Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

You know those desserts that are so good they make you close your eyes and just savor every bite? Well, this Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is one of those. Picture this: a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake with that comforting, buttery richness that only a pound cake can offer. And when you pour on the cream cheese glaze? Well, it takes it to a whole new level of dreamy. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—whether it’s for a family gathering, a cozy treat for yourself, or a sweet addition to your holiday spread.

Why You’ll Love Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Let me tell you why it’s one of those recipes that’s always a crowd-pleaser:

Versatile:

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is perfect for any moment. Pair it with your afternoon tea, bring it to a potluck, or serve it as the centerpiece for a birthday celebration. It’s the kind of cake that works for whatever the day brings!

Budget-Friendly:

You don’t need to break the bank for a slice of heaven. With simple pantry ingredients, this cake proves that you don’t need anything fancy to make something that feels luxurious. The vanilla and buttermilk combo gives it that rich flavor that’s totally irresistible, all without complicated or expensive ingredients.

Quick and Easy:

It’s not just the end result that’s dreamy, but also how easy this is to make. No need for complex techniques here! Just mix, bake, and pour that creamy glaze on top for a cake that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (but didn’t!).

Customizable:

Love a little extra zing? Add a bit of lemon zest or vanilla bean for an added twist. Want a dash of spice? A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can make it feel extra special. You can make this cake your own, so feel free to get creative!

Crowd-Pleasing:

Seriously, this cake is a crowd magnet. Whether it’s kids or adults, everyone loves a slice of this sweet, tender pound cake with that irresistible cream cheese glaze. You’ll definitely get requests for the recipe!

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients that bring this cake to life. You won’t believe how easy it is to make something so rich with just a few simple items!

Butter:

The star ingredient for a rich, moist cake. The butter melts in your mouth, giving this cake that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Sugar:

Sweetness, just the right amount to balance out the buttery richness.

Eggs:

For structure and richness. These are key to making sure your cake holds together while still being soft and tender.

Buttermilk:

The secret to that soft, tender texture. It adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness and creates the perfect crumb.

Vanilla Extract:

The heart of the flavor. This is where the magic happens, bringing in that warm, comforting vanilla scent that makes this cake so irresistible.

All-Purpose Flour:

This is your base—light and airy for a soft cake, yet sturdy enough to hold everything together.

Baking Powder:

The magic that makes your cake rise perfectly, ensuring you get that fluffy texture every time.

Salt:

A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and brings out the best in the other ingredients.

Cream Cheese:

For the perfect glaze that takes this cake to a whole new level of deliciousness. Smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of tangy.

Powdered Sugar:

For sweetness and texture in the glaze. It adds that perfect silky finish.

Vanilla Extract (for Glaze):

Just a hint of vanilla in the glaze pulls all the flavors together and enhances that rich cream cheese taste.

(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card directly below!)

Instructions

Ready to get baking? Let’s go!

Preheat Your Oven:

First things first—preheat your oven to the perfect baking temperature so your cake cooks evenly and turns out just right. This helps set the stage for that golden, tender crumb.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This is the step that makes your cake airy and melt-in-your-mouth tender, so don’t rush it—take your time.

Add the Eggs:

Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time. You want them fully incorporated, so each addition makes the batter even smoother.

Mix in the Vanilla and Buttermilk:

Now add the vanilla extract and buttermilk to the mixture. These two ingredients bring the rich, comforting flavor and that soft texture we love.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so stop once everything is combined!

Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, and bake it to perfection. The cake will rise beautifully and turn golden brown around the edges. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make the glaze. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until silky and smooth. This glaze is what takes this cake from great to spectacular.

Glaze the Cake:

Once your cake has cooled slightly, pour that luscious cream cheese glaze over the top. Let it drip down the sides and soak into every crevice. Don’t be shy with the glaze—it’s the best part!

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee or on its own, this cake is guaranteed to make any day feel special.

Nutrition Facts

Servings:1 slice (assuming 12 servings)
Calories per serving: 350 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time:60-75 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes

How to Serve Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

This cake is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it up for an even better experience:

With Fresh Berries:

Top it off with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a burst of color and a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweet, rich cake.

With Whipped Cream:

For that extra indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s light, fluffy, and the perfect complement to the dense cake and creamy glaze.

On its Own:

Sometimes, this cake is all you need. Serve it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.

As a Dessert with Ice Cream:

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. Warm cake and cold ice cream? Yes, please!

Additional Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to make your cake even more amazing:

Make it Ahead:

This cake actually gets better after a day or two. If you’re planning ahead, you can bake it a day before serving, and it’ll stay moist and delicious.

Spice It Up:

Add a little extra spice by incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a subtle flavor twist.

Adjust the Glaze:

If you want a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. It’s all about getting it just the way you like it!

Leftover Cake Storage:

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze will stay creamy and delicious!

Freezing:

You can also freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly and make sure to freeze it without the glaze. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it and glaze it fresh!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk?
A1: You can, but buttermilk adds a special tang and tenderness. If you don’t have it, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 cup of regular milk to make a quick buttermilk substitute.

Q2: Can I make this cake without the glaze?
A2: Absolutely! The cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze really adds that extra layer of decadence.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’re keeping it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A4: Sure! You can switch the cream cheese glaze for a chocolate glaze or whipped cream, depending on your preference.

Q5: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A5: Yes, you can substitute the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check that the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! If you’re serving a large crowd, feel free to double the ingredients and bake it in a larger pan.

Q7: Can I add fruit to the batter?
A7: Yes, adding berries or chopped apples would work wonderfully. Just be careful not to overload the batter with too much fruit.

Q8: What’s the best way to serve this cake?
A8: You can serve it as is, with whipped cream, or even top it with fresh fruit like strawberries for an added touch of freshness.

Q9: Can I freeze the glaze?
A9: You can, but it’s best to make the glaze fresh when you’re ready to serve the cake. If frozen, the texture can change slightly.

Q10: What pan is best for this recipe?
A10: A bundt pan works great for this recipe, but you can also use a loaf pan or round cake pan if that’s what you have on hand!

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