Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

As the cake bakes, the kitchen fills with a warm, comforting aroma that instantly transports you to a place of sweetness and nostalgia. The rich scent of vanilla combines with the subtle tang of buttermilk, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge. The texture is so tender, it practically melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s a cake that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The cream cheese glaze adds the perfect finishing touch—smooth, velvety, and just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness of the cake. Every drizzle of glaze is like a promise of something truly special, transforming each slice into a moment of pure joy.

What I love most about this cake is how effortlessly it pairs with almost anything. A cup of tea or coffee? Perfect. Fresh berries on the side? Even better. It’s the kind of dessert that’s just as delightful on its own as it is when dressed up with a few simple additions. And, let’s be honest, the best part is sharing it with the people you love. Every time I serve this cake, I’m reminded that the simplest recipes often bring the greatest joy.

Key Ingredients for Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

When it comes to making this Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor. The beauty of this cake lies in how these simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Here’s a look at the key players:

• All-purpose flour
  The foundation of this cake, all-purpose flour provides structure without being too heavy, ensuring the cake is light yet rich. It works in harmony with the buttermilk and butter to give that soft, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar
  Sugar does more than just sweeten the cake—it helps create a moist texture by drawing in moisture and adding to the cake’s tenderness. It also plays a part in creating that golden, slightly crisp exterior as it bakes.
• Unsalted butter
  Butter adds richness and flavor, creating the perfect balance of moistness and flavor. It helps produce that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that we all crave in a pound cake.
• Buttermilk
  This ingredient brings a subtle tang that brightens the sweetness of the cake. It also reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise, giving it that airy, light quality we love in a pound cake.
• Eggs
  Eggs provide structure and moisture, giving the cake its rich, smooth texture. They also help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a perfect crumb.
• Vanilla extract
  Vanilla extract is the star when it comes to flavoring the cake. Its warm, aromatic essence adds depth and makes the cake’s flavor even more comforting and familiar.
• Baking soda
  A key leavening agent, baking soda helps the cake rise and gives it a light, airy texture. It works in tandem with the acidity of the buttermilk to provide the perfect lift.
• Cream cheese
  For the glaze, cream cheese brings a tangy richness that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cake. It’s what makes the glaze smooth, velvety, and adds a luxurious finish.
• Powdered sugar
  Powdered sugar gives the glaze its smooth consistency without any grittiness. It also helps to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese, making the glaze the perfect combination of sweet and tangy.
• Vanilla extract (for the glaze)
  Just as in the cake, vanilla extract in the glaze adds a final touch of aromatic warmth, enhancing the sweetness while maintaining a balanced flavor profile.

Each of these ingredients brings its own special quality, working together to create a cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe box.

How to Make Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Serving Suggestions for Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

A Cup of Tea or Coffee: There’s something magical about pairing a slice of this pound cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The warmth of the drink complements the cake’s soft, buttery texture, creating a cozy, comforting moment that feels like a mini celebration. Whether you’re enjoying an afternoon break or winding down after dinner, this duo never disappoints.

Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream: If you’re looking to elevate your pound cake, fresh berries are a perfect match. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries bring a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: For a truly indulgent treat, serve a slice of the pound cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. As the cold ice cream melts over the warm cake, it creates a heavenly combination of textures and temperatures that’s simply irresistible. This is the kind of dessert that’s sure to impress, whether you’re hosting a special gathering or treating yourself to something sweet.

How to Store Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

To keep your Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze fresh and flavorful, the key is to store it properly. Once the cake has cooled completely, it’s best to keep it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. If you have leftovers (which is rare, right?), simply cover the cake with a layer of plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container for an added layer of protection.

For a longer shelf life, you can freeze slices of the pound cake. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes, and the cake will retain its soft texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.

If you’re planning to eat the cake within a couple of days, storing it on the counter is perfectly fine. Just be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The glaze might soften a bit, but the cake will still be delicious, and the flavor will only get better as it sits.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the perfect Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze! This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a simple yet indulgent treat that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it as the star of a family gathering, this cake never disappoints. The soft, tender crumb combined with the smooth, tangy cream cheese glaze is a flavor match made in heaven, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

I hope you’ll enjoy making (and eating) this cake as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that feels like home, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! If you decide to give it a try, drop me a comment or let me know if you have any questions or feedback. I’m always here to help!

Print Recipe

Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Calories: 450

Description

This Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake is a slice of heaven, with its buttery richness and soft, tender crumb. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese glaze, each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of tanginess that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
4. Set the flour mixture aside.
5. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. Mix in the vanilla extract.
8. Add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
9. Mix each addition until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
10. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
11. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
12. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
13. While the cake is cooling, make the cream cheese glaze.
14. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
15. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully combined and smooth.
16. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
17. Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top of the cake.
18. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Note

• Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for proper mixing and texture.
• Sift the dry ingredients together to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the flour mixture.
• Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
• You can substitute the buttermilk with milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar if needed.

Keywords: vanilla buttermilk pound cake, cream cheese glaze recipe, buttermilk pound cake with glaze, moist vanilla pound cake, homemade pound cake with cream cheese glaze