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My family's treasured pound cake is something I've got to tell you about. This buttermilk vanilla cake works wonders—it's got this soft texture, just the right sweetness, and wait till you try that cream cheese topping. The vanilla smell fills my kitchen when I bake it, and trust me, it tastes way better than it smells.
The Wonderful Qualities of This Cake
Buttermilk does something truly wonderful in pound cake—it gives you this incredibly fluffy texture that just dissolves when you eat it. You can really taste the vanilla, and the cream cheese topping adds just the right sweet-tangy mix. I always turn to this cake when friends come for tea or when I need a dessert that'll wow everyone.
Your Ingredients List
- All-Purpose Flour: 2¾ cups, giving your cake its backbone and form.
- Butter: 1 cup unsalted, adding richness and wetness.
- Granulated Sugar: 2¼ cups, bringing sweetness and soft texture.
- Eggs: 4 large, holding everything together nicely.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, bringing that classic vanilla taste.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup, making everything moist with a hint of tang.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, creating that tasty topping.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup, sweetening the topping just right.
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The Baking Process
- Get Ready
- Turn your oven on to 325°F (160°C). Get your 10-cup bundt pan greased and floured or just spray it with nonstick spray so the cake comes out easy.
- Mix It Up
- Get your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt sifted in a bowl. Whip the butter and sugar till they're fluffy. Drop in eggs one by one, then switch between adding your dry stuff and buttermilk, starting and finishing with the dry mix. Don't overmix it.
- Into The Oven
- Put your mix in the pan and smooth it out. Let it bake about 70–80 minutes and check if it's done with a toothpick. Cool it in the pan for 10–15 minutes before moving it to a cooling rack.
- Top It Off
- Whip the cream cheese till smooth, mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk bit by bit until it flows right. Pour it over the cooled cake and let it set before you serve it.
Insider Tips
I've made so many pound cakes and learned a thing or two. Get your stuff to room temp first—it really changes how the cake turns out. When you measure flour, use a spoon to fill your cup then level it off instead of scooping from the bag. And don't rush the cooling before you add the topping.
Put Your Spin On It
You can do so much with this cake! I sometimes throw in some lemon zest for a fresh taste or add chopped nuts for some crunch. The cream cheese topping is great, but try pouring some melted chocolate over it for a totally different yummy taste.
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Storage Advice
Wrap this cake up tight and it'll stay soft for days just sitting on your counter. If you want to keep it longer, stick it in your fridge or even freeze pieces for up to three months. Just let it warm up before you eat it and it'll still be perfect.
Questions You Might Have
People always ask me what to do if they don't have buttermilk. It's easy—just put a tablespoon of lemon juice in regular milk and wait 5 minutes. And if your cake sticks, remember to really coat that pan with butter or spray, especially if your bundt pan has lots of details.
What Makes It So Good
There's a reason this pound cake has become my go-to dessert. The buttermilk keeps it super moist, and the vanilla flavor hits just right—not too sweet but definitely a treat. Whether you're having people over for dinner or just want something nice with your coffee, everyone will love it.
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Common Questions
- → What's special about buttermilk?
Buttermilk makes your cake super moist and soft while also waking up the baking powder and soda.
- → Can I skip the bundt pan?
Sure thing, just grab two 9x5 bread pans instead and bake for around 60 minutes.
- → How can I tell it's fully baked?
Stick a toothpick in the middle after 70 minutes. If it comes out clean, you're good to go.
- → Why bother with room temp stuff?
When everything's at room temp, it mixes way better and gives you a smoother mix and fluffier cake.
- → How long will it stay fresh?
If you wrap it up good, your cake will taste great for 4-5 days just sitting on the counter.
Wrap-Up
An unforgettable buttermilk vanilla bundt that's incredibly soft and full of flavor. This crowd-pleaser works for any sweet occasion and gets even better with its zingy cream cheese topping.