1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Your Pan Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and greasing or spraying a 13×9 inch glass pan. This ensures even baking and easy removal later. Take a moment to set out your ingredients so everything’s ready to go.

2-Second Step: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon baking soda. This step blends the dry elements evenly, setting the foundation for your fluffy cake. Set this mixture aside for now.

3-Third Step: Combine the Wet Ingredients In another bowl, whisk 1 ½ cups buttermilk, 3 large whole eggs, 1 egg yolk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. This creates a smooth liquid base that will add moisture and flavor. Make sure your eggs are fresh for the best results.

4-Fourth Step: Incorporate the Butter Cut 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter into pieces and add it to the dry mixture. Mix on medium speed until it becomes crumbly, about 1-2 minutes. This is where the magic happens for that tender texture we’re aiming for.

5-Fifth Step: Add the Wet Mixture Pour in half of the liquid mixture and mix just until incorporated, then add the rest and mix briefly for another 30 seconds. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so keep it light and airy here. Your batter should be smooth and ready to bake.

6-Sixth Step: Bake the Cake Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake at 325°F for 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes while you prepare the glaze.

7-Seventh Step: Make the Glaze While the cake is warm, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over low to medium heat. Turn off the heat, stir in ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ¼ cup buttermilk until the sugar dissolves. Add 2 cups confectioner’s sugar and stir until smooth, then set aside briefly.

8-Final Step: Apply Glaze and Serve Poke holes in the warm cake with a skewer, pour the warm glaze over it, and let it soak for 30 minutes. This step makes the cake extra moist and flavorful. Slice and serve warm for the best experience, and enjoy with family or friends.