Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C), and grease and flour a bundt pan (or your preferred cake pan). This ensures that your cake comes out looking beautiful and golden!

2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key to a tender cake, so take your time. You want the mixture to be airy and creamy.

3. Add the eggs: One at a time, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to help them incorporate better.

4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This keeps the batter smooth and helps everything come together.

5. Add flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon extract (if using). The vanilla brings that homey flavor, and the lemon adds just the right hint of brightness.

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as ovens vary, and we don’t want it to over-bake!

7. Make the glaze: While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny.

8. Glaze the cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. The glaze gives the cake an irresistible sweetness that’ll have everyone coming back for more.