Sun-Kissed Buttermilk Bundt Cake

1. Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F with the rack positioned in the lower-middle section. This ensures even baking, essential for a perfect Bundt cake.

2. Prepare Bundt Pan

Next, prepare your Bundt pan. Combine one tablespoon of flour with the melted butter to form a paste. Use a pastry brush to coat every nook and cranny of a 12-cup nonstick Bundt pan. This simple step ensures the cake will release effortlessly once baked.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, the salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This dry mixture provides the structure your cake needs.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. This combination of wet ingredients will infuse your cake with a delightful tang and aroma.

5. Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed for about three minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This creaming process is crucial as it creates a light and airy texture in your final cake.

6. Add Eggs

Add the eggs and the extra yolk, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This method ensures each egg is fully incorporated before the next one is added.

7. Combine Mixtures

Reducing the mixer speed to low, alternate between adding the flour mixture in three parts and the buttermilk mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Be sure to scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well-mixed.

8. Final Stirring

Give the batter a final stir by hand using a spoon or spatula to ensure it's evenly mixed. Scrape the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.

9. Bake Cake

Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even baking. You'll know it's done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.

10. Cool Cake

Once the cake is finished baking, let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This short cooling period helps the cake set and makes it easier to handle. After 10 minutes, invert the cake onto the wire rack and allow it to cool completely, which will take about two hours.