|
Preheat oven to
350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter or spray
with a pan spray, a 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf pan. Line the bottom of
the pan with parchment paper and butter or spray the paper.
In a large
bowl, sift together twice, the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In the bowl
of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually
add the sugar, beating continuously on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (this
will take about 5 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. After
about five minutes the batter should be light in color and fluffy in texture.
Then add the eggs,
one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of
the bowl as needed. You will notice that the batter will look curdled. Don't
worry as the batter will come together again after you add the flour mixture. Add the vanilla and lemon
zest, if using, 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
Will keep
several days well wrapped or it can be frozen for a month.
Makes one 9 x 5
x 3 inch loaf.
|
