Don’t – Use salted butter. Unsalted butter is the perfect choice for this cake!

Kentucky Butter Cake FAQ’s

Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Kentucky Butter Cake below!

Where did Kentucky Butter Cake originate?

It is said to have first been made in 1963 by Nell Lewis who entered and won the Pillsbury Bake-off contest in Missouri.

What is Kentucky Butter cake made of?

Kentucky Butter Cake is made simple with just a handful of basic ingredients to include a vanilla or yellow cake mix, oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, butter, sugar, and water.

What ingredients make Kentucky Butter Cake moist?

One of the key ingredients that make this Kentucky Butter Cake moist is buttermilk.

Buttermilk produces a tender, soft, and moist cake, and is one of my favorite tricks to make a box cake taste better.

It’s also my favorite ingredient for soft + flaky homemade biscuits.

Secondly, the vanilla butter glaze really helps create a more moist cake, as it soaks into every crevice.

What is the difference between a butter cake and a pound cake?

Both cakes are known for being moist, buttery, and delicious, however they are not the same.

Butter cakes are traditionally lighter in texture while pound cakes are more dense.

(Check out my homemade pound cake recipe here)

How do I store leftover Kentucky Butter Cake?

Store leftover cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

I don’t recommend storing in the fridge, as this can cause it to dry out more quickly.

Can I freeze Kentucky Butter Cake?

Yes! Allow the cake to cool completely before tightly wrapping in plastic wrap, either sliced or unsliced.

For added protection, wrap in aluminum foil or place in an airtight freezer-safe container.

The cake will remain fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Once ready to eat, allow the cake to thaw in the fridge overnight and warm slices in the microwave if desired.

What can I serve with Kentucky Butter Cake?

The wonderful thing about KY Butter Cake is the fact it’s a delicious cake all on its own.

But if you’re feeling extra, feel free to jazz it up with these yummy topping ideas:

Fresh fruit and whipped cream
Fruit syrup or sauce
Chocolate or caramel sauce
A scoop of ice cream

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake from a Box Cake Mix

Below I’ve included a helpful step-by-step guide on how to make Kentucky Butter Cake as well as recommended kitchen tools and ingredients needed.

Ingredients Needed:

Cake

Butter Glaze

RECOMMENDED KITCHEN TOOLS:

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl combine cake mix, oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, and mix together with an electric hand mixer until smooth.

Step 2: Bake The Cake

Pour evenly into the prepared Bundt cake pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 35-45 minutes or until the cake is a light golden brown.

Step 3: Prepare Butter Glaze

When the cake has 10 minutes baking time remaining, prepare your glaze.

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake Glaze:

Add unsalted butter, granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract to a saucepan.

Stir ingredients until evenly combined and cook over medium/low heat until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved.

Do not boil and remove from heat once melted/combined.

Step 4: Pour Glaze on Cake and Let Cool

Once the cake has fully baked, remove from the oven and immediately poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or fork.

Immediately pour 3/4 of the glaze on top of the cake and use a spatula to spread evenly into all the crevices.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before inverting on a plate.

Step 5: Brush Glaze on Top, Slice, and Serve

After inverting the cake, use a pastry brush or spoon, and add remaining glaze on top.

Next cut the cake into 12-16 slices, serve, and enjoy!