Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan. Grease and flour your bundt pan thoroughly. This will prevent the cake from sticking, allowing for a beautiful release.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Buttermilk. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the buttermilk until well combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Step 7: Bake the Cake. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Make the Glaze. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, vanilla, and water. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Step 9: Glaze the Cake. Once the cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then invert it onto a cooling rack. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top with a skewer and drizzle the warm glaze over it, allowing it to soak into the cake.
Step 10: Let it Cool and Serve. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for an extra treat!