Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting pan
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (optional glaze)
  • 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk or lemon juice (optional glaze)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Check at 45 minutes and tent with foil if the top is browning too quickly.
  7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) until smooth. Pour over the cooled cake (optional).