Honey Vanilla Pound Cake

We've been so busy lately that I feel like I haven't done any baking, so this morning I decided to try out a new recipe from Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. It was super easy to make, turned out very moist, & you can really taste the lemon flavor (just from that little bit of lemon zest!).

Honey Vanilla Pound Cake
2 sticks unsalted butter, @ cool room temperature (See note @ bottom of Post)
1 1/4 cups sugar
4 extra-large eggs; @ room temperature
2 T. honey
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
2 cups sifted cake flour
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-Grease the bottom of an 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 inch loaf pan; Line the bottom with parchment paper; Then grease & flour the pan.

-Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter & sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, until light.
-Meanwhile, put the eggs, honey, vanilla & lemon zest in a glass measuring cup but do not combine.
-With the mixer on medium-low speed, add the egg mixture, one egg at a time, scraping down the bowl & allowing each egg to become incorporated before adding the next egg.

-Sift together the cake flour, salt & baking powder. With the mixer on low speed, add it slowly to the batter until just combined.
-Finish mixing the batter with a rubber spatula & pour it into the prepared pan. Smooth the top.
-Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes, turn out onto a baking rack, & cool completely.

*Note: If you allow the butter to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour, it will be at "cool room temperature."

*Optional Glaze Topping:
I didn't have any powdered sugar in my pantry so I couldn't make the glaze today, but next time I will...
2 cups confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar), sifted
3 1/2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

-Combine the sugar & the lemon juice in a bowl, mixing with a wire whisk until smooth. Drizzle over the top of the cake, allowing the glaze to drizzle down the sides.

Honey Vanilla Pound Cake