Make the pound cake

Cup of Yum
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Generously coat two 9-by-5-inch metal or ceramic loaf pans with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer on high speed or in a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer on high, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth, 1 to 3 minutes. Gradually add the sugar, beating until the mixture is pale and fluffy, 4 to 8 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla.
4. Turn the mixer to low speed and then add the flour mixture in 2 batches, beating until just combined after each addition, about 1 minute.
5. Divide the batter between the 2 prepared pans. Tap the pans on the counter and smooth the tops with an offset spatula. Bake until golden and a cake tester comes out with a few crumbs attached, 65 to 80 minutes. If the tops of the cakes seem to be browning too quickly, tent them with foil. Transfer the pans to a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes. Then carefully turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely, about 2 hours. (The pound cakes can be wrapped in plastic and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 weeks. Thaw the wrapped cakes at room temperature before unwrapping and slicing.)

Make the glaze

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Set a rack over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour the lemon glaze, if using, over the pound cakes, letting it drip down the sides. Let rest until the glaze sets, 30 to 60 minutes. Slice. Devour. Repeat.