Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is the perfect dessert for any occasion. This cake boasts a moist, tender crumb with a subtle tang from the buttermilk and the rich, comforting flavor of vanilla. Topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese glaze, it’s an irresistible treat that combines the best of both sweet and savory. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.

The addition of buttermilk in the batter ensures the cake stays moist and tender, while the vanilla extract infuses every bite with a comforting aroma and flavor. The cream cheese glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness, making each slice even more indulgent. What’s even better is that this cake is simple to make yet delivers a sophisticated flavor that will impress your guests. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a delightful dessert everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Moist and Tender Texture

The combination of buttermilk and butter gives the cake a rich and moist crumb that stays tender even days after baking.

2. Delicious Vanilla Flavor

The cake features a pure, sweet vanilla flavor that complements the tangy cream cheese glaze perfectly.

3. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy

The cream cheese glaze adds a subtle tang to the overall sweetness, creating a deliciously balanced dessert.

4. Simple to Make

Despite its impressive flavor and texture, this pound cake is simple to make with just a few basic ingredients and easy steps.

5. Versatile for Any Occasion

This cake is ideal for everything from casual family gatherings to formal celebrations, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

Unsalted Butter
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla Extract
All-Purpose Flour
Baking Powder
Buttermilk
Salt

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

Cream Cheese
Powdered Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Milk

Variations

Add-Ins: Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for a twist.
Citrus Zest: For a fresh flavor boost, add some lemon or orange zest to the cake batter.
Glaze Options: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, try using a simple vanilla glaze instead of the cream cheese glaze.
Chocolate Pound Cake: For a chocolate twist, substitute a portion of the flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate cake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a bundt pan or 9-inch loaf pan.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare the cream cheese glaze

While the cake is baking, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Glaze the cake

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top, allowing it to flow down the sides.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so check your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Use a Bundt Pan: For an elegant presentation, bake the cake in a bundt pan.

How to Serve

This Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is best served at room temperature. Slice it up and serve it on its own, or pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat. For an extra indulgence, serve with whipped cream or fresh berries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake will remain moist and flavorful for several days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat slices of cake, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe for better control over the salt content.

2. Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk, but the texture and flavor will not be the same.

3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before using.

4. Can I bake this cake in a different type of pan?

Yes, you can use a loaf pan or a round cake pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly.

5. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey touch.

6. How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.

7. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Unfortunately, eggs are crucial to the structure of this cake, so I do not recommend omitting them.

8. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

9. Can I add fruit to the batter?

Yes, you can fold in fresh or dried fruit like berries or raisins into the batter before baking.

10. Can I use a different glaze?

Yes, you can use a simple vanilla glaze or even a chocolate glaze for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a classic dessert that offers a rich, moist texture and a balanced sweet-tangy flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple treat, this cake will never disappoint. With easy-to-follow steps and versatile variations, this pound cake recipe is bound to become a go-to in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite of this delicious, homemade treat!