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–+ servings

Easy Kentucky Butter Cake with Vanilla Glaze

Rose
Easy Kentucky Butter Cake with Vanilla Glaze is a classic Southern dessert featuring a rich buttery flavor, soft pound-cake texture, and a sweet vanilla glaze that soaks into every bite. This homemade Bundt cake uses simple pantry ingredients and bakes into a moist, tender cake with a delicate golden crust, perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or weekend baking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 12 slices
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Bundt pan
  • large mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • whisk
  • small saucepan
  • skewer or toothpick

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 0.33 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously grease and flour a Bundt pan, making sure all grooves are well coated to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt so the leavening ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • While the cake bakes, combine the glaze butter, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  • When the cake finishes baking, leave it in the pan and poke small holes across the surface with a skewer or toothpick. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake so it seeps inside.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Grease the Bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Use room temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk for a smoother batter. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender. Pour the glaze over the cake while it is still warm so it can soak into the crumb. You can add lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon for flavor variations.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 5gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 750IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.8mg
Keyword butter bundt cake, kentucky butter cake, southern butter cake, vanilla glaze cake
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