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Deliciously Irresistible Vanilla Buttermilk Cake with Creamy Glaze
julia

Deliciously Irresistible Vanilla Buttermilk Cake with Creamy Glaze

A soft and moist vanilla buttermilk cake topped with a rich, creamy glaze—simple, sweet, and absolutely irresistible.
 
 
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • All-purpose flour – 2 cups
  • Sugar – 1 ½ cups
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon
  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Butter – 1 cup softened
  • Vanilla extract – 1 tablespoon
  • Buttermilk – 1 cup
  • Eggs – 4 large
  • Cream cheese – 2 ounces softened
  • Powdered sugar – 1 cup
  • Milk – 1 tablespoon for glaze

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  2. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as a properly heated oven ensures an even baking environment, allowing your Vanilla Buttermilk Cake to rise beautifully. Take a moment to enjoy the anticipation of the delicious aroma that will soon fill your kitchen!
  3. Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
  4. Grab your loaf pan and generously butter it or line it with parchment paper. This will help the cake slip right out once it’s baked, avoiding any sticky situations. A well-prepared pan is essential for the success of your Vanilla Buttermilk Cake, so don’t skip this step!
  5. Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important because it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, providing that lovely rise to your cake. Take a moment to admire the simple beauty of these ingredients coming together.
  7. Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
  8. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the mixture, which helps create a tender crumb in your Vanilla Buttermilk Cake. The creamy texture combined with the sweet scent will invigorate your senses!
  9. Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
  10. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract during this step, allowing its rich flavor to blend seamlessly into the batter. You will notice the mixture taking on a beautiful color and texture, hinting at the delicious cake to come.
  11. Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
  12. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to maintain a balanced mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want that lightness to shine through!
  13. Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan
  14. Carefully pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top to ensure an even rise. Step back and appreciate your handiwork; a perfectly filled pan is the first impression of your soon-to-be masterpiece!
  15. Step 8: Bake the Cake
  16. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remember, each oven is unique, so keep an eye on your cake. The golden-brown top will be your guide to achieving the perfect bake!
  17. Step 9: Let it Cool
  18. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it helps maintain moisture in the Vanilla Buttermilk Cake.
  19. Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
  20. While your cake cools, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and some milk until smooth. This luscious glaze will add a wonderful richness, perfectly complementing the flavor of your cake. The excitement of pouring the glaze over the cake is just around the corner!
  21. Step 11: Glaze the Cake
  22. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Allow it to cascade down the sides for that enticing visual effect. Indulge your senses as the aroma and presentation elevate this dessert to a showstopper!
  23. Step 12: Slice and Serve
  24. Slice the cake into thick, delectable pieces and serve it to delighted friends and family. You’ll see their faces light up with joy at the first bite of your Vanilla Buttermilk Cake. Enjoy the sweet victory of baking!
  25.  

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions
If you find yourself short on buttermilk, you can easily make your own by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and voila! You have a perfect substitute that will maintain the cake’s tenderness.
Storage Tips
Once baked, you can store your Vanilla Buttermilk Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life. Make sure to serve it at room temperature for a delightful bite every time!
Serving Suggestions
Feel free to add fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream on top for a more luxurious experience. The tanginess of the cream cheese glaze paired with fruit can elevate your cake to another level. Experiment with flavors that excite your palate!

Why Baking Can Be Therapeutic

Baking can offer a sense of calm and focus, transforming your kitchen into a warm haven. The act of measuring, mixing, and waiting for something delicious to emerge can be incredibly satisfying. Enjoy this journey as it not only fills your home with sweetness but also your heart with joy.

The Joy of Sharing Your Creation

Don’t keep all the deliciousness to yourself! Share your freshly baked Vanilla Buttermilk Cake with friends and family. There’s a special kind of joy that comes from bringing people together over food, sparking laughter and conversation with each slice shared.

Easy Variations for Your Cake

Feel free to add lemon zest for a bright twist or chocolate chips for a richer flavor. The beauty of the Vanilla Buttermilk Cake lies in its versatility, making it a perfect base for your favorite flavors. Why not experiment and discover new favorites?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking your Vanilla Buttermilk Cake, be mindful not to overmix the ingredients to prevent a tough texture. Additionally, avoid opening the oven door too soon, as the sudden drop in temperature can affect the cake’s rise. Lastly, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better emulsification and mixing. Happy baking!