Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously grease a 10-inch Bundt pan.

Step 2

In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

Step 3

In a separate large bowl, add 1 cup of butter and 2 cups of sugar. Beat at medium-high speed until the mixture is light yellow and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. (This process is called creaming the butter and sugar.)

Step 4

Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract.

Step 5

Pour the dry ingredients and the buttermilk, alternatingly, into the butter-sugar-egg mixture. Beat for about 1 to 2 minutes at low speed, or just until the ingredients are well-combined.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the greased pan. Bake for 60 minutes. To test for doneness, stick the center of the cake with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done baking. Leave the cake in the pan.

Step 7

Using a fork or knife, poke holes in the warm cake.

Step 8

Make the butter sauce while the cake is baking. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining ¾ cups sugar, ⅓ cup butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and water. Stir until the mixture is combined, but do not let the mixture come to a boil.

Step 9

Pour butter sauce over the warm cake. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan. Slice and enjoy!