- Preheat the oven to 300°F. 
- Spray three 8 inch loaf pans with baking spray and line them with parchment paper 
- Zest and juice the lemon. Stir 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and vanilla extract into the milk. Set aside for later use. The milk will begin to look curdled but it’s supposed to. 
- In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment beat together the butter, salt, and lemon zest. Beat for 5 minutes on medium-high. 
- Add the sugar gradually beating on medium until light yellow in color. (Around 5 minutes) 
- Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. 
- Sift the flour. 
- Lower the speed of the mixer and add the flour alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with flour. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally. 
- After all ingredients have been added, beat on low speed for 1 minute to be sure the flour has been fully incorporated. 
- Divide evenly between the pans 
- Place into the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes OR until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes back clean. 
- Let cool in the pans 15 minutes before removing