Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 10-inch bundt pan or two 8-inch round cake pans with butter, and lightly dust with flour. Shake out any excess flour to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in a well-risen cake.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process can take 3-5 minutes, depending on the power of your mixer. Proper creaming is essential for incorporating air into the batter, which gives the cake its tender texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions (start and end with the dry ingredients). Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Transfer to the Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s), spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using round pans, check for doneness after 50-55 minutes.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before applying the glaze.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze is creamy and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Step 9: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for a beautiful finish.