Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Moist and tender vanilla buttermilk pound cake topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. A classic Southern dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 cups 375 g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 225 g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups 500 g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup 240 ml buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz 115 g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup 120 g powdered sugar
- 2 –3 tablespoons milk adjust for desired consistency
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan or loaf pan. Preparing the pan well ensures your cake will release cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening and avoids clumps later.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake its tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic warm flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it onto a wire rack.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
- Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Slice, serve, and enjoy the soft crumb paired with the creamy glaze.