Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, coat a 12- to 15-cup Bundt pan with baking spray that contains flour. This ensures the cake won’t stick to the pan during baking and will come out perfectly shaped. It’s always important to prepare your pan well to avoid any mess later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the granulated sugar and softened butter on medium-high speed. Continue beating for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps create a light texture for the cake. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until just combined after each addition. Be sure to beat the mixture on a low speed to prevent overmixing. Once all the eggs are incorporated, add the vanilla extract and beat until combined. This adds a subtle but essential flavor to the cake.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and baking soda. These dry ingredients will help give the cake structure and flavor. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture to ensure a smooth batter. Beat on low speed until just combined after each addition. Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake, so be gentle during this step.

Step 5: Spoon the Batter into the Pan Once the batter is fully combined, spoon it into the prepared Bundt pan. After filling the pan, gently tap it on the counter 3 to 5 times to release any air bubbles that may have formed. This ensures an even rise and a smooth texture in the final cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should have a slight wobble in the center when gently nudged. This means it’s fully baked but still moist inside. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake out of the pan onto a cutting board or platter and flip it back so the rough side is facing up. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack for about an hour.

Step 7: Make the Glaze While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and water until smooth. This glaze is simple but adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the cake. The glaze should have a slightly runny consistency, making it easy to brush over the cooled cake.

Step 8: Glaze the Cake Once the cake has completely cooled, use a brush to apply the glaze generously over the top of the cake. Allow the glaze to drip down the sides, creating a beautiful, shiny finish. This step not only adds flavor but also gives the cake an irresistible, glossy look that is sure to impress.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then slice the cake into generous servings. The cake is ready to be enjoyed on its own, or you can pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat. The combination of the tender, buttery cake with the sweet glaze makes each bite a truly indulgent experience.