A supremely moist Vanilla Buttermilk Bundt Cake topped with a simple Vanilla Glaze and plenty of sprinkles!
While rich and decadent chocolate cake will always have my heart (proof can be found here, here, and here), I also really really really like a good slice of vanilla. So pure and sweet; buttery and rich; glazed and sprinkle-y. This easy cake can be dressed up or down, and believe me when I say it FLIES off the table. My friend Lynn said it tastes like a giant glazed buttermilk doughnut, so there’s that, too 😉 Cake that tastes like a doughnut?! That’s winning.
This cake bakes very fast (around 45 minutes in my oven) so be sure to keep an eye on it while it’s baking. You’ll want to spray your bundt pan with non-stick spray very generously. Don’t worry if the cake is a little brown/golden on the edges when you remove it from the pan – that’s what the glaze is for. And the sprinkles! I’ve never met a baking problem a little decorating handy work couldn’t fix 😉
I like to cut this cake up before my guests arrive so they can just grab and go, but if you’d like to really WOW them, leave it whole, then slice it right before dessert o’clock. Enjoy!
Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Bundt Cake with Buttermilk Icing
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Bundt Cake:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- *1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Vanilla Buttermilk Icing:
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar; sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a Bundt pan; set aside.
- Beat granulated sugar and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-speed until combined and creamy; about 2 minutes. Add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to medium-low and add in buttermilk and vanilla; mix until well combined. Add in the flour, baking powder and salt; beat just until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few crumbs attached. Carefully loosen the cake from pan using a butter knife, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In the meantime, make your icing!
- In a medium-size bowl combine the confectioners' sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract; whisk completely smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time; if the glaze is too thin, add more confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time. You're looking for the glaze to be thick enough to hold it's shape, but thin enough to pour.
Decorate:
- Simply pour the glaze over top the cooled cake and add sprinkles (if desired).
Sarah says
This cake came out a little smaller than expected, but is still tasty nonetheless.
Silvana Carbajal says
Does this recipe work for a regular cake (not bundt?)
Madeleine Fuchs says
We each had seconds after baking this cake today. Thank you for the recipe
Bri says
Can this be made as mini Bundt cakes? The recipe looks amazing.
Courtney says
Can you use vanilla bean paste vs. actual vanilla beans and vanilla extract?
Joanna @ Chic & Gorgeous Treats says
I am planning to get a new bundt cake mould and a prettier looking one too. The glaze is absolutely perfect. This cake is seriously pretty and I love the classic flavours. Delish! ♥ Jo
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Buttermilk, vanilla bean, a bit of lemon – the flavors are set up to be a fabulous success right there! And a new pan – even better!
Suzie says
This is so pretty! I can only imagine how tasty it was….yum!!
Jen L | Tartine and Apron Strings says
Love, love, love this cake! Too bad I’m on Paleo Diet for the next 30 days, so no dairy, no grains, no refined sugars. Only for the next 30 days, though. Then, I will reassess. I know ME, I can’t completely go without sweets and treats!
Kelly Senyei (Just a Taste) says
Wow! This looks so incredibly moist and flavorful, and I’d love a piece right this minute with my coffee. So glad to have found your site and can’t wait to explore more!