Classic Kentucky Butter Cake

Make the Cake - Gather the cake ingredients.

Make the Cake - Preheat the oven to 325 F. Generously grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan or 10-inch tube pan. Make sure you get all the nooks and crannies of the bundt pan.

Make the Cake - In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Beat on low speed until moistened. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for about 3 minutes longer.

Make the Cake - Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.

Make the Cake - Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Make the Glaze - Meanwhile, gather the glaze ingredients.

Make the Glaze - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar, butter, water, and vanilla. Cook, stirring, just until the butter melts. Do not bring the mixture to a boil.

Finish the Cake - Once the cake has finished baking, move it to a rack and leave it in the pan. Pierce it all over with a fork or skewer.

Finish the Cake - Pour the hot butter glaze over the warm cake.

Finish the Cake - Let the cake stand 5 to 10 minutes, or until the glaze is absorbed.

Finish the Cake - Carefully turn it out onto a cake plate. Cool and serve, sprinkled with confectioner's sugar if desired. Enjoy.