Vanilla Cake with Strawberries, Basil and Mascarpone Cream

Instructions

1. 1

   With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 9 x 5-inch (23 x 13 cm), 6-cup (1.5 litre) loaf pan and line with a strip of parchment paper, letting it hang over two sides.

2. 2

   In a small pot, heat the milk with the butter until melted. Let cool.

3. 3

   In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt.

4. 4

   In another bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until the mixture is pale and doubled in volume, about 5 minutes. With the machine running on low speed, whisk in the dry ingredients alternating with the cooled milk mixture until smooth. Spread the mixture out in the prepared loaf pan.

5. 5

   Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Unmould.