Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a cake that feels like a warm, buttery hug and melts in your mouth with every bite, you are going to adore this Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that brings a comforting sweetness with a subtle tang from buttermilk and cream cheese, creating a balance that’s utterly irresistible. Whether it’s for a special family gathering or just a treat to elevate your afternoon coffee, this pound cake delivers a moist, tender crumb and a smooth, luscious glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe thirds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to crafting this delightful pound cake, and you’ll be surprised how straightforward everything is. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the richness of the butter to the tangy buttermilk, creating a wonderful texture and flavor that only this Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe can offer.

• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb; make sure to measure and level for accuracy.
• 1 tsp Baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly and stay fluffy.
• 0.5 tsp Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk to give a light texture and balanced rise.
• 0.5 tsp Salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness naturally.
• 1 cup Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for smooth creaming, giving the cake its rich, buttery depth.
• 2 cups Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping achieve that beautiful golden crust.
• 1 cup Buttermilk: Adds moistness and a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor.
• 4 large Eggs: At room temperature to help bind ingredients and add richness.
• 1 tbsp Vanilla extract: The star flavor that makes this pound cake truly stand out.
• 8 oz Cream cheese: Softened, essential for the smooth and tangy glaze topping.
• 2 cups Powdered sugar: Sifted for the glaze, to ensure it’s silky and easy to drizzle.
• 1-2 tbsp Milk: Adjust to get the glaze to just the right pourable consistency.

How to Make Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Greasing your bundt pan well with butter or a nonstick spray, followed by a light dusting of flour, ensures your pound cake will release smoothly after baking, showing off its pretty shape without a hitch.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple step ensures that leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key for a consistent rise and texture in the cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step traps air into the batter, which helps create a tender, airy crumb that makes the cake so irresistible.

Step 4: Add Eggs with Care

One by one, beat the eggs into your creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This slow addition keeps the batter smooth and well emulsified, preventing any curdling or clumps.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Flavors

Mix in the cold or room temperature buttermilk and vanilla extract gently until just combined. The buttermilk brings that signature tang and moisture, while the vanilla elevates every bite with its warm flavor.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients gradually in two or three parts, mixing on low speed only until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a dense cake, so a gentle touch is what you want.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth the Batter

Transfer the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Smooth its surface with a spatula and give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any large air bubbles. This helps your cake bake evenly with a fine, uniform texture.

Step 8: Baking Time

Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The smell of vanilla and buttery goodness filling your kitchen is the best sign you’re almost there!

Step 9: Cooling the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is crucial to ensure the glaze will set perfectly without melting off.

Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing well, then stir in milk one tablespoon at a time until your glaze reaches a thick but pourable consistency. This glaze adds that dreamy, tangy finish that makes this recipe unforgettable.

Step 11: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides in beautiful ribbons. Let it set for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing, and then get ready for the best part: enjoying every bite!

How to Serve Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe even more stunning, try topping it with fresh berries, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. These touches add both visual appeal and textural contrast that elevate each slice.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, perfect for a summer dessert. For a cozy afternoon snack, serve it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea to complement the cake’s warm, inviting flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into thick wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards or colorful plates for a charming look. You might also consider layering slices with fresh fruit and extra glaze for a quick, elegant trifle that wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe stays moist and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Just keep it covered to prevent the glaze from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy the cake later, freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It freezes well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, then let it come to room temperature for the best texture.

Reheating

For a freshly baked taste, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back the cake’s moistness and softens the glaze slightly, making every bite feel freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While regular milk can be substituted, it won’t provide the same tangy flavor or tender crumb that buttermilk does. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

What type of pan is best for this pound cake?

A bundt pan is ideal because it allows the cake to bake evenly and creates a beautiful shape perfect for glazing. However, you can use a loaf pan if that’s what you have, just adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked. Avoid opening the oven too often to keep the temperature steady.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese glaze a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling over the cake to bring back its smooth texture.

Is this recipe suitable for different dietary needs?

This recipe contains dairy and eggs, so it’s not vegan or dairy-free. However, substitutions can be made, like using dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, but the texture and flavor might vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

Making this Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is like creating a little slice of sunshine in your kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up, perfect for sharing with family or savoring all by yourself. Give it a try—you’ll find it becoming your new go-to for celebrations or cozy moments alike!

Print