Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

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If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from your grandma’s kitchen, then the Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Rich, moist, and boasting that perfect balance of sweet vanilla and tangy buttermilk, this pound cake melts in your mouth with every bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that adds just the right touch of decadence, it’s a timeless classic that’s both comforting and irresistibly indulgent. Whether for a cozy afternoon tea or a special celebration, this recipe is pure joy from start to finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, pantry staples that come together effortlessly yet deliver such an incredible depth of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this cake tender, flavorful, and beautifully moist.

• Unsalted Butter: Using softened butter helps create a light, fluffy cake base.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with the tender crumb.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness; adding them one at a time ensures a smooth batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cake’s warm, aromatic flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake’s texture.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cake a gentle rise for a tender crumb.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Salt: Elevates all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for a silky, rich glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect drizzle consistency.
• Milk: Adjusts the glaze texture so it’s smooth and pourable.

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). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan so the cake bakes evenly and releases easily after baking—this little step saves so much frustration later on!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, helping your pound cake stay tender and rise beautifully.

Step 3: Beat in Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This technique keeps the batter from curdling and ensures a smooth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that warm, classic flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning, preventing clumps and ensuring a balanced rise.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in intervals, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix, folding gently to avoid overmixing which can make the cake tough. This step creates the tender, moist crumb that’s signature to this Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe.

Step 6: Pour Batter and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula for even baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The slow, low bake guarantees a dense yet light crumb without drying out.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is essential because glazing a warm cake can cause the glaze to melt and run off too quickly.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a pourable yet thick glaze. This topping adds a rich, tangy sweetness that complements the cake perfectly.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the completely cooled vanilla buttermilk pound cake. The glaze will set just enough to create a beautiful, shiny finish that invites you to dig in.

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

Garnishes

Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich cake. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts also brings a delightful crunch that balances the smooth glaze.

Side Dishes

Serve your pound cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A hot cup of coffee or tea pairs wonderfully with the subtle sweetness of the cake and glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the pound cake into thick slices and layer them with fresh fruit and whipped cream to make an easy trifle. Or serve individual mini slices with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a party-worthy dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pound cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to three days. The cream cheese glaze helps keep the cake moist, but avoid refrigeration unless necessary.

Freezing

This pound cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve its texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the cake and slightly melts the glaze, making each bite heavenly.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?

While you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, the unique tang and tenderness that real buttermilk brings is hard to replicate fully. For best results, use true buttermilk.

Why is the cake dense and moist instead of light and airy?

This pound cake is meant to be dense, rich, and moist thanks to its high butter content and the use of buttermilk. It’s not a fluffy sponge, but that’s exactly what makes it so indulgent and satisfying.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might vary slightly but it will still be delicious.

How thick should the cream cheese glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable so you can drizzle it evenly over the cake. Add milk gradually to reach that perfect consistency.

Is this pound cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! Its elegant vanilla flavor and irresistible cream cheese glaze make it perfect for birthdays, brunches, or any celebration where you want to impress without fuss.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a timeless dessert that feels simultaneously homey and special, this Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is calling your name. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring with your favorite people. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with each tender, buttery slice and creamy, dreamy glaze.

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