lb cake is a shortened cake. it contains either vegetable shortenings or butter.
butter imparts a very special flavor.
the fat should always be at room temperature! (70 degrees f)
this is an important factor.
if it's too cool , it will not disperse properly, if melted, it will not incorporate air.
the flavorings should be creamed with the sugar and fat.
flavors are carried by the fat, hence this mixture will insure uniform distribution of the flavor.
next should come the eggs to form an emulsion, thus producing a fine grained cake.
add eggs 1 at a time. do not overbeat.
a curdled appearance will yield a coarse texture cake.
sift the dry ingredients before beginning the creaming process.
add this alternately with the liquid.
scrape the bottom and sides of mixing bowl often with a spatula
have the pans prepared before mixing.
grease & flour the bottom of pans, but not sides.
pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
with a spatula, cut thru the batter to remove any air bubbles.
the pan should be placed in the center of the oven at the temperature recommended.
resist the temptation to peek.
keep the oven door closed.
when baking time is reached, check for doneness.
a toothpick should come out clean with no crumbs attached.
check in the center.
also, a cooked cake will spring back when lightly touched.
cool the cake at least 10 - 15 minutes on a wire rack before removing from pan.