Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare your 10-inch bundt pan (or two 9-inch loaf pans) by thoroughly greasing and flouring it.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until it’s well combined and noticeably fluffy.
Step 4: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Afterward, stir in the vanilla extract and the optional almond extract.
Step 5: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they are thoroughly combined.
Step 6: Begin to gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
Step 7: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased and floured pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven. For a bundt pan, bake for 60-70 minutes. For loaf pans, bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Allow the pound cake to cool in its pan for about 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure it is fully cool before frosting.
Step 10: For the frosting, in a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
Step 11: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until it’s fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 12: If the frosting appears too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until you achieve your desired spreadable consistency.
Step 13: Once your pound cake has cooled completely, evenly spread the luscious cream cheese frosting over the top.