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Bring butter, cheese and eggs to room temperature before you begin.
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Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan and preheat oven to 160C or 325°F.
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Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until softened.
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Gradually add sugar 2 TABLESPOONS AT A TIME beating on medium speed about 5 minutes until very light and fluffy.
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Add poppy seeds and vanilla essence.
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Add eggs,one at a time, beating on low to medium speed 1 minute after each addition and scraping bowl frequently.
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Gradually add flour mixture beating on low speed until just combined.
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Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for about 1 1/4 hours or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
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Cool in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes and then remove from pan and allow to cool completely before serving.