Description
This Delightful Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake is a moist, tender cake infused with rich vanilla flavor and a tangy hint of buttermilk. Topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, ideal for any occasion or afternoon tea.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes, which helps to incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation and an emulsified batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent and remove clumps.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake dense.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the batter with its characteristic aromatic flavor.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the smooth batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to even out the top for uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: While the cake is cooling, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Glaze the Cake: When the cake is still warm, drizzle the cream cheese glaze evenly over the top to allow it to gently soak into the cake, adding moistness and a tangy-sweet finish before serving.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the crumb tender instead of dense.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake center; clean removal means it’s ready.
- Let the cake cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting too much and running off.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
