Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat the inside of an 8 1/2-inch x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter until fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the granulated sugar and beat together until smooth.
Add one egg to the bowl and mix. Add 1/3 of the flour and mix until just combined. Repeat alternating eggs and flour until they've been incorporated into the batter. Add the almond extract and poppy seeds and mix them into the batter until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer.
Bake for 35 minutes. Then rotate the pan and bake for another 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
Using a knife, loosen the edges of the cake. Turn out the cake and then place it right side up on a wire rack over a baking sheet. (The baking sheet will catch any glaze that runs off the cake in the next step.)
Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon just until smooth. Pour the glaze over the warm cake. Sprinkle with lemon zest for garnish, if desired. Let the cake cool completely.
Cream Cheese Spread
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Spread the cream cheese over slices of pound cake or between slices to make yummy dessert sandwiches.
Notes
Nutritional information is based on 1 loaf cut into slices and does not include the cream cheese spread.
To make mini loaves: Prepare the batter as directed. Then divide it between 4 mini loaf pans that have been coated with non-stick cooking spray. Bake the cakes for around 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with the glaze (you made need extra), and let them cool.
To make your own cake flour, mix together 1 1/4 cups + 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and you're good to go.
If you prefer a vanilla glaze instead, swap out the lemon juice for milk and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract before mixing.