There’s a reason certain recipes become cherished family favorites, passed down through generations. The Southern Love Cake is one such treasure—a beautifully moist, tender Bundt cake infused with the subtle tang of buttermilk and often finished with a simple, elegant dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate glaze. It’s a timeless classic that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Southern baking, perfect for Sunday suppers, holiday gatherings, or simply when you need a comforting slice of homemade sweetness.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m incredibly fond of desserts that are both deeply comforting and surprisingly simple, and this Southern Love Cake perfectly embodies that philosophy. What I absolutely adore about this recipe is its unparalleled moistness and tender crumb, thanks to the buttermilk and careful balance of ingredients. It’s not overly complicated, allowing the pure, sweet flavor of the cake itself to shine through, complemented by the optional hint of citrus or vanilla. It feels incredibly nostalgic and sincere, yet its elegant Bundt shape makes it impressive for any occasion. It’s truly a hug in cake form, and the ease of preparation ensures it’s a frequent go-to in my kitchen.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ tsp almond extract or zest of 1 orange/lemon
- For the Glaze/Topping (Choose One):
- Simple Powdered Sugar Dusting: ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Vanilla Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp milk, ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Lemon Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp lemon zest
Swaps and Notes
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is crucial for the cake’s tenderness and moistness, and it reacts with the baking soda to create lift. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute: add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the rest of the cup with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy) until it reaches 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, for proper creaming.
- Eggs: Large eggs at room temperature incorporate better into the batter.
- Flavor Extracts: Vanilla extract is standard. A touch of almond extract adds a lovely subtle nuance, or lemon/orange zest provides a bright, fresh flavor.
- Bundt Pan: A standard 10-12 cup Bundt pan is ideal. Ensure it is very well greased and floured (or use baking spray with flour) to prevent sticking.
- Sweetness: The cake is perfectly sweet as is. Adjust glaze sweetness to your preference.
- Topping Choice: A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic and elegant. A glaze offers more sweetness and a shiny finish.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Oven & Bundt Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This slightly lower temperature helps ensure a moist cake without overbrowning. Generously grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are coated. Alternatively, use a baking spray that contains flour. This step is critical for preventing the cake from sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. This ensures all leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup room temperature buttermilk, ½ cup softened unsalted butter, 2 large room temperature eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. If using, add the optional ½ teaspoon almond extract or citrus zest. Whisk until well combined.
4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can develop gluten and lead to a tough cake. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Pour & Bake Cake: Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
6. Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the Bundt pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up slightly before you attempt to invert it. After cooling in the pan, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack. Lift the pan off the cake and let the cake cool completely on the wire rack before applying any glaze or topping.
7. Prepare & Apply Topping:
- For Simple Powdered Sugar Dusting: Once the cake is completely cool, simply dust generously with ¼ cup powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
- For Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk (add gradually until desired consistency), and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
- For Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (add gradually), and ½ teaspoon lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
8. Serve: Slice and serve your beautiful Southern Love Cake. Enjoy this tender, comforting treat!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure buttermilk, butter, and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, well-emulsified batter.
- Properly Greased & Floured Pan: Bundt pans have intricate designs. Take extra care to grease every crevice and dust thoroughly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing is the enemy of tender cakes. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Test for Doneness: A clean toothpick inserted into the deepest part of the cake is the best indicator of doneness.
- Cooling Process: Follow the cooling steps carefully. Cooling too quickly or removing from the pan too soon can cause the cake to stick or break.
- Glaze on Cooled Cake: Apply glazes only when the cake is completely cool, or it will melt and run off.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Southern Love Cake is a versatile and comforting dessert perfect for many occasions.
- Coffee or Tea: An ideal companion for a warm beverage.
- Family Gatherings: Perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or casual get-togethers.
- Holiday Dessert: A lovely alternative to heavier desserts for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or a beautiful Easter centerpiece.
- With Berries: Serve a slice with a side of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for added freshness.
- Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with a warm slice.
- For other comforting and classic baked goods from Chefmaniac, check out:
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
- These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot)
- This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
- Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake
Storage and Leftover Tips
Southern Love Cake stores beautifully, making it excellent for making ahead.
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled cake, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight cake keeper, at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, or if your kitchen is very warm, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: This cake freezes wonderfully! Once completely cooled, wrap the entire cake (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Love Cake is truly a timeless classic, offering a perfect blend of comforting tradition and delicious simplicity. Its moist, tender crumb and elegant presentation make it a beloved dessert that’s perfect for sharing with those you love. Get ready to bake a batch of this sweet Southern charm and savor every delightful bite!
What are your favorite Bundt cake flavors, or do you have a secret family cake recipe you cherish? Share your insights and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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