Name: Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 85 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup soft butter (2 sticks), unsalted.; 2½ cups white sugar.; 4 large eggs, room temp.; 3 cups sifted plain flour.; ½ teaspoon baking soda.; ½ teaspoon salt.; 1 cup buttermilk, room temp.; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla.; 4 ounces soft cream cheese.; 1 cup sifted powdered sugar.; 2 tablespoons milk.; ½ teaspoon vanilla for glaze.

A moist vanilla cake is topped with a creamy glaze, with a slice cut out displaying its soft interior. | recipesbyclare.com

My grandmother's vanilla buttermilk pound cake recipe brings back the sweetest memories of Sunday afternoons in her kitchen. I've added my own twist with a silky cream cheese glaze that turns this family treasure into pure magic. The aroma of vanilla and butter floating through your kitchen will make waiting for it to bake feel like forever. This cake has become the most requested recipe on my blog and once you try it you'll understand why.

Kitchen Magic Moments

Every time I share this cake at gatherings friends beg for the recipe. The magic lies in how the buttermilk creates the most incredible tender crumb while keeping everything perfectly moist. When that cream cheese glaze drips down the sides it creates these beautiful sweet rivers that make this cake absolutely irresistible. I've lost count of how many times this recipe has starred at birthday celebrations and holiday gatherings.

The Heart of the Recipe

Let me share what makes this cake so special. You'll need room temperature butter that's so soft it makes your fingers sink right in, farm fresh eggs that bring richness, pure vanilla extract for that heavenly aroma, and my secret ingredient buttermilk that creates pure magic. Each ingredient plays its part in making this cake unforgettable. Trust me when I say quality ingredients make all the difference in this recipe.

Sweet Finishing Touch

The cream cheese glaze takes this cake to cloud nine. Grab your softest cream cheese, the finest powdered sugar, a splash of sweet milk and vanilla. This combination creates the most luxurious glaze that hugs every curve of your cake. Sometimes I catch myself sneaking spoonfuls of it while waiting for the cake to cool.

Starting Your Baking Journey

The process starts with love and patience. Take your time creaming that butter until it's cloud light. Each egg needs a proper welcome into the bowl giving them time to blend in perfectly. I love watching the batter transform from simple ingredients into something truly magnificent. This is where baking feels like pure joy.

A moist cake with a creamy glaze has a slice cut out, revealing its soft texture. | recipesbyclare.com

Into the Oven

Your kitchen will transform into a vanilla scented paradise while this beauty bakes. The hardest part is waiting those 60 minutes as the cake rises into golden perfection. Keep your oven door closed no matter how tempting it looks. Trust the process and let the gentle heat work its magic.

The Grand Finale

Once your cake cools completely its time for the grand finale. Pour that silky glaze over the top and watch it cascade down the sides creating the most beautiful drips. This moment always makes me smile remembering how my grandmother would let me help with this part. Each drip of glaze adds character to your creation.

Saving the Sweetness

This cake keeps beautifully for several days though it rarely lasts that long in my house. Keep it covered at room temperature and the buttermilk works its magic keeping everything perfectly moist. The glaze will set just enough to slice cleanly while staying creamy and luscious.

Mix It Up

Some days I add fresh lemon zest when I'm craving something bright or fold in plump berries for a fruity surprise. Your kitchen your rules. This recipe welcomes creative touches that make it uniquely yours. Let your imagination guide you to new flavor adventures.

A Cake That Travels

This recipe has become my goto for potlucks and family gatherings. It travels beautifully and always arrives looking picture perfect. The sturdy crumb holds up well making it ideal for sharing. I love watching faces light up when I walk in with this cake.

A freshly baked cake with a creamy glaze, partially sliced to reveal its soft interior. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect for All Seasons

Summer brings opportunities for fresh berry toppings while autumn calls for warm spices. Winter holidays sparkle with a dust of powdered sugar snow and spring welcomes edible flowers. This cake dresses up or down for any occasion throughout the year.

Serving with Style

A simple slice stands beautifully on its own but I love adding fresh whipped cream and seasonal fruits. For special occasions I'll warm each slice slightly letting it become extra tender. Sometimes I'll add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Sweet Balance

While this is definitely a treat the buttermilk adds such beautiful tang balancing the sweetness perfectly. Each bite delivers pure satisfaction without being overwhelmingly rich. It's the kind of cake that lets you savor every crumb.

Baking Success

Take your time with room temperature ingredients they're worth the wait. Watch your mixing keeping it gentle once the flour joins the party. These small details make the difference between a good cake and an unforgettable one.

Common Questions Solved

Need a buttermilk substitute? A quick mix of milk and lemon juice works beautifully. Cake sticking to the pan? A thorough butter and flour coating is your best friend. The answers to your baking questions come from years of learning in my own kitchen.

A moist, round cake with a glossy white glaze has a slice cut out, revealing its soft interior. | recipesbyclare.com

Everyone Welcome

My gluten sensitive friends don't miss out on this treat. A good quality cup for cup gluten free flour blend works wonderfully here. The buttermilk helps keep everything moist and tender even without traditional flour.

Kitchen Confidence

This recipe builds beautiful baking confidence. Each step teaches something about the art of cake making. Watch how ingredients transform and trust your instincts. Soon you'll be baking this cake with your eyes closed.

Pure Joy

The magic of this cake lies in its ability to bring people together. It's started conversations sparked friendships and created countless happy moments around many tables. Food has this beautiful way of connecting us.

Simply Beautiful

Sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy. This classic vanilla cake proves that perfectly. Its familiar comfort wrapped in that dreamy cream cheese glaze creates pure happiness in every bite.

From My Kitchen to Yours

This recipe carries so much love from my grandmother's kitchen through mine and now to yours. Each time you bake it you're adding to its story. Remember baking is about joy and sharing so have fun with this recipe and make it part of your own sweet memories.

A round, frosted cake with a slice missing, revealing its soft, moist interior and topped with a shiny white glaze. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use room temperature ingredients?: Room temperature eggs and buttermilk blend more easily with the butter and sugar. This creates a smoother batter and ensures even baking throughout the cake.
→ Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?: Yes, you can use two 9-inch loaf pans instead. Just adjust the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick test.
→ Why do you alternate wet and dry ingredients?: This method ensures the batter mixes evenly without overmixing. Starting and ending with dry ingredients helps the batter hold its structure better.
→ How do I store this cake?: Store the glazed cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze this pound cake?: Yes, wrap the unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding the glaze.

Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake