This loaf cake is moist and flavorful, with a delightful crunchy sugar crust. The vanilla bean adds a subtle elegance.
Ingredients:
- For the Loaf:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- For the Sugar Crust:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Prepare the Loaf:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Stir in vanilla bean paste.
- Make the Sugar Crust:
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and flour.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle evenly with sugar crust mixture.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy!