Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or line it with baking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low to avoid overmixing.
- Stir in vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk and vanilla extract. Mix until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Add more milk for desired consistency.
Step 5: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.