Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and pale — about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t skimp on this step; it incorporates air into the batter for a better rise and texture.

Step 3: Add the eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. This ensures a smooth, emulsified mixture. The batter should look creamy and glossy at this point.

Step 4: Add vanilla extract
Stir in the vanilla extract and beat just until combined. If you’re using a different extract (like almond or lemon), add it here instead.

Step 5: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This distributes the leavening and salt evenly throughout the cake.

Step 6: Alternate dry and milk
With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture. So: flour-milk-flour-milk-flour. Mix just until everything is incorporated. Do not overmix.

Step 7: Fill the pan and smooth
Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a couple of times to eliminate any big air pockets.

Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. Begin checking around the 55-minute mark. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and cracked — that’s a good thing.

Step 9: Cool
Let the pound cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the texture set and prevents crumbling.

Step 10: Slice and serve
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, slice thickly, and serve plain or with your favorite toppings.