Vanilla Bundt Cake

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat oven to 325 degrees. Butter and flour a 10- to 12-cup Bundt pan, making sure to get in every nook and cranny.

2. Step 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.

3. Step 3

   To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or to a large bowl, if using an electric hand-mixer), add butter and granulated sugar. Mix on medium-high until light and fluffy, 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

4. Step 4

   Combine the milk, vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) in a measuring cup with a spout. Turn the mixer to low and alternately add half the flour mixture, then all the milk mixture, then the remaining flour mixture. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and tap firmly on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles.

5. Step 5

   Bake the cake until puffed and golden and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes. Set the cake in the pan on a sheet tray lined with a rack to cool for 15 minutes, then turn the cake out onto the rack for the first glazing.

6. Step 6

   While the cake is baking, make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and salt. The glaze should be thick but runny, like honey. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed. You should have about ¾ cup of glaze.

7. Step 7

   Right after the cake is turned out of the pan, carefully brush the warm cake with about ¼ cup of the glaze, creating a thin layer. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes, then brush the cake with the remaining glaze. Let the cake cool to room temperature before serving.