This opulent pure vanilla poke cake showcases the velvety richness of sweetened condensed milk, the tangy character of buttermilk, and the essence of Mom’s homemade rum-steeped vanilla pods, which flavor the soaked cake and enhance the whipped frosting.

To dress this masterpiece, a generous layer of brandy- and Grand Marnier-laced Chantilly cream is meticulously spread, lending an air of Southern refinement and elegance. The ethereal creaminess of this frosting complements the cake’s intense vanilla profile, enveloping each slice with a cloudlike lightness.