Ingredients:

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Grease and flour the loaf pan; set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
  5. Gradually add sugar, beating well until light and fluffy.
  6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; incorporate vanilla (and almond extract, if using).
  7. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
  8. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
  9. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  10. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.