Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter.
- Room temperature ingredients will blend more smoothly.
- Don’t overmix the batter, or the cake may become tough.
- For a moist cake, use a toothpick test to check for doneness.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade pound cake!