If you’re looking for a dessert that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Kentucky Butter Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s that perfect combination of a rich, buttery cake soaked with a luscious butter sauce, paired with fresh, juicy strawberries folded into fluffy sweetened cream. This cake embodies Southern charm and hospitality, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any gathering or a special treat to spoil yourself. Every bite is a beautiful balance of moist cake, decadent sauce, and bright, fresh berries that come together so effortlessly you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this Kentucky Butter Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe is how straightforward yet thoughtfully selected the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role—from the creamy butter that makes the cake moist and tender, to the fresh strawberries that add a burst of natural sweetness and color. Having these basics ready will set you up for success right from the start.
- Unsalted butter, room temperature: Soft butter blends beautifully with sugar to create a fluffy cake base.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness and helps build cake structure.
- Large eggs, room temperature: Essential for richness and keeping the cake light and airy.
- Pure vanilla and almond extracts: Add subtle layers of flavor that elevate the cake’s character.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone, giving structure without heaviness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents ensuring a nice rise and tender crumb.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, making the cake tender and rich.
- Sugar, salt, butter, and water (for butter sauce): The key ingredients that make the luscious sauce soak into the cake.
- Heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla or Frangelico liqueur: Whipped together to create the light, creamy topping that pairs beautifully with fresh fruit.
- Fresh strawberries: Washed, dried, hulled, and chopped for a juicy, refreshing contrast.
How to Make Kentucky Butter Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by greasing and flouring a 10-inch tube pan, or simply spray it with nonstick baking spray. This step ensures the cake releases easily once baked. Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F. Having your pan ready and oven set brings you smoothly into the cake-making process.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the room temperature butter and sugar on high speed until the mixture turns pale yellow and becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because properly creamed butter and sugar trap air, which helps give the cake its tender texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter. Then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. Together, they infuse the batter with a warm, inviting aroma that hints at the cake’s Southern roots.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding this flour mixture and the buttermilk to the creamed wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry mix. This alternating method ensures even mixing without overworking the batter, keeping the crumb light and soft.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake at 350°F for 55 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This range gives you flexibility depending on your oven, but checking regularly from the 55-minute mark is key. After baking, transfer the cake to a cooling rack placed over parchment or waxed paper and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes—this helps the cake settle before removal.
Step 6: Remove the Cake from Pan
Carefully run a knife around the inside edge and the center tube of the pan to loosen the cake. Gently remove it and stand it upright on the wire rack to cool further. Handling the cake gently here preserves its delicate texture while it cools.
Step 7: Make the Butter Sauce
While the cake cools, whisk together sugar, salt, butter, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter melts and the mixture is smooth, remove from heat and stir in the almond and vanilla extracts. This rich, glossy sauce is the magic that soaks into the cake layers, giving Kentucky Butter Cake its signature moist, buttery goodness.
Step 8: Prepare Strawberries & Cream
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the heavy cream with powdered sugar and your flavoring choice (vanilla or Frangelico liqueur) until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, ensuring every spoonful bursts with strawberry flavor and light creaminess. Keep refrigerated until serving for best texture and freshness.
Step 9: Soak the Cake with Butter Sauce
Poke holes evenly into the warm cake and spoon ¼ cup of the butter sauce over it. Let it stand for 5 minutes to absorb, then repeat twice more, brushing any remaining sauce over the sides. This soaking technique ensures every bite is rich, moist, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth.
How to Serve Kentucky Butter Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness makes this classic cake shine even brighter. Garnish with a generous spoonful of the strawberries & cream right before serving. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few sliced almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top—these small details add texture and lovely visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce if you want to dial up the indulgence. For a lighter finish, a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance that won’t overshadow the cake’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual slices with extra strawberries and cream on the side in pretty glass parfait dishes for an elegant twist. Alternatively, cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for a party platter makes it easy for guests to enjoy while mingling. Presenting the cake on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint sprigs adds a charming, Southern-inspired flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Kentucky Butter Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe keeps well covered at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, refrigeration is best to maintain freshness, especially because of the cream and strawberries. Store it in an airtight container to prevent the cake from drying out or absorbing other odors.
Freezing
You can freeze the plain cake (before adding strawberries and cream) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then prepare fresh butter sauce and strawberries & cream just before serving to keep everything tasting vibrant and fresh.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cake reminiscent of the freshly baked experience, reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. Add the butter sauce again if needed before serving, and top with fresh strawberries and cream for that irresistible finish.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can be substituted in a pinch, buttermilk adds a subtle tang and tenderizes the crumb, which is key for that authentic Kentucky Butter Cake texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, try adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is it necessary to use almond extract?
Almond extract adds a lovely nutty undertone that complements the vanilla beautifully, but if you’re allergic or don’t have it on hand, you can omit it. The cake will still be delicious—just a little less complex in flavor.
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Using a hand mixer or even whisk and wooden spoon works fine, though it might take a bit more elbow grease. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly to get that fluffy texture, which is essential for the cake’s tenderness.
How ripe should the strawberries be?
Choose ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the cream topping. Overly soft or underripe berries can affect the cream’s consistency and the overall taste, so freshness here really shines through.
Can this cake be made in a regular round cake pan?
Yes, but keep in mind that a tube pan helps the cake bake evenly and retain its moist texture due to the center hole. If using a round pan, bake for the same amount of time, checking doneness frequently, and be aware the texture may be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a Kentucky Butter Cake with Strawberries & Cream Recipe with the people you love. It’s the kind of dessert that invites you to slow down, savor, and celebrate simple comforts layered with luxury. Whether it’s a holiday, a casual weekend, or just because, this recipe promises delicious memories with every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cake that has everyone asking for seconds.
