The Luscious Kentucky Butter Cake with Rum Sauce Recipe

Creamy and rich kentucky butter cake with rum sauce promises a decadent dessert experience that melts in your mouth.

Dense layers of buttery goodness capture classic Southern comfort baking traditions.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen as this cake bakes to golden perfection.

Smooth rum sauce adds an elegant twist to a beloved classic recipe.

Soft crumb and velvety texture make this dessert irresistibly indulgent for any special occasion.

Each slice delivers a luxurious blend of warm butter and subtle rum notes.

Prepare to savor every delightful bite of this heavenly Southern treat.

Kentucky Butter Cake with Rum Sauce Overview

• Craft a Decadent Dessert: Create a show-stopping cake that impresses guests with its rich, buttery flavor and luxurious rum sauce, perfect for special celebrations or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
• Simplify Baking Magic: Master this straightforward recipe that requires basic ingredients and minimal baking skills, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers who want a delicious homemade dessert.
• Versatile Flavor Companion: Customize the cake by swapping rum with vanilla extract for a family-friendly version or experiment with different extracts to match your mood and occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties.

Ingredients for Kentucky Butter Cake with Rum Sauce

• Granulated Sugar: The primary sweetener that adds depth and caramelization to the cake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake's texture.
• Butter: Offers a rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and helps activate the leavening agents for a soft cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient that gives the cake its structure.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Work together to help the cake rise and enhance its overall flavor profile.

• Rum, Vanilla Extract, or Rum Extract: Adds a distinctive flavor and aromatic essence to both the cake and sauce.
• Water: Helps create a smooth, pourable sauce consistency.

• Granulated Sugar, Unsalted Butter: Create a sweet, rich base for the butter sauce.

How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake with Rum Sauce

Step 1: Create The Cake Batter

Start mixing granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, and buttermilk in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to blend everything until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda

Pour in rum or vanilla extract and continue mixing until the batter looks perfectly combined.

Step 3: Prepare The Baking Pan

Thoroughly grease a bundt pan or your preferred baking dish.

Pour the prepared batter into the pan, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 4: Bake The Cake

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Place the pan inside and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer – it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool inside the pan for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Craft The Rum Sauce

• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Water
• Rum or vanilla extract

Step 6: Simmer The Sauce

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth sauce. Be careful not to let it boil.

Step 7: Finish With Sauce

Once the cake has cooled slightly, generously drizzle the warm rum sauce over the entire surface, allowing it to seep into the cake’s delicious layers.

Tips for Kentucky Butter Cake with Rum Sauce

• Grease the bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a skewer near the center; it should come out clean without wet batter.
• Lower the oven temperature if cake browns too quickly to maintain even baking and prevent burning.
• Substitute rum with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version that still delivers rich flavor.

Variations of Kentucky Butter Cake with Rum Sauce

• No-Rum Family Version: Replace rum with equal parts apple juice or strong brewed coffee for a kid-friendly, alcohol-free cake experience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a commercial gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain cake structure and texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk, replace butter with dairy-free margarine, and choose plant-based rum extract for a lactose-free version.
• Spiced Seasonal Variation: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom into the cake batter, and use brown sugar in the sauce for a warm, winter-inspired dessert profile.

Pairing Ideas for Kentucky Butter Cake with Rum Sauce

• Mix dark spiced rum with ginger beer and a splash of lime for a zesty companion that echoes the cake's rich rum undertones.
• Brew a smooth latte with caramel syrup and vanilla notes that harmonize beautifully with the cake's buttery sweetness.
• Whip heavy cream with a touch of bourbon, creating a decadent topping that enhances the cake's Kentucky-inspired character.
• Scoop creamy salted caramel ice cream alongside the cake, offering a cool contrast to the warm, dense dessert.

Storage Guidelines for Kentucky Butter Cake with Rum Sauce

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Kentucky Butter Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Freeze: Slice cake before freezing, then place individual portions in freezer-safe bags. Properly sealed, cake can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days if planning to consume quickly. Use a cake dome or plastic container with tight lid to preserve freshness.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, place slice on oven-safe plate and warm at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore original soft texture and revive butter sauce's richness.

FAQs

• What makes the rum sauce so special in this recipe?

The rum sauce adds a rich, buttery sweetness that soaks directly into the cake, creating an incredibly moist and decadent dessert with a luxurious flavor profile.

• Can I make this cake without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can substitute rum with vanilla extract or rum extract to maintain the cake’s authentic flavor while keeping it non-alcoholic.

• What type of pan works best for this Kentucky Butter Cake?

A bundt pan is ideal because its distinctive shape helps the cake cook evenly and allows the butter sauce to penetrate every part of the cake, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor.

• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Use the skewer test – insert a clean skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean without any wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.

Kentucky Butter Cake With Rum Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Kentucky butter cake with rum sauce offers a rich, moist dessert that celebrates Southern baking traditions. Warm vanilla-infused cake drizzled with smooth rum sauce creates a delightful experience you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 sticks (226 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 whole eggs
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps rum (alternative: vanilla extract or rum extract)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar (for rum sauce)
• 1/3 cup (76 g) unsalted butter (for rum sauce)
• 3 tbsps purified water
• 2 tsps rum (alternative: vanilla extract or rum extract)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, and buttermilk in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
2. Gradually fold in all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add rum or vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the batter becomes uniform and lump-free.
3. Generously grease a bundt pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared batter evenly into the pan.
4. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Bake the cake for 55-60 minutes, rotating midway through cooking. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
5. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 30 minutes, enabling it to set and cool gradually without cracking.
6. Create the rum sauce by combining granulated sugar, unsalted butter, water, and rum in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently until ingredients meld together smoothly, avoiding boiling.
7. After the cake has cooled slightly, carefully pour the warm rum sauce over the entire surface, allowing it to seep into the cake’s texture and enhance its flavor profile.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and consistent cake texture, preventing lumps and creating a more even crumb.
• Grease the bundt pan thoroughly with butter and flour or baking spray to guarantee easy cake removal without sticking or breaking.
• Consider replacing rum with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor depth and appeals to all ages and preferences.
• Poke small holes in the warm cake before pouring butter sauce to help it penetrate deeply, creating a more moisture-rich and decadent dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 414 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg