Beat room temperature butter at MEDIUM speed for about 2 minutes or until creamy, scraping down the sides and bottom at least twice. Increase speed to MED-HIGH for an additional minute to ensure its creamy texture.
Add in the dark brown sugar and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar gradually. Beat for 5-7 minutes at MEDIUM speed scraping sides and bottom.
Add room temperature eggs, one at a time, and beat just until blended in before adding the next egg. Scrape down sides and bottom at least twice before proceeding to next step.
Alternate adding flour and milk mixture into mixing bowl, about a 1/4 of the flour and then followed by 1/3 of the milk at a time. Beat in at LOW speed after each addition , ending with the last of the flour. Then, increase speed to MED-HIGH for about 2 mins, stopping to scrape down sides at the halfway point.
Pour evenly into prepared pan(s). Bakng times will vary according size of pans. Time below are estimates. Check on the early side with a toothpick in center, Adjust times as needed.
Bake at 325℉ until wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ovens vary sometimes, so check early to be on the safe side.Bundt Pan- approximately 60 mins- check at 55 min mark Two 9" x 5" loaf pans (used in original Southern Living recipe)-50-55 minsOther types of pans I've used:Mini-fluted (12 per pan) 20 mins- check at 15 min markMedium fluted pans( 4 1/4" across) 30-35 minsCool in pans on racks for 15 minutes, then remove from pans. Drizzle with the Hot Rum Glaze, if desired.