Bay Leaf Pound Cake
A fragrant pound cake infused with fresh bay leaves, offering a subtle herbal aroma that complements its moist, buttery texture—perfect for tea time or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- Put uncracked eggs in a bowl and pour hot tap water over them.
- Let stand several minutes to warm the eggs gently.
- Crumble 5 bay leaves as finely as possible and combine them with the milk in a saucepan.
- Bring the milk and bay leaves to a gentle simmer, stirring once or twice.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; sift together.
- Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add sugar while beating until blended.
- Crack the warm eggs into the batter and beat for about 2 minutes until very fluffy.
- Add half of the sifted flour and beat until smooth.
- Strain out the bay leaves from the milk and add the milk to the batter.
- Mix well.
- Add remaining flour and beat until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Place the remaining two bay leaves on top of the cake.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a rack before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, steep the bay leaves in the milk longer for a more pronounced herbal note. If you don't have bay leaves, you can substitute with a pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon for a different flavor profile. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming, and consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Bay Leaf Pound Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. It also makes a lovely addition to a brunch spread, complementing dishes like Cathy'S Zucchini Bread or fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bay Leaf Pound Cake contains roughly 439 calories, with 7g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1193mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried bay leaves instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried bay leaves. Since they are more potent, use about 2-3 dried leaves instead of 5 fresh ones. Crumble them finely to release their flavor, and remember to strain them out just like the fresh ones before adding the milk to the batter.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan butter substitute. Alternatively, you can use equal parts of vegetable oil or applesauce for a lighter cake. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and richness of the pound cake.
How can I tell when the pound cake is done baking?
The pound cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Additionally, the edges should be a golden brown, and the cake will spring back when gently pressed in the center. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).