This Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake is rich, buttery, and bursting with vanilla flavor. Made with simple ingredients, this cake is soft, moist, and perfectly dense—just as a classic pound cake should be. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, it’s an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and Buttery Texture – Thanks to buttermilk, this cake stays soft and tender.
Rich Vanilla Flavor – A perfect balance of sweetness and depth from vanilla extract.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward method make it beginner-friendly.
Versatile Dessert – Enjoy it plain, glazed, or with fresh berries.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for holidays, birthdays, or just a treat, this cake is always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pound Cake

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 ¼ tablespoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup milk

Directions

Prepare the Pound Cake

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a bundt pan or loaf pan.
Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the Eggs and Vanilla – Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake – Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

Mix the Ingredients – In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. Adjust with more milk if needed.
Glaze the Cake – Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pound cake.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve as is, or pair with fresh berries for an extra touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake – Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Chocolate Swirl Pound Cake – Swirl in ¼ cup of melted chocolate for a marbled effect.
Nutty Crunch – Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
Berry Bliss – Serve with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or a berry compote.
Coconut Flavor – Replace ¼ cup of buttermilk with coconut milk for a subtle coconut flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk adds moisture and tanginess. If substituting, use 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

2. How do I prevent my pound cake from being dense?

Ensure you cream the butter and sugar properly and do not overmix the batter.

3. Can I bake this in a loaf pan instead of a bundt pan?

Yes, divide the batter between two 9×5-inch loaf pans and adjust baking time to 50-60 minutes.

4. What if my glaze is too thick or too thin?

Add more milk to thin it or more powdered sugar to thicken it.

5. How do I keep my cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan thoroughly and dust with flour, or use parchment paper for easy removal.

6. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it a day in advance. Wrap it tightly to maintain freshness.

7. What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Enjoy it plain, with berries, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

8. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but it may alter the texture slightly.

9. Is this cake overly sweet?

No, it has a balanced sweetness, and the cream cheese glaze adds a mild tanginess.

10. Can I add cinnamon or spices?

Absolutely! A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth to the flavor.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a rich, buttery dessert that’s simple yet elegant. Whether served for a holiday, special occasion, or just as a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a slice of homemade perfection!