Queque Seco - Traditional Costa Rican Pound Cake

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened)
• Eggs (3 large)
• Milk (1/2 cup)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons)
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan to ensure easy removal of the cake.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
7. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.