Buttermilk or sour cream have probiotics that break down gluten and make it soft and dense.
Overmixing can make the cake dry so only mix it until ingredients are just combined.
Room temperature butter, eggs, and milk mix easily and create smoother batter.
A little extra butter and vegetable oil locks in moisture and makes the cake moist.
A water bath maintains a consistent moisture and ensures the cake doesn’t go dry while baking.