Cake is better the second day. And even the third day too. And I never say that!
Don’t get me wrong, if you can’t wait, go ahead and eat it the day you make it…but I am telling you…if you can plan ahead at all let this cake take a nap overnight. You will be rewarded.
How to make Kentucky Butter Cake
The batter goes together in a snap…
And here’s the thing. The bundt pan… you will need to HEAVILY grease this guy. The cake needs to cool completely in the pan after you pour the sauce on top. So get out your Crisco or butter and give the pan a healthy slather. Then dust it with a layer of flour for extra help.
I have never had very good luck with the sprays for my bundt cakes. I feel like I have tried them all, but if you have had good luck with a baking spray, go ahead and use that. I just want to stress you need a good grease on this pan before you pour your batter in!
Once it’s baked poke some holes all over the Kentucky butter cake and whip up your sweet butter sauce.
Pour it all over the warm cake…
Allow the bundt cake to cool completely in the pan so the sauce has time to soak in. It will set up on top…
When it’s time, flip that gorgeous lady out of the pan and pray to the bundt gods all goes well. You will have to loosen the cake at it’s edges with a butter knife to help the process along.
Oh and dusting it with powdered sugar not only makes it pretty, but helps hide any imperfections in the cake.
Then slice it and try your hardest not to groan when you take a slice.
The bottom, that was once the top, with the crackly butter sauce is MY LIFE.
Also, if you’re looking for more bundt cake recipes, I have tons! Bundt Cakes have quickly become a favorite of mine!
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PinIngredients
Cake
- 1 cup butter, cubed at room temperature (I use and love Challenge Butter)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
Butter Glaze
- 1/3 cup butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F/165°C
- Grease a 10″ bundt pan with butter or shortening very liberally. Dust the pan with flour and set aside.
- Place all the cake ingredients in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low for 30 seconds and then increase the speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 65-75 minutes until a toothpick entered into the center comes out clean.
- When the cake is done make the glaze. Combine all ingredients into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Do not bring to a boil.
- Poke holes all over the warm cake using a knife and pour the glaze evenly on the cake while still in the pan.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan and then invert the cake onto a serving plate.
- I actually like to make this cake a day in advance, finding it to be more moist and flavorful when it rests overnight.
Notes
recipe very lightly adapted from all recipes
Keywords: butter, sugar, cake, bundt cake, vanilla cake, pound cake
Helpful Tip… Out of buttermilk? Here’s a great buttermilk substitution!
You Might Also Like These Recipes:
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Wow. Just wow! I NEED this in my life immediately – it looks AMAZING!!
Is the butter unsalted. Thanks
use salted, but it’s really a personal preference!
Can I use the batter for mini bundt cakes?
sure!
OK. I found your blog through a tweet of an link on Klout about your Bombshell Oreo Brownies. While there, I saw a link to this post in your sidebar. And, since I go by “KentuckyGal” sometimes, I figured I should subscribe to your feed as well.
Now I just have to figure out how to double the size of the garden, because I’m going to need the extra workouts to work off all this baked yumminess!
★★★★★
So glad you found me!!
Can this cake be made using a hand mixer?
sure!
Can you freeze it
Yes of course!!
What is the best way to freeze this cake? Would you pour on the glaze before or after freezing?
I would pour it on after. It will get sticky as it thaws.
Can I use low-fat buttermilk?
sure!
That was my question. THANKS!!!
Can you make this recipe as a sheet cake? If so, any tips on maintaining moistness?
Yes and I have also used a loaf pan, The med size makes 3 , great for sharing.
I don’t have a paddle attachment. Will it be okay to use the regular metal attachments with my stand mixer?
Yes! Just don’t over mix it 🙂
My Grandmother made a dish called steam pudding, the ingredients for it and this cake are very similar, except that
after you mix up the batter you steam it in a double boiler. The saucer is the same. I’m going to try this cake to see if it tastes like steamed pudding, because if it does, it will make sharing the decadence that my gma passed down a lot easier!
Good Morning your Grandma recipe sounds very good would you post it or sent it to me Thank you Karen.
Silly question, but what if you don’t have a Bundt pan? Would a loaf pan work as well?
Yep, you might need to divide the batter into 2 though!
Does the Kentucky Butter cake need to be refrigerated?
★★★★★
Mine was on the counter for three days with no ill effects. And this cake is to die for!
This cake was Awesome! So glad my sister found it. My only question is about the color of the cake. Mine did not come out nearly as light. It was more brown. Didn’t affect the flavor, just not as pretty. I wondered why.
Jeanette,
Mine came out brown too! I thought I’d done something wrong but I’m sure it’s still delicious.
baking soda will turn it brown.
You may need to adjust your temperature that you cook it at. Some ovens cook faster than others. So I’ve learned to take the temp down with bundt cakes so it doesnt cook too quickly!
Mine came out not a white too and it doesn’t have anything to do with over cooking. It’s not brown like over cooked. I’m thinking maybe it’s from the vanilla. I know there is a clear vanilla which I don’t have. Still taste awesome though.
I used clear vanilla and still got a brown cake. Didn’t affect quality. Yum.
Mine too! It was no where near that cream color. More golden actually. Thought I did something wrong. It still tasted great however!
Are we supposed to bake it covered?
I heard the darker the cake pan, the darker the cake. I’m going to try an aluminum angel food cake pan.
Do I sift the flour?
Nope, you don’t have to!
I want this with a cup of coffee! Looks so good!
This looks like the best bundt cake EVER! So moist with the addition of that glaze, I’d take a slice for breakfast right now!
I will move to Kentucky if I can eat this cake every day!
This looks so good, dying for a slice! 🙂
I havn’t made it yet , but I will probably add RUM to it !!
holy cow. Going to the store to get buttermilk right meow. Looks amazing!
you can make butter milk with your regular milk and add lemon juice to
it give it a few minutes to curdle and wha la
“Voila,” not “wha la.”
Just trying to help, not criticizing.
It’s onion, not Anion. (Think she knew what she was saying.)
Unnecessary!
or vinegar. That’s how I do it.
or vinegar!
Join the discussion
Or, you can buy dry buttermilk-I think I got mine at WM. Comes in a round container similar to cocoa.
U can make your own buttermilk. Rey easily. Take a cup of milk add a teaspoon of lemon or vinegar to it wait a couple minutes wa-la u have buttermilk. I do it this way all the time now. I use lemon over the vinegar but I know u can do it both ways.
ahh, that looks AMAZING! =)
This recipe was a winner in the Pillsbury Bake-Off at least 35 years ago. I used to make it constantly but have forgotten about it. Thanks for posting it. It’s a WONDERFUL cake.
★★★★★
wondering if you can i cant believe its not butter:D
Nope, sorry!
Shelly, Do you use salted or unsalted butter? Thanks! Cant wait for your book to come out!
I use salted 🙂
Shelly
Can I use whole milk instead of buttermilk??
Thanks
An easy trick to make buttermilk is to add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup and then fill the rest up until you reach one cup. Let it sit for a few minutes and voila! Buttermilk!
It’s in the oven!!!
awesome!! hope you like it!!
Hi, for some reason I cannot see the ingrediants??? any way I can get them please? THANK YOU!
The recipe should be at the bottom of the post before the comments… if for some reason there is a glitch and you still can’t see them click on the print recipe button and the full recipe will open in a new window!
Can you suggest a cooking time if I were to use a mini bundt pan?
Thank you!!
I would start it at 30 and go from there… checking every 5-10 minutes.
Have you tried using sugar instead of flour when greasing your pan? I have done that before on other things and it gives a more caramel-y crust. I just wonder how that would work with this cake… Maybe I just need to try it!
OMG! I never thought of using sugar instead of flour. Do you use granulated sugar or powder sugar?
Powdered sugar works really well
i use granulated sugar on all my pound cakes and it turns out great!
Aargh! Is already in the oven… i should of read these comments first!
I always use sugar when making cakes depending on type of cake use granulated or 10 X. . Same with rolling and cutting cookies…always use 10 X sugar instead of flour! Been baking over 55 years and works like a charm!
What is 10x sugar?
It is regular powdered sugar, also goes by the name Confectioners Sugar
I always use sugar instead of flour for dusting bunt pans… granulated!
I always use the sprays with no problem BUT, do not spray the pan until you are right ready to pour batter into pan. I learned this through trial and error.
great tip!
Can you use self rising flour?
I have never used self rising for this recipe, but if you do omit the salt, baking powder and baking soda. Let me know how it turns out!
Mine was a flop,it tasted OK,but I greased and floured my pan like crazy, and it still came out in chunks,i wouldn’t make this again, to many wasted ingredients
My cake was beautiful…pulled away from pan but, I added that glaze and that did it. The cake was cemented to the pan. What a waste of time.
If that happens, just stick the cake in the oven at it’s lowest setting for a few minutes. It won’t bake the cake but it will melt the dried glaze a bit and let the cake release cleanly. You can also just take a hair dryer to the sides and bottom for a bit. Works like a charm.
Before removing cake from pan take a butter knife slide around side and middle tube. Place a plate over cake pan and invert, let sit couple minutes, remove cake pan. This method work well
★★★★★
So, your first time baking ? This recipe came out perfect for me and have to say my family thought it awesome.
★★★★★
I always use sugar too. It make a chocolate look beautiful. Flour leaves leaves the looking dusty and dry.
Yes, yes and yes! THAT butter glaze has me weak at the knees!
Pound cakes are my favorite cakes and this one sounds divine, but I was wondering can I use self-rising flour?
Not really for this cake…it would change the texture.
Thanks Shelly. I always wondered about why some cakes called for AP flour and some SR flour and you’ve answered my question. Now I’m off to the store, so I can make this cake today. Wish me luck.
Self rising flour contains leavening agents and salt already in it.. so since my recipe calls for additional salt and a combo of baking soda and powder you would have some trouble I think 🙂
If you used self rising and omitted the baking soda, powder and salt you would have better luck, but it wouldn’t be quite the same.
I tried the self rising flour and omitted the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It came out very dense. Taste is ok but the texture is very different.
please can you send it to my e-mail as i am on fb and i really want to make it .thank you .
I copy all the recipes I like and email them to myself. I have a Recipe folder in my email. It makes them really easy to find, just don’t forget the recipe name in the subject line.
Just took mine out of the oven….YUMMO! I add buttered rum flavoring to it 🙂
Did you add the rum to the cake or the glaze or both?
I’m looking forward to making this. It sounds wonderful. Not your ordinary cake, I’m sure.
This cake looks amazing!
Butter you use throughout this recipe, is it salted? or unsalted?
I used salted, but please feel free to use unsalted if you prefer.
Please email the Kentucky Butter Cake recipe. Thanks. Sounds great.
I don’t have a Bundt pan- do you have any suggestions for using any other type of pan? I have almost everything except a bundt! 🙂
This would be well worth you buying a bundt pan along with other ingredients. I have a feeling you’ll make this more than once and it simply is a great item to have in your kitchen anyway. Buy a Bundt!
I am going to use an angel cake pan. This way, I can just lift out the cake before I flip it over. It may not look as pretty as a bundt cake, but I’m sure it will taste as good.
This looks & sounds yummy! Would using regular salt make a difference?
If it’s table salt use a little less because kosher salt is coarser!
Question: how many cups does your bundt pan hold? I don’t have one, but I *do* have a tube pan. I do know that it’s larger than the bundt pan I had years ago, and I was wondering about the volume on your bundt pan?
It’s a 10″ bundt pan and it claims to hold 12 cups. I know a tube pan hold more… usually a 10″ tube will hold up to 16 cups, I believe.
Thanks so much!
That butter sauce looks amazing!
Have you ever tried it in a stone bundt pan? I don’t have a metal one just a stone one. Love it for other bundt cakes. Making this cake this week-end for a family get together.
I love pound cakes and this cake looks delish! My computer is not showing the ingredients and directions for the recipe. It shows the recipe, but there are just dots for the contents of the recipe. Could you send the recipe to my email address, if it would not be too much trouble. I have signed up to be on your mailing list. Im sure I’ll have fun cooking your recipes. Thank you.
That’s so strange! Try clicking on the “print” next to the recipe, which will bring the printable version up. You don’t have to print it..it might just be easier to read the ingredients!
No bunt pan any suggestions for alternative bakeware, thanks
I dont have a bundt pan can I use a regular 9×13 pan
You could, yes…you will just have to adjust the baking time. Start with 25 minutes and check it from there…
Can I use self rising flour instead of all purpose for this cake
no, use all purpose with the additional baking powder and soda
This cake is indeed moist and delicious-but my glaze was brown/tan, not white as pictured. The vanilla extract colored it…Wondering why glaze in photo is white/ clear?
★★★★★
It’s probably just the lighting of the picture…mine was a little white/tannish in real life.
Do I have to adjust the time baked when using a tube pan? My bundt pan is to small. It’s only 9″ wide.
★★★★★
I wouldn’t imagine you would need to..
Could you replace the water in the glaze with lemon juice do you think? This sounds delicious, but I love lemon and would like to make the glaze lemon if possible.
yes, absolutely!!
This looks so amazing! I love to bake cakes so I will be making this for sure. Unfortunately I can’t eat regular flour so I am going to try to make it with gluten free flour. Do you have any suggestions for making it gluten free? I have learned to add an extra egg and also to let the batter sit for about 15 to 20 minutes before baking.
Looking forward to giving this a try. The butter glaze sounds so good and that will help to moisten the sometimes dry side of gluten free baked goods.
Sounds yummy can u sub rum for the water In the glaze or is there any other suggestions on changing the glaze by using a different flavor or stronger vanilla extract
definitely lemon or any citrus would work great!
My mom made this cake when I was growing up. It’s fantastic! I pinned a similar looking cake awhile back that had a butter sauce poured over it. Instead of water, it was made with butter, sugar and white wine! I’ve yet to try it, but it sounds interesting. Lemon, rum or different liqueurs would be great!
★★★★★
Pam, I was wondering how this turned out with gluten free flower and an extra egg. A friend just shared this recipe with me and I would love to share this at my next book club meeting, but 2 members are celiac and I need to use gluten free flour. I would also like to use coconut suger instead of white sugar and was wondering if you had experimented with alternate suger sweeteners. Thanks in advance for your input. Also, I’m a baking newby so any tricks (like adding the extra egg) is MOST appreciated!
Is it possible to make this cake using a hand mixer??
sure!
Hi Shelly, I was wondering if i could use a sugar sustitude? I love baking and i always use splenda or some other low sugar sourse.. thx u!!
I am not very familiar with sugar substitutes, but I imagine if you follow the rules for the sugar baking substitutes it will work!
I traded a teaspoon of vanilla for a teaspoon of butter extract. Oh my word! I’m about to burn my tongue on the glaze!
I made this with a gluten free all purpose flour (cup4cup) and turned out really good, the syrup stuff didn’t soak so well in the cake but think it may be because it is GF but still taste good. Thanks for the recipe.
★★★★★
Looks fantastic! Do you have any adjustments for high altitude? I’m at about 9,000 ft! TY :))
There are no eggs in this recipe, can this be correct?
There are 4 eggs in the recipe…they are listed with the other ingredients.
Did you use the softened butter for greasing the pan or for the cake. I’m not a baker but this recipe sounds pretty easy.
I actually used shortening, but if you choose to use butter, yes have it slightly softened. If it’s too soft it will be a huge old mess!
Hi Shelly, I use utter but left it out as I took nap. the cake batter looks whipped almost. Will the butter being all the way melted mess up the taste of the cake?
oh yes girl. I made a variation of this cake years ago…Its amazing! I totally forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder!
★★★★★
If I want to make it today and take it for Sunday lunch tomorrow, do I need to store it in the refrigerator overnight?
Nope!
Made this cake last night. Th cake is delicious, how ever I guess I did not cook the sugar long enough as it never made it to the bottom of the pan. But I will try again because I love the cake…
★★★★★
It mostly will sit on the bottom, but some should make its way to the top!
Oh. my. goodness. This cake looks awesome! I love the idea Marie had about using mini Bundt pans. I wonder how many “minis” it would make? I would hate to butter and flour the pans and then not need them all.
This looks so good. What is your opinion on making this with gluten free flour? I haven’t had anything so delicious looking since being diagnosed. I would love to make this.
I have had a few readers make it GF and they have said it turned out great!
You have butter listed in the recipe,I’m from the South. Even margarine is called butter here (lol),but I know there is a difference, did you use real butter or margarine?
real butter!
Mmmm..it looks very tasty!
I just made this cake and it is very yummy. I couldn’t wait until tomorrow to try it, and actually it is a tad warm still, LOL! A tip for using baking spray with flour is to spray pan really well and then go ahead a sprinkle flour in the pain really good as well. That has saved me. I did have one little spot that stuck with this cake even with doing that, but it was the sugar had not gotten quite loose yet. It is very delicate, soft and delicious!
★★★★★
Do I have to use buttermilk
It’s helpful for the texture, but if you don’t have buttermilk you can easily add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to your milk to create a homemade “buttermilk”
Just ran across this scrumptious looking pound cake on Pinterest. Wow, it looks yummy! I will definitely be making this sometime soon. Thanks for posting recipe.
i made this cake last night, and let it cool/soak overnight. i used butter and flour before pouring the batter into the mold. i cannot get it out. i used a butter knife around all of the edges. i have let it sit for a few hours, and it still doesn’t come out. HELP!
I a so sorry this happened to you! Sounds like the pan wasn’t greased enough maybe? Keep working that knife around the edges…
If you have this problem again try putting the cake back in a warm oven for a few minutes. Then let it cool for a few minutes after taking it out. Then try to remove the cake.
The cake tends to stick to the pan if you allow it to cool in the pan too long.
I just took mine out of the oven. Smells amazing! Can I leave it out overnight to rest or put it in the refrigerate ?
Leave it on the counter!! 🙂
after adding the glaze, should i keep it on the counter for next day or put it in the fridge?
I keep mine at room temperature 🙂
please tell me how I can use margarine. My family doesn’t use butter I want to make this for my husband for our anniversary. thanks
You could use it in this recipe, but I am afraid I can’t tell you if it would taste the same. Sorry!
Sharon I hear this from a lot if people and I can’t help but say that butter is far healthier than margarine and so must tastier. Do google the difference for yourself.
Do you think you could make 2 large loaf pans with this recipe instead of a Bundt Cake pan?
yes for sure!!
I understand leaving this in the pan to cool completely. If I’m serving it the next day, do I take it out the day I bake it or wait until the day I serve it?
either way… once it’s cooled it won’t matter. But honestly I always remove it 🙂 Hope that helped!
Thank you. ????
How can this recipe be adjusted for high altitude?
Is that powdered sugar sprinkled on top or just the amazing glaze?
I sprinkled extra powdered sugar on top to make it pretty!
Oh! My!!
Just indulged in my first buttery, rich, sweet morsel!
Delightful and addicting!
Oh, the future possibilities!
GLORY!
Charlotte
Using your tube pan will work. I actually have one that I use for extra large bundt cakes. I keep another for Angel cakes. They say that you should never bake any fat in a pan you will be using for Angel Food. My mother in law taught me that 30 years ago and I just always did it.
Can I divide the recipe and make it in loaf pans?
sure!
Just wondering if coconut flour would work with this?
I just bought my first bag of coconut flour to play around with…so I can’t answer your question.If you do try it out I’d love to hear your results!
Can you use regular salt?
sure, just use 1/4 teaspoon less or so, as kosher salt is coarser!
and leave to the guy to have as his first thought on this scrumptious temptation:
skip the water in the glaze.
Use a good Kentucky bourbon instead! (and while were at it – double it!)
★★★★★
great idea!!
Why is it necessary to leave in pan till it cools? I always take my cakes out pretty quick after removing from over.
I thought my butter was pretty soft but after beating for 3 minutes, there were small pieces of butter in the batter. It looked different than a batter where the butter and sugar gets creamed first….is that right?
It will be totally fine!!
Shelly can I use 1/2 granulated sugar and 1/2 brown sugar for the glaze? Will I still get the sugary crust?
sure!
Can I just use a cup of whole milk in place of the buttermilk?
you could…the texture will be slightly different.If you want to create a homemade buttermilk add in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to your milk!
Looks yummy can I use cake flour instead of all purpose? Just curious
I don’t think that would be an issue!
Does this cake need to be stored in the refrigerator?
I don’t store it in the fridge, no.
I just made this cake and I don’t know what I did wrong, but as it was baking, it swelled up in the pan and ran all over my oven! I grabbed a baking sheet to put on the rack underneath and just let it finish baking. My whole house smells like burnt sugar! I took pictures, but don’t see a way to send them to you. It’s like my pan was too small, but it is just an ordinary bundt pan that I use for all my bundt cake recipes and never had this happen. The only thing I can think I did that wasn’t strictly by the recipe was mixing it 1-2 minutes longer than it called for. Did I whip too much air in? I even banged the pan on the counter to get air bubbles out before baking. Anyone else have this problem?
The upside is, I enjoyed all the gooey chewy pieces of cake I chipped off the edge of the pan. I am sure it is going to be delicious—just not pretty!
★★
sounds like it might have been too small a pan.. you can email me the pictures!! cookiesandcups@live.com
Can u just use regular box cake-mix??
I believe a regular cake mix would be too spongey to withstand the syrup…but I would LOVE to hear your results if you try it!!
I made the cake today and it came out beautifully but I could never get the sugar in the glaze to dissolve. I made sure it didn’t come to a boil but I still think I cooked it too long. How can I get the sugar to melt without over cooking?
Constant stirring would be recommended 🙂
I normally put my baked bundt pan (with cake) in the sink with some water for 15 minutes and then the cake comes out no problem. Could I still do this after pouring the butter sauce on?
Thanks.
Yes for sure.. It might warm up the glaze a bit, but that won’t be a problem!
hi..can u plz tell me..wat can i use if i dont have bittermilk ryt now ? can it b substituted or must use buttermilk ?
If you add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk it will be the same!!
I have made this cake twice in less than a week!!! LOVE it. Everyone who tasted it wants it. Super easy and great. Making for my dad for father’s day cant wait to see his expression when he eats it.
★★★★★
Just finished putting the glaze on this cake! Can’t wait to cut into it tomorrow night.
*had a thought.. if you used the clear vanilla extract your glaze should be whiter.
Question on the glaze.. My color does not look like yours AT ALL wondering how you got the white, creamy color when vanilla would make it brownish.
Mine is cooling now, and I can’t wait to eat it!!!
Not sure! Don’t worry about the color though, it will look perfect when it’s done. I am assuming it must be the lighting in my picture!
This was amazing! Next time I will cook it for a little less time.. But all in all, everyone loved it!
★★★★★
I’m planning on making this cake today and serving it tomorrow. Should I remove it from the baking pan when it’s cool today or wait until tomorrow which is when I’ll serve it?
Either way! I always remove it, though 🙂
Thanks!
Thank you. I made this less than a week ago & had a hard time getting any left the next day. What was left, everyone agreed got better. I’m making it again now, substituting lemon extract for vanilla in the cake. I’m not sure yet if I should use lemon extract and lemon juice in the glaze or just use extract OR juice. Opinion?
I just made this is and it is fantastic. It is very moist, light and decadent.I didn’t have buttermilk, so I just used Greek yogurt instead. I served it with fresh strawberries and it was amazing.
★★★★★
Thank you for featuring this recipe. I am making it for Father’s Day on Sunday. The recipe (plus rum) is what won my Granny the Pillsbury Bake Off Contest… so it was fun to see on Pinterest!!! If she knew what Pinterest was she would be proud!
I love that!! I am so glad I found the recipe…what an amazing baker your Granny must have been 🙂
Thought about using dynamite to get the cake out of the pan. Nothing worked. Even tried freezing it..thought it might pop out by hitting it on the bottom. Did not. Guess I will serve it out of the bundt cake pan. I heavily greased it as instructed and floured it. Followed instructions exactly. Will not come out.
I just saw this cake on Pinterest and had to print it out! I will be making this tomorrow or Monday. It’s 100 degrees in Southern Cali, but I’m willing to turn on my oven for this yummy cake!
Well I saw this recipe a few days ago and had to try it, oh my goodness, took it out of the oven made the sauce and just took it out of the pan, yes it was a little difficult but I wanted to pass along a tip I have used with bundt cakes for years-Ball canning has a tool called a bubble releaser, long unbreakable, flexible that I run down the sides of the pan and also the center, I also use the spray with sugar on my pans and have found that’s the best for me.I hope this helps some of you out there who have had trouble getting cakes out of bundt pans.
I can’t wait till tomorrow when I serve this cake to my company
★★★★★
We have a family cake that is cooked in a bundt pan and also has a buttery syrup you pour on. My mom taught me to wait for 10 minutes after it is removed from the oven, turn it out onto a plate without removing the bundt pan (to release it) and turn it back upright in the pan and pour on the syrup. Helps with the sticking to the pan so much. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Great tip!!
I am trying to make this cake because it looks so delicious but I mixed all the items but it is so thick my hand help
I am trying to make this cake because it looks so delicious but I mixed all the items but it is so thick my hand held mixer won’t mix. Help. Thanks
I have never made it with a handheld mixer…try using a whisk if your mixer isn’t working.
I made this for Father’s day and it is scrumptious! One of the best cakes I have EVER tasted and so easy to make. I’m sure this is going to be one of my “go-to” recipes for potlucks and special occasions. Heck, it was so easy and delicious it might be a weekly occurrence.
I made this yesterday to take to the Father’s Day luncheon we had at the church today. Received compliments on it and some requests for the recipe. There was only a few pieces left over. I did not have butter so I used margarine. Since I didn’t know what it should taste like using butter, I didn’t have anything to judge by. However, I liked it, as well as my husband and my friends that ate a piece. I did have trouble getting it out until I worked with it a second time with a knife. It finally came out! I will be trying it again only I will try to have butter on hand.
★★★★★
I made this cake today and it is so good. I did not have buttermilk so I used heavy whip. Next time I will use buttermilk I want to see how it will taste I’m sure it will be great. The only think is I think the heavy whip made the cake darker but still good no great.
Just made this and not sure if can wait till tomorrow to eat it. So easy and came out perfect 🙂
Just made this wow looks great not sure if can wait a day 🙂
It’s in the oven now for a Father’s Day treat. My husband is from Kentucky but we live in Texas now! I can’t wait to taste it. Any ideas on how long it takes to cool completely?
★★★★★
about an hour!
I am 76 years young and have baked and devoured a lot of cake in my lifetime, but this is one of the best I have yet to taste and one of the easiest ones to make, it goes on the favorite list and at the top of that list as well. Let me know if anyone can wait until the next day to cut and eat this cake, sure won’t happen around this house!!
★★★★★
There was a link of your page on FB and thats how i saw your page. OMG this looks so delish i cant wait to try it.
Well, your rescipe just emigrated to Norway! I had to make it at once, its in the oven looking good!
if you cut the bitter down to a half of cup it will make it very light.
Hi,
can u tell me how much butter is a cup?
and can i back it in a silicon bundt cake pan?
thanks
8 ounces of butter is a cup. Or 1/2 pound. Also yes, you can, but it may effect the baking time.
I made this for Father’s Day dinner and it was a huge hit! The whole family asked for the recipe. Thank you so much Shelly for such an easy, delicious cake!
★★★★★
You’re welcome! SO glad you liked it!!
during my baking years I have learned many tips. Here is the best one for getting a cooled cake out of the pan looking beautiful. Turn your cake upside down and heat a wet kitchen towel in the microwave get it HOT, place it on the pan and wait for it to release. You may have to repeat the process a couple of times but it’s magic. Keep the cake on your cooling rack.
This is EXCELLENT 😀 soo good, to all of you who are wondering what it tastes like using margarine.. it is DELICIOUS.. you will love it. I would love to be able to afford butter but believe me, don’t let that hold you back from trying this cake 😀
★★★★★
I can’t wait to try this!!!!! Can it be made in a bread machine on the cake cycle? Just curious!!!!!
★★★★★
I honestly have no idea?! I have never used a bread maker!
I’m on my third round of this cake in a week. It is very simple to make with a very yummy end result. It was a hit at hubby’s work. I almost have the recipe memorized. By far the best tasting from scratch cake I have made. I am going to make this my go to cake for any happenings that require me to bring food.
★★★★★
YAY!!! This makes me SO happy!!
wondering about adding lemon zest to the cake and lemon extract instead of vanilla for the glaze? (Summertime means lemons to me for some reason!). Have you ever attempted a variation with the something other than vanilla?
That would be fantastic!!
What did I do wrong? My glaze did not seep in very far. Did I not poke the holes properly????
Thank you so much for posting this recipe! It’s in the oven now 🙂 and smells scrumptious! I can’t wait for my family to try it!!
I would like to know if I diced some peaches would the peaches sink to the bottom or would not recommend it.
What could I add other than pecans or walnuts?
Small diced peaches would be great!
Crud… I think I grabbed the wrong bunt pan and it’s at the top about spilling over… Any suggestions on containing the glaze?
Looks Amazing!!
Do you think you could substitute margarine for butter?
★★★★★
Thanks for the post! I’ve made this twice in the last week…it was THAT good…and easy! And thanks for the tip on buttering the bundt pan…I’ve always had trouble and obviously it was because I was relying on Pam. Your method is much better!
★★★★★
Is it Ok if the stand mixer doesn’t have a paddle…. instead has beaters?
yes that will be fine, just make sure not to overmix!
Kentucky Butter Cake / Will Kill Someone it is that Delicious!!
hahahahahah!
Hi Shelly!!
I’m so excited about making this tonight for our 4th party. I went out and bought all the ingredients and a new stand mixer. But I’m really fearful of making it now because I realized I didn’t see any recommendations for higher altitude.
I live in Denver at 5280 feet. Do you have any recommendations for a higher altitude. I would hate to mess this up!!!
Thank you so much!! I appreciate you taking the time to respond!!
★★★★★
I’m thinking that diabetics and low carbers can enjoy a version of this if they substitute their favorite sweetener (mine is Just Like Sugar, made from inulin/chicory root) for the sugar, almond and/or coconut flour for wheat flour, and Calorie Countdown and/or heavy whipping cream for the buttermilk. I’m definitely giving it a try.
★★★★★
I made this and had the same problem that a few others were having….it would not come out of the pan. I make bundt cakes frequently and use a heavy amount of Crisco to coat the pan and a light dusting of flour. I tried going around the edges with a knife and it still stuck to the pan and fell apart when I inverted it. I took it out of the oven 12 minutes earlier than your lower time and it was still a little overcooked. I also feel like there should be more of the glaze. I am going to serve it for a dinner party tomorrow night so I might slice it and make extra glaze to drizzle on it after it is sliced. I can’t serve it whole since it fell apart:(
★★★★
ok….I’m confused. How do you eat the cake a day in advance and find it’s moist after it sits overnight? A day in advance would mean you eat it before it’s even made. Makes me wonder how wrong the rest of the recipe is; especially after reading all the problems others are having with this cake. Maybe they should just eat it a day before they make it.
★
If you read #8 in the recipe it says I MAKE this cake a day in advance…not eat it. But thanks for your super helpful comment.
lol..you handled that much better than I would have.
★★★★★
I was skeptical because I like sweet desserts and pound cakes don’t usually cut it for me. I decided to make it for a family picnic and it is amazing. Looks great and it is sweet (but not overly), moist and rich! Thank you for the heads up about making sure the pan is sufficiently greased since I haven’t made many things in a bunt pan. I used another reviewers suggestion and used powdered sugar instead of flour after greasing pan with butter. I will be sharing this recipe for sure!
This is our new favorite cake!
I made it for the first time yesterday & it turned out great! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
This was so easy and amazing. And easy – I’ve never heard of a cake recipe that was so light maintenance that actually turned out. I did change it up a bit by putting some lemon zest in the batter and lemon juice in the glaze and it really kicked it up a notch! Thanks for this recipe. Was a big hit.
adding chocolate!! wish me luck!!
does no one read the Q & A’s? Repeats of previously asked questions… and Shelly is So SWEET she won’t say a thing.
I can hardly wait to try this. Thank you so much Shelly, Awesome site!
Hey,Jeanette how did the “adding chocolate” go?
★★★★★
I was thinking the same thing. Lot of the same ???’s over and over. Shelly sure is patient and wise. Best cake ever by the way.
This looks very good, going to try it this weekend. I am going to use cake flour which I use for all my cake baking. This recipe read like a 4, I hope it taste like a 5.
★★★★
Could you replace the water with good bourbon and make a butter bourbon glaze? I mean, any true Kentucky cake (or girl for that matter) has bourbon in it. I think that sounds amazeballs.
YESSSSS!
I’m in love! Thank you Shelly.
★★★★★
can you substitute anything for the eggs in this receipt ?
This is an amazing cake. I am about to make it for the fourth time in as many weeks. It is easy and foolproof too. I like the tip of using icing sugar instead of flour when greasing the tin. Thank you for sharing.
5 stars
I made this today and it is amazing! I think the key to getting it out of the pan, is to have a good bundt pan. Some of the cheaper pans just do not perform as well. Mine is a Calphalon nonstick. When it came out of the oven I gently ran a skinny spatula down the sides and middle. Other than that followed the directions exactly and it turned out perfect!
★★★★★
Its flavor?
Its edges?
(It’s = It is)
I’m not sure what you are referring to but maybe it is the possessive it’s, meaning belonging to the cake.
Its texture?
I made this once and my ~better half~ still talks about it….He wants me to make it again, which I will, of course. It is really good.
★★★★★
Does this cake have to refrigerated ? Or left out in cake cover .
I don’t refrigerate it!
I’ll be trying this recipe next weekend for my housewarming party! What kind of ice cream can I serve with this cake?
any kind, but I bet a Butter Pecan would be amazing!
Would not have thought of that…sounds heavenly!
Can’t wait to make this beautiful luscious cake. I love homemade cakes!
Sounds great, will try. I have a boatload of pound cake recipes. I found a way NOT to grease and flour a pan…. I bought a Temptations fluted pan from QVC. It’s naturally non stick. Not only did my almond pound cake come out pretty, the crust… Oh my Lord. I got it on sale. Will never make a pound cake in a regular bunds pan again.
I wonder if it would be OK to prep the bundt pan with butter and sugar (like Alton Brown’s Blueberry Pound Cake recipe)? It leaves a sweet crispy crust on the cake that I like.
★★★★★
This cake sounds delicious and I will certainly give it a try. I’ve been looking for a butter cake to rival the one I had at the California Pizza Kitchen, (CPK), and this sounds very close to the texture
Cake sounds great. Now if the recipe was included. All I get is a blank.
That’s strange… can you see the recipe at all?
I baked it for 65 minutes and my bottom is much more brown than the one shown. So I would start looking at it at the 45 minute mark.
Does this cake need to be refrigerated?
I never do.
I read through a lot of the posts (after I used a cloth to wipe the drool from the computer lol) looking to see if anyone else has asked this question but didn’t see it so I would like to know if it’s acceptable to use plain milk instead of buttermilk or if you have a ratio of milk and vinegar to use?? I’m out of buttermilk and would love, love, love to take this to a get together tomorrow. Thanks for the help. Love your page and looking forward to trying some new recipes <3 <3
Yes, certainly use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of milk to create your own buttermilk. I am sure it would be okay with just milk, but the buttermilk with the added acidity, tenderizes the glutens in the batter giving it a softer texture.
How do you store this cake from day #1 to day #2 [when you cut it for the 1st time] to keep the moistness and yet ‘crispness?’ LOPKS fantastic and I want to make this as soon as I know how to store this…
THANK YOU!
★★★★★
I just covered it with cling wrap! I have heard the trick to “toothpick” a slice of bread to each slice of the sliced cake to prevent drying. I bet that would totally work!
Does the cake have to be stored in the refrigerator and can u freeze it?
Thanks
you can store it at room temperature and yes you can freeze it
Do you use unsalted butter or salted butter? Can you use regular salt?
I always use salted butter, but you can absolutely use either based on personal preference. Also, if you use table salt cut it back by 1/4.
Just made this, put on glaze and waiting for it to cool. Pretty much have to put it in a safe to keep people away from it. It smells amazing. Even the batter tasted great. I’m making this for guests arriving tomorrow.
I’ll update after we get a chance to taste it.
hey, I was wondering if I could possibly use margarine instead of butter?
I wouldn’t recommend that, sorry!
Made this exactly by the recipe, and let it sit in the pan overnight. Mine turned out dry on the inside. Any ideas why.
sounds like maybe you baked it a little long? All ovens vary so it’s certainly a possibility. Sorry it didn’t turn out as you had hoped!
Since I’m from Lexington but currently living 4 thousand miles away, after seeing this post I was ready to start singing My Old Kentucky Home. Can’t wait to try this!
Can you use cake flour instead of flour
sure, that won’t be an issue!
Just exactly what did you change to make this “your” recipe? The original recipe that you copied from allrecipes.com is exactly the same. The only thing you did was add the word “Kosher” in front of salt. You didn’t even change the amount needed. This brings me to another point. You are wrongly suggesting that people cut back the amount of salt from your recipe if they use table salt because kosher salt is larger. The original recipe calls for the exact same amount of table salt, not kosher. One thing I cannot stand is people on the internet who change one word in a recipe and *poof* it’s miraculously their recipe. If you actually changed the recipe, I would give it to you, but you did not. So, change the information in your recipe to reflect that it is the actual recipe from allrecipes.com and provide a link. Otherwise, just like in publishing, you are a plagiarist.
★★★★★
If you read the bottom of the recipe it says “recipe very lightly adapted from all recipes” WITH a link back to the original. And also there are other slight adaptations in the recipe (hence the “very lightly adapted”), but I see that you must not have actually read the recipe that I posted in comparison. I guess you were so busy being angered that you must have missed that.
You tell her, Shelly! THAT was an awesome reply! Thanks for the recipe. It sounds amazing! I will be baking this tomorrow! Unlike other pound cakes, I love the fact that you dump everything in the bowl at one time, rather than mixing it in stages. Thanks!!
★★★★★
Shelley, you are more patient and kind than most people that I know! You are amazing and have such a great way about you that most of us envy. Thanks for this recipe!
Thank you so much! You’ve just made my Wednesday!!
One thing I can not stand is when people do not read something entierly and then are rude to someone for absolutely no reason!!!! It’s just a cake recipe Miss Clairee….there is a lot more to worry about in this world.
Samatha, Good response!
how long does it take for the cake to cool completely?
thanks
about an hour or so…
I made this cake last weekend for friends, and we all loved it! I’ve just made it a second time for a church lunch tomorrow. I followed someone’s suggestion about loosening the cake from the pan about 10 minutes out of the oven but leaving in the pan to add the sauce and completely cool. That worked very well for me. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
★★★★★
Just made TWO of these fabulous cakes for a birthday celebration tomorrow at our senior living community. Smells heavenly!! Oh, and BTW, THANK YOU for posting this recipe. I came across YOUR recipe and was inspired to make it. Since I wasn’t really looking for a Kentucky ButtterCake recipe, I probably never would have found it otherwise . . allrecipes.com or not! Some people . . yeesh!
★★★★★
Two quick questions…
What are your thoughts about adding a little almond extract? I think it sounds good!
Also, can I cheat and make my own buttermilk, or should it be store bought?
Thx!
Yes to both absolutely!!
I was thinking about using almond extract, too. Would you replace the vanilla entirely in both the cake & glaze?
I made this cake a few days ago and it was half gone the next day. This cake is wonderful, I had too make two more just too share with my family and friends. Thanks for the great recipe.?
★★★★★
I want to make this cake, but I have to have gluten free flour. Can I use that and still have this come out to perfection? I will make it with regular flour, as my husband in not gluten intolerant…but I’m wondering about the gluten free flour. I’d love to hear from you via email. Dana Kirkmeyer kirkmeyer@msn.com Thanks!!
★★★★★
Just had to tell you that I have had this recipe hanging on my fridge for about a month now and finally got around to making it yesterday. I let it sit overnight (which was super hard!) and HOLY COW this is amazing. SO DANG GOOD. Great recipe! I hope this goes in your cookbook! 🙂
Made this and it was super yummy! I did add rum instead of water in the glaze and it was great! My cake was much more brown than yours in the picture, but it was still moist. Your pic scared me because mine was very under-cooked at that color! Thx 😉
Can I add miniature chocolate chips to the batter? If so should I add them before putting it in the oven or halfway through the baking process. I’m worried about them sinking to the bottom (or top) in a big clump.
★★★★
Mini chips would be fine and shouldn’t sink. You could always coat them with a bit of flour to help prevent that as well! stir them into your batter last before baking.
can I use sea salt instead of Kosher salt?
★★★★★
sure!
Do you mind writing the butter portions in grams? For both, the batter and the glaze.
Thank you ??
It says to put all ingredients in mixer together? Is this correct? You don’t have to cream butter and sugar first??
Not with this recipe 🙂
This looks AMAZING! Can’t wait to try…possibly as soon as today!
Okay, I’m making this cake for the second time this weekend……. Yesterday I as so excited to make, in my haste I neglected a key ingredient. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize my mistake until after I pulled it out of the oven. Let me tell you there were some not so nice words coming out of my mouth. Hopefully today’s turn out as expected!!!
I use cake flour for all of my cakes, can you tell me what I need to leave out and add since I want to use cake flour instead. Thank You
To sub in cake flour for all purpose the equivalent would be 1 cup all purpose = 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of cake flour.
Just made it for the first time. My husband loves it! Thank you for posting. I love your site. I’m going to try adapting for a rum cake for the holidays. In festive boxes should make great Christmas gifts!
i am going to make this cake this weekend. It sounds wonderful. I do not have a 10 inch bundt pan, but I have a 9 3/4″ fluted pan. will this work? Others have stated, that when a smaller pan was used, it ran over. Also, how far down do you poke the holes?
A 9 3/4″ would work fine. You can poke the holes about 1/4-1/2 way down!
I have been drooling over this recipe for weeks and am now excited that it is baking right now to make my husband a strawberry shortcake. I wanted a rich cake instead of the regular vanilla cake typically used. He keeps peeking in the kitchen… Even at this hour! I will let you know how it turns out and send pics of the finished product! Thanks for the great recipe!
Can’t wait!
Did you use clear imitation vanilla to get the lighter cake?
Nope, I used regular vanilla
Can this cake he fooled in the fridge if I’m in a hurry.
Can this cake be cooled in the fridge if in a hurry?
sure
Sweet LAWD! I found this on a Pinterest search for bundt cake recipes, and boy am I happy I did. It drew RAVES from every.single.member of my very large family. Thank you!
I just made this cake, I had to steal a lil pinch off the bottom of the cake.. IT IS AMAZING!!!! I can hardly wait until Saturday afternoon. I’m taking it to a get-together with some good friends. I am the ‘baker’ in the group, so expectations are always high!! lol… I don’t think they will be disappointed!
I did want to share one tip with y’all.. I measure out my leftover buttermilk in 1 cup and 2 cup portions, and freeze what is left. That way I don’t waste any.
★★★★★
here is a tip for covering your bundt cake: after turning it out on a plate, use the bundt pan itself as a cover! works very well
This cake looked so delicious, I made it tonight. It’s for tomorrow at my Dad’s house. It’s lighter than a standard pound cake which I like. The glaze is outstanding. I substituted a cup of white sugar for brown sugar (1 cup white, 1 cup brown) to cut the sweetness a tad. Since I’m going to turn it upside down, I took a sample. lol It. Is. OUTSTANDING!! I can just break out laughing it’s so good! Maybe I’m delirious as it is 12:30am. LOL But maaaan, this cake is amazing
!
hahaha! this cracks me up! glad you liked it!!
What do I set the oven on ? I don’t see the oven setting ?
The temperature is in the recipe. 325°F
I tried this cake this morning and it is beautiful. I tried a very small piece and of course it is also delicious. Thanks for sharing it!
can you use cake flour in place of all purpose flour?
sure!
I twisted it a bit. Swapped out water for Kentucky bourbon for the icing. Magical. Need I say more. Ten stars!
I made this cake for my husband’s birthday. He loved it. The whole family thought it was great. The butter glaze is perfection.
Outstanding!!!
Delicious flavor, very must, perfect crumb, heavenly smell… OMG!!!
Perfection in every slice.
I had another recipe for this cake, but yours is much superior.
This is The ONE.
My husband thanks you so much for sharing.
I will bake this again, and again, and again… ;-D
All the best, from Newark, DE.
★★★★★
Great recipe. I changed out the icing a bit. Swapped out the water with Kentucky Bourbon. Was pretty amazing. The bottom of the cake can’t be described!
★★★★★
Such a great idea!!!
I am a sucker for a pound cake or anything similar so I am definitely going to try this one. Just want to know if I would need to sift the flour before measuring or no sifting. Thank. I’m always concerned if this is implied.
Nope, no sifting required 🙂
The best cake recipe I have ever tried! I love this cake!
★★★★★
I made this cake and it looked nothing like this picture. Mine was not as white and also the sugar mixture was not as white. Maybe it was my vanilla
if you don’t have a paddle attachment to mixer will cake still turn out???
Yes, just mix it on a lower speed, as to not add too much air into the batter!
If I want to add lemon flavor to the glaze, do I just swap out the 2 tsp vanilla for lemon juice or should I use lemon extract?
I would use lemon extract, but start with only 1 teaspoon, as lemon extract is a bit stronger in flavor than vanilla…and then add more if you would like!
No buttermilk in the cookie recipe?
★★★★★
I have been looking for this recipe for a very long time thank you so much
★★★★★
Have another question—–just made the Kentucky Cookies—am very disappointed in the results. The only change I made—-I did not make 24—–I made them smaller(57). No flavor??
The Kentucky Cake is BIG with everyone that has been gifted with it….But the cookies?? need some advice from someone, please.
No flavor? Hmmm, maybe you could adjust the amount of vanilla called in the recipe if it’s not enough for you…add an extra 1/2 teaspoon or so at a time!
Like so many others, I have salivated over this recipe and have read every comment and review. I’m wondering how you think it might turn out with browned butter used in the glaze. I’ll bake as written the first time, but I suspect there will be a second, and a third, and rum, and bourbon……
OMG! This cake was so easy to make and the taste was amazing. This cake didn’t last long, just a few days. I was so looking forward to a slice and coffee when I got home from work, only to find my daughter eating the last slice. Need to make another one soon. Thanks for a super easy and great recipe.
I just made the cake. It is very good. It was too hard to let it cool I had to try it. My icing sauce was really brown. Maybe from the vanilla? Still tasted good tho.
I make this in an angel food pan. It’s easier to remove although not as fancy as a bundt pan
Will this http://www.shorisuperstore.com/collections/bakeware/products/pan-34
type of budnt pan works?
sure, just make sure it’s greased heavily!
If you don’t remember me, I’m the girl that made this for my 5th grade class. Today, I’m going to make this again for my sister’s birthday! Just letting you know…
-Kira
I do remember and awesome!!!
P1963Brooks@Yahoo.com. This cake is in the oven. I usually make a cream cheese pound cake but am trying this because of the glaze. Looks awesome. Thanks!
Salted or unsalted butter????
I always use salted, but I leave it up to personal preference
Can I make this without a stand or hand mixer?
Yes, sure!
Is there a gluten free version of this recipe? It looks delicious…
Best pound cake ever and sooo easy!!!!!
I absolutely love this recipe!!! Best butter cake ever. The only thing I did different was whip the butter, sugar and then eggs before adding the rest of the ingredients. If you do this you’ll get the light almost white look that’s in the picture.
Oh mylanta! My husband just bought me a new kitchen aid mixer for my birthday yesterday! I am by no means a baker, but I found this recipe listed on FB and thought it sounded delicious and simple! It was! I am not even a cake fan but I thought… Butter… It’s gotta be good. And let me tell you, it was the glaze that sold me! Haha. I did use a 9×13 pan and just adjusted the time and it turned out AMAZING!! I will be buying a bunt pan and will be making this again! I couldn’t wait to try it the next day, so I had one piece and had to have another! Thank u so much for this recipe! I rate this cake a 10!
I made this about an hour ago and three of us enjoyed a piece. It’s a good recipe but not great. I’d give it 7.5/10.
I used a handmixer without issue. The texture of the cake was fantastic. The crust which becomes the top once inverted was the best part. It is so late, I couldn’t attempt to pour glaze and allow it to set.
I had read a handful of comments before making it and I used the tip regarding sprinkling the pan with icing sugar after adding the butter. This turned out to be fantastic. I loved the crust. I loved the moistness but the cake itself without the glaze was just okay. It didn’t have enough flavor and I wouldn’t describe it as buttery at all.
Interestingly, I made a Caramel Cake last week in the same bundt pan and it turned out lighter than this one in spite of using only brown sugar. I’m not one to obsess over color like some of the commenters here but this was probably due to the fact that I used non-clear vanilla extract. It’s the taste that counts and suggestions that it isn’t as pretty the more brown it is is really ridiculous to me. It’s a cake.
I would make this again but tweak it.
Thanks for sharing.
——
Going off on a tangent here, when I first viewed this recipe, I was using my cell and I could see the ratings option. Now, as I’m trying to post a review on my laptop, I don’t see any ratings option.
When I find something useful, I tend to disable my adblocker. But, once I did that, I was no longer able to post a review. As soon as I enabled it, I was able to. The number indicated for this page was extremely high for blocked items. It’s at 75, I’ve never seen it that high.
My mom made this and she was a native Kentucky gal but they called it Kentucky heavens cake. She was Appalachian born and raised and 99%of Kentucky women can make delightful dishes!!!
Approximately how far down in the cake do you poke holes with a knife? Looks incredible!
I have never written a review but felt compelled to write about this cake! It is amazing!!!!! My children beg me to make it on a weekly basis. It has a great flavor and turns out perfect every time.
Thank you so much for your feedback!!
What kind of butter does this recipe call for? Salted or unsalted? I’ll be making this cake this weekend, looks amazing!!
I use salted 🙂
Just made this cake for hubby. I’m not big on pound cakes but this looked so good had to make it. I felt like I couldn’t really taste the butter sauce in the cake. Still was delicious. Will make again
Oh my word! I just poured the glaze on. I don’t need it until tomorrow. Can I turn it out tomorrow or should I do it right after it has cooled off?
If you make this the night before do you leave it in the bundt pan or do you lay it out and let it sit overnight? Making for Easter Sunday tomorrow with the in-laws 🙂 Thank you!
You can do either, but I always keep mine in the pan! Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner!
If using sea salt, do I still add 1 tsp?
yes, as along as it’s not finely ground.
I would like to make little bundt’s for my daughters graduation. Would I be able to freeze these ahead of time? If so would I frost them before or after they thaw? Thanks
You need to pour the sauce on top while they are still warm, so just freeze them after 🙂
hey, can you please tell me the alternate of kosher’s salt, or tell me what is this kosher salt ?
Kosher salt is a more coarsely ground salt that is slightly less strong. They sell it in the supermarkets here in the states.
actually m from Karachi, Pakistan… thats y asking of alternate.. cause i know i’ll not get this salt here
I’m making mine now & mixed for 3 min, but there’s still some little chunks of butter. Is that ok?
It should be… was your butter not room temperature?
I didn’t see an answer to does this cake need to be refrigerated. I also would like to know.
I didn’t see an answer to does this cake need to be refrigerated? I’d like to know too please.
No, it doesn’t 🙂
Can you put Rum are brandy in this cake? If so how much would you suggest?
I actually made a Bailey’s version of this cake… here’s the link… http://cookiesandcups.com/baileys-butter-cake/
What I most recommend is maybe using a rum extract in the cake and then rum or brandy in the glaze…that’s where the flavor will really pop!!
This was so good! I made a few adjustments to the topping. First I browned the butter. Then I swapped one TB of the water with bourbon and added a tablespoon of sorghum molasses. At the end of the night, people were picking off the crust from the remaining cake – haha! Couldn’t be easier.
Looks delicious till you read the ingredients? FAT – pure fat, clogs up your arteries and creates fat to accumulate in your body, and way too much sugar. Since sugar is a known fact to cause cancer cells to grow whether you know you have cancer or not. People need to rethink this recipe and how they make their desserts. 🙂 I would alter this cake with a pure coconut oil in place of butter and stevia in place of sugar.
Maybe you went to the wrong place. haha. I mean the cake is called Kentucky Butter Cake. What do you expect?
Yummy!!!!!! Made two of this cake already and have to make a couple more. SOOooo good easy and it does taste better the next day. Thanks for sharing such a good recipe. Do you have one for a chocolate cake similar to the Kentucky Butter Cake?
I don’t, but I am going to work on that!!!
I’ve made this cake twice now and can only say oh my goodness, melt in your mouth, deliciousness. I made it tonight with homemade butter and buttermilk, and it was worth all the work. I will definitely make this again and again.
Do I need to keep this in the. Refrigerator ?
Do I need to keep the leftovers in the refrigerator?
not necessary… you can but don’t have to!
I’ve made this several times and it’s always a hit. I recently bought a KitchenAid stand mixer which makes this easy recipe SOOO easy!! Love it and can’t wait to taste it in the morning. Thanks!
Congrats on your KitchenAid!!
Wow!! Delicious! It was the first recipe I tried in my new bundt pan. So easy, too!
I made this cake yesterday after looking at the pictures and reading the CRAZY moist description. Followed the recipe to a T, and am an experienced baker. I took the cake our of the oven the moment the toothpick came out clean. The flavor of the cake was good…but CRAZY moist?? I think not. In fact…it was crumbly dry.
I may try it again…just in case I made some freaky mistake, but I really doubt it.
I’ve made this three times in the past six months. I love having it on hand for weekend or overnight guests. My favorite so far is adding orange extract and orange zest to both the batter and the glaze. My house guests go crazy for it! I’m making it again right now. Thank you!
What a great idea!!!
Everyone is asking to have it emailed to them .. If you go to the top of the page you will see an envelope, click it and you can email it to yourself…
I can truly say that I have tried dozens of vanilla cake recipes, in search of the PERFECT vanilla cake! I found it!!! I followed this recipe to the T, and it baked up beautiful in a 6″ Nordic bundt pan sprayed with bak-klene and had some batter leftover for cupcakes. The cupcakes also baked beautifully as well.
I love how easy this cake is to put together. I brought this to a goody day at work and everyone was wanted the recipe! So glad I came across this recipe!!
Could this be made in mini loaf pans for gift giving? How long would you suggest baking them? Thanks!
I made this cake yesterday. My kids love it. So easy to make
I was so surprised how well this cake turned out with such a simple recipe and ingredients! I think it tastes like a glazed cake donut. Will definitely be keeping this recipe for my future pound cake ventures!
Hi, Shelly! I liked the recipe and I’m willing to do it right away! However, I’ve a question or doubt for your consideration. When you mentioned in step #8 of the instructions, “I actually like to make this cake a day in advance, finding it to be more moist and flavorful when it rests overnight.” Where do you let the cake rest? In the fridge or the wire rack? I wanna make it perfect, just like you! Thank you!
I let it sit at room temperature. I have never refrigerated it, however I have gotten feedback from folks who have and said it was good that way too. Just make sure it’s airtight!
Can you substitute Grand Marnier for Bailey’s?
certainly if you prefer that flavor.
Want to make this Butter Cake.
Please advise. Thank you.
Let’s talk.
Made this tonight. Turned out perfect. Can’t wait to try it tomorrow. 🙂
Any way to make this chocolate?
I am working on that recipe!!