LEMON POUND CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: To prepare the pan, mix 2 tablespoons softened butter and 2 tablespoons flour (equal parts of each) in a small bowl until combined. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the inside of a 10-cup Bundt pan or two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans and set aside. (Alternatively, spray with nonstick baking spray with flour.) Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F if using a bundt pan or 350 degrees F if using loaf pans.
• In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the remaining 1 cup softened butter and the cream cheese on medium-low speed until smooth, creamy and well combined, about 1 minute. Beat in the vanilla and salt.
• With the mixer running, pour the sugar into the bowl in a steady stream. The batter will start to take shape. Increase the speed to medium and mix until the batter becomes pale, fluffy and has lightened in color, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Add the eggs two at a time, mixing until they are completely incorporated before adding the next, about 1 minute for each addition. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice and mix until just combined.
• Stop the mixer and use a rubber spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. If the batter appears broken from the addition of the final 2 eggs, don't worry-it will come together in the next step.
• With the mixer off, add the flour all at once. Mix on low speed just until no streaks of
• flour remain. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix in any bits of flour that were
• not fully incorporated. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan or pans and smooth the top.
• Bake until a cake tester inserted deep into the center of the bundt cake or loaves comes out clean, about 1 hour 20 minutes for a bundt and 50 to 60 minutes for loaves.
• Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Use a small angled spatula or butter knife to loosen the cakes from the pans by running it around the loaves or around the inside and outside perimeters if you baked a bundt. Invert the cakes onto the rack and cool to room temperature.
• For the lemon glaze: Whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice and confectioners' sugar in a small bowl. If necessary, add a little milk until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency. If it is too thin, add more confectioners' sugar. Set aside.
• Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze all over and allow to drip down the sides.