Butter Pound Cake

The perfect way to test an oven you've never used before is to bake something really basic. It takes less risk, and gives you much satisfaction.

To kick-off my very first use of the oven in my new house, I've decided to bake this simple pound cake. And it's just proven to be a very healthy cooking partner!

(makes one 9"x5"x3" loaf)
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup flour, sifted
2 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a loaf pan, line the pan bottom with parchment paper and grease the paper. Set aside.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

With a hand mixer, beat the butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating continuously until light and fluffy (around 5 minutes).

Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The batter may look curdled, but it will come together after you add the flour. Add vanilla and beat until incorporated.

Add the flour mixture and mix just until incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
 

Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.