If you’re looking to bring a little sunshine to your day with a slice of something truly special, this Delightful Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is the answer. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of tender crumb, rich vanilla flavor, and the tangy sweetness of a creamy glaze. It’s not just any pound cake—it’s the kind of homemade treat that turns an ordinary afternoon into a cozy moment worth savoring. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a personal indulgence, this cake will quickly become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.

Delightful Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Delightful Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe starts with straightforward ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a key role— from the buttery richness and tender crumb to the smooth, flavorful glaze—working together for a heavenly result.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a beautiful, golden crust.
1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1/2 cup buttermilk: Brings a subtle tang and keeps the cake delightfully moist.
2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with warm, fragrant vanilla flavor.
4 large eggs (at room temperature): Provide structure and help the cake rise beautifully.
2 tsp baking powder: Offers the essential lift for a light, airy crumb.
4 oz cream cheese (softened): The key ingredient for a luscious, tangy glaze.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for drizzling perfection.
3 tbsp milk: Adjusts the glaze to just the right consistency for pouring.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s just right when your batter is ready. Grease a loaf pan thoroughly to make sure the cake releases easily after baking. This small step prevents any sticking surprises and keeps your cake’s perfect shape intact.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy and pale—about 3 to 4 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to a lighter cake texture. Watching the mixture transform from grainy to silky is always such a satisfying step!

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Next, add each egg slowly, blending well after each addition. This careful mixing helps maintain the air you’ve just whipped into the mixture, ensuring the final cake is tender and rises nicely. It’s like building a sturdy foundation, one piece at a time.

Step 4: Combine Flour, Baking Powder, and Buttermilk

Sift together your flour and baking powder for an even distribution of rising power. Gradually add this to your butter mixture in small batches, alternating with the buttermilk. This alternating method keeps the batter smooth, moist, and perfectly blended, giving you that signature softness in every slice.

Step 5: Stir in the Vanilla Extract

Once your dry and wet ingredients are fully combined, fold in the pure vanilla extract. Its fragrant aroma instantly lifts the batter, filling your kitchen with the warm scent of vanilla—a true sign you’re on your way to something delightful.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your patience here will be rewarded with a perfectly baked cake that’s rich, moist, and utterly crave-worthy.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and glossy. This tangy-sweet glaze is the crowning glory of the recipe, creating a beautiful, luscious drizzle that contrasts perfectly with the cake’s vanilla richness.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cake. It will melt slightly, seeping into the edges and adding a silky finish that’s impossible to resist. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving to friends and family.

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

Garnishes

To elevate this delightful vanilla buttermilk pound cake with cream cheese glaze recipe even more, try garnishing with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries—they add a pop of color and fresh brightness. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dusting of cinnamon can also bring in wonderful texture and warmth.

Side Dishes

Serve with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent treat. A cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the cake’s sweetness and makes the perfect pairing for a comforting afternoon break.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, slice the cake and serve on individual plates with a drizzle of extra cream cheese glaze on top. Layer slices in a dessert trifle with fresh fruit and whipped cream to impress at gatherings, or simply wrap slices in parchment paper tied with twine for sweet, homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftovers of the delightful vanilla buttermilk pound cake with cream cheese glaze recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it moist and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the refrigerator can extend its freshness for up to five days—just allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your pound cake warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. The warmth brings out the buttery richness and makes the cream cheese glaze soft and inviting once again.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this cake?

While regular milk can be used, buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the cake. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup milk and let it stand for 5 minutes before using.

Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs and butter?

Yes, room temperature eggs and butter blend more smoothly with other ingredients, creating a lighter batter and ensuring even baking. Cold ingredients might result in a denser cake texture.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative like almond or soy milk mixed with lemon juice. Use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for the glaze.

How can I tell when the cake is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The cake will also pull slightly away from the sides of the pan and have a nice golden color.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger pan, or divide the batter between two loaf pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly—start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Delightful Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is truly a joyful experience from start to finish. It’s a wonderful way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something classic yet exceptional. Once you try it, this cake will undoubtedly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every scrumptious bite!

Delightful Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

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3.9 from 66 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Delightful Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake is a moist and tender treat made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter, and buttermilk. Enhanced by the rich flavor of vanilla and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, this classic pound cake is perfect for any occasion, whether as a dessert or a special breakfast treat. The cake bakes to a beautiful golden brown with a light crumb and a rich, creamy finish from the sweet glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs (at room temperature)
2 tsp baking powder

Glaze Ingredients

4 oz cream cheese (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp milk

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and light, which helps incorporate air into the batter for a tender crumb.
Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, fully blending after each addition to maintain an even and smooth batter texture.
Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, to keep the batter smooth and prevent overmixing.
Add Vanilla: Stir in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the batter with rich vanilla flavor.
Pour and Smooth Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly for consistent baking.
Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the cake turns a golden brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: While the cake is cooling, create the glaze by whisking together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the warm cake with the cream cheese glaze, allowing it to slightly soak in and add a sweet, tangy finish before serving.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for better batter consistency and texture.
Check the cake at 50 minutes and cover loosely with foil if it browns too quickly to prevent burning.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before glazing to avoid melting the glaze completely.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American