Classic Pound Cake

Classic Pound Cake

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Oven and Pan:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease and flour a bundt pan or a loaf pan.

2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

4. **Add the Eggs:**
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
– Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. **Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
– Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined after each addition.

6. **Bake the Cake:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan or loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

7. **Cool the Cake:**
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
– Carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

8. **Serve:**
– Slice and serve as desired. This pound cake is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.