Kentucky Butter Cake (Southern Pound Cake)

Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Powdered sugar for garnish, optional
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ⅓ cup butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 tablespoons water