Kentucky Butter Cake (Southern Pound Cake)

This rich and buttery goodness of Kentucky Butter Cake is a must-make dessert. It’s super moist and perfect for any occasion.

It’s rich and moist with plenty of sweet flavor that would satisfy any sweet tooth!

The secret to this decadent dessert is the butter sauce which is poured right into the cake after baking. It’s the trick to the luxurious texture and flavor.

You can even make this cake a day in advance!

This is one of those rare cakes that tastes even better the next day! It just really sets and becomes so dense and yummy!

To keep it fresh, wrap it in layers of plastic wrap so it’s completely sealed. Avoid slicing into pieces until you’re ready to serve this delicious dessert.

Serving the Cake

While this dessert is delicious served alone, it can also easily be paired with other favorite sweet treats!

Our Favorite Toppings for Kentucky Butter Cakes:

• powdered sugar
• fresh strawberries or blueberries
• strawberry syrup
• whipped cream
• ice cream
• lemon curd
• chocolate or caramel sauce

You can always pair a few toppings together too. For example, we love whipped cream and strawberries together!

Can you freeze this cake?

You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months! Once it’s completely cooled (give it at least an hour), double-wrap it with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag.

Pull it out of the freezer and place on the counter the night before serving.

Does this Kentucky Butter Cake need to be refrigerated?

Nope! We’ve left it on the counter and not had any problems.

Can I use Self-Rising Flour?

In order for it to turn out like this, I would suggest not using self-rising flour. That type of flour already has leavening agents and salt in it, and it may also change the texture of the cake.

You could always try it – but I prefer all-purpose flour for this cake.

Can I make this in a 9×13 or 2 loaf pans?

Yes! You will just want to keep an eye on the cook times because each option will vary a bit.

You can also grab a bundt cake pan with fast shipping through Amazon Prime.

Making Your Moist Kentucky Butter Cake

The cake is pretty simple to make! While other recipes call for a stand-mixer, our KitchenAid Hand Mixer did a great job! You’re welcome to use either type of mixer though.

Before doing anything – you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

Then, grease and flour your 10-inch bundt pan. This is definitely a step you don’t want to miss because the cake can get stuck even if you’re using a nonstick pan.

To start making the Kentucky Butter Cake, you want to have all of your ingredients together.

We’ll start with making the cake and while it cooks we’ll make the vanilla butter sauce to go on top. Yum!

You’ll want to cream 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of butter together until they’re completely combined. Then, you’ll add your buttermilk, vanilla, and eggs and continue to mix for about 30 seconds.

Then, you’ll add the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and beat for 3 minutes.

That’s it! You’re ready to pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan!

It needs to bake for 55-65 minutes. You should be able to poke it with a toothpick and have the center come out clean when it’s done.

While the cake is baking, begin making the butter sauce.

In a small saucepan, combine the remaining ¾ cup of sugar, ⅓ cup of butter, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, and 3 tablespoons of water.

Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fully melted. Do not allow it to boil.

Once the cake is baked, use a long-tined fork or wooden skewer to poke holes in the cake.

Drizzle the sauce over the cake and allow it to be absorbed into the cake. Let the it completely cool in the pan.

Transfer it to a serving platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar before slicing.

Tips to Getting it Out of the Bundt Pan

It can be so frustrating to bake something and then have it stick the pan – especially when it’s a bundt cake!

First – don’t forget to grease and flour your bundt pan even if you’re using the nonstick variety. You don’t want it getting stuck!

Another tip would be to wait 10 minutes once you’ve removed it from the oven, turn it onto a plate (still in the bundt pan) and then turn it back up right in the pan and pour on the sauce. This can help it from sticking as well!

After removing it from the pan, a sprinkle of powdered sugar can easily hide any imperfections, so don’t stress if you have to use a butter knife to wiggle it free from the pan.

It’s Perfect for the Kentucky Derby or Steeplechase Parties

While you can serve this cake at any time, we love it in the Spring and Summer months. It goes so well with fresh fruit and ice cream, and it’s perfect for Easter and later on — derby parties!

While the Kentucky Derby goes without saying – Nashville’s Iroquois Steeplechase is such a huge event here!

Since this cake is even better on the second day – it’s perfect for carrying along to either event or sharing it at home while watching it on TV with family and friends.

Have you tried this Kentucky Butter Cake?

Tell us about your experience below!

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