Butter-Vanilla Bliss Pound Cake

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, prepare your loaf pan by greasing it with vegetable oil spray and dusting it lightly with flour. This helps ensure that your cake will not stick to the pan and will bake evenly.

2. Mix Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

In a food processor, combine 1.25 cups of sugar, 4 large eggs, and 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Blend these ingredients for about ten seconds until they are just mixed.

3. Add Melted Butter

Next, melt 16 tablespoons of unsalted butter. With the food processor running, slowly pour the melted butter into the sugar and egg mixture. This step is crucial as it creates a smooth and perfectly emulsified batter, leading to a tender and cohesive cake.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of cake flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Sift this dry mixture over the wet ingredients in the food processor. This ensures that the cake flour is aerated and free of lumps, contributing to the cake’s tender texture.

5. Transfer Batter to Pan

Gently transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter. This will help achieve an even texture in your finished cake.

6. Bake the Cake

Place the pan on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You'll know it's ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool the Cake

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the cake firm up slightly, making it easier to handle. After 10 minutes, run a paring knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan. Flip the cake onto a wire rack and let it cool completely. Proper cooling is essential to prevent a soggy bottom and to ensure the cake has a firm structure.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy your Butter-Vanilla Bliss Pound Cake as it is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Happy baking!