Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Tutorial Tuesday: Buttermilk Poundcake & Powdered Sugar Glaze

Last week, I shared my "Flowers~N~Flutters" Dessert Table {click for post}, which featured this buttermilk poundcake.

So here's what you'll need for this tasty treat:
~ 3 cups all-purpose flour
~1/4 teaspoon baking soda
~1/2 teaspoon salt
~ 1 cup butter
~ 3 cups white sugar
~ 6 eggs
~ 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
~ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
~ 1 cup buttermilk

Directions:
1) Mix together flour, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.
 2) In a large bowl, beat butter with sugar.
 3) Mix in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
 4) Stir in lemon & vanilla extracts.
 5) Gently mix in flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk. {I do about a third of each at a time}.
 You should end up with a nice, creamy mixture.
 6) Pour batter into greased, floured 9 or 10 inch tube pan.
7) Bake at 325* for approximately 90 minutes. 
{You might want to check it a few minutes earlier, but do not open the oven door until the cake has been in the oven for a least one hour.  When the cake begins to pull away from the side of the pan, it is a good sign it is done.}
 8) Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a wired rack & cool completely.



The cake is delicious by itself, but if you want it a little sweeter, here's the glaze recipe:

What you'll need:
~ 1 lb. powdered sugar
~ 1/4  cup (or more) milk
~ 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
Mix powdered sugar & milk together, then mix in vanilla.  Continue adding milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. 
Pour over cake.
{Tip: If you don't want glaze all over your cake plate, sit cake on another plate to add glaze.  When glaze has hardened, carefully transfer to desired cake plate.}
I originally wanted to find edible, pesticide-free flowers for the cake, but didn't have much luck.  So I chose to place the flowers in a little water-filled cup, gently placed in the middle of the cake.

Enjoy!



I'll be joining with Foodie Friday at Designs my Gollum, Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage, Craftomaniac Monday at Craft-O-Maniac, Hoo's Got Talent at Night Owl Crafting, Sweets for Saturday at Sweets as Sugar Cookies, and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed with Grace.  Check 'em out for more delicious recipes.