Mouthwatering Savory Pound Cake Recipe
Behold, dear readers, as I present to you a culinary masterpiece that is sure to surprise and delight your taste buds. Introducing my savory pound cake recipe, a delightful twist on the traditional sweet pound cake that we all know and love.
As a chef who has dedicated years to perfecting the craft of British cuisine, I can attest that this savory pound cake is unlike any other recipe you have tried before. Bursting with complex flavors and textures, this pound cake is moist and delicious on the inside, with a tantalizing outer crust that offers a satisfying crunch.
The secret to this delectable dish lies in the unique blend of fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, ham, and savory tomato. This blend creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor notes that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
While this pound cake makes for a fantastic breakfast or brunch option when served with bacon, eggs, or even as part of a bread recipe, it can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or elegant side dish during Christmas dinners.
So indulge in my delightful creation, savoury pound cake which is not only easy to prepare but also carries the taste of home. Whether you are looking for a scrumptious snack or something deliciously satisfying to fill your belly for an evening meal, this cake recipe will undoubtedly impress you and your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh sweet savory pound cake, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. This delightful cake recipe has got everything you could ever want from a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. Imagine a soft and fluffy pound cake, infused with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese, and studded with bits of savory ham, zucchini, and carrot. Sounds heavenly already, doesn’t it?
But wait, that’s not all. With just a pinch of pepper and salt, and a hint of lemon peel, this pound cake recipe brings out the perfect balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds beyond measure. It’s moist and tender on the inside but wonderfully crusty on the outside, thanks to its golden brown color achieved by baking powder.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile! You can swap in your favorite ingredients like savory tomato or butternut squash depending on your mood. You can also turn it into a French cake salé or even a cornbread bundt if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me; this recipe will never bore you.
Whether you’re looking for something to pair with your morning coffee or an elegant addition to your holiday table, this savory pound cake won’t disappoint. And with all the delicious ingredients involved, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredient List
To create the perfect savory pound cake, you’ll need a combination of fresh and flavorful ingredients. This recipe calls for classic pound cake ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and unsalted butter softened to room temperature. Along with these staples, don’t forget to add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to give the cake a subtle cheesy flavor. For a burst of freshness, finely dice ¼ cup each of carrot and zucchini and add them to your batter. To enhance the savory taste and smell further, include a tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs such as rosemary, thyme or parsley. A little bit of lemon zest can also go a long way in making your cake recipe more vibrant. Lastly, add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients prepped and ready, it’s time to dive into the main recipe. Get your bundt cake pan ready as we start our journey towards an amazing and unique savory pound cake.
Mixing the Batter
- Cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 ¼ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in 3 large eggs, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Fold in the dry ingredients in three parts to the wet mixture until just combined.
Prepping the Savory Tomato Mixture
- In a pan, sauté some diced carrots, zucchini, and a handful of mixed fresh herbs in olive oil until soft.
- Add in some chopped plum tomatoes along with some fresh lemon zest, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Assembling the Cake
- Grease a bundt pan generously with butter, then sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and almond flour all over.
- Spoon half of the batter mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add in spoonfuls of the savory tomato mixture on top of the batter mixture.
- Spoon in the remaining batter mixture evenly on top of the savory tomato layer.
Baking
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) degrees.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into cake.
- Let cool for about 15 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack.
The resulting savory bread is a perfect way to switch up your breakfast routine or serve as an appetizer at any gathering. Try this unique savory pound cake recipe and see how it delights your taste buds!
Substitutions and Variations
Hark! There are countless ways thou canst modify this savory pound cake recipe to thy liking!
To switch up the flavors, thou may add some fresh herbs such as finely chopped basil or rosemary to the batter. If thou loveth some salty goodness in thy life, chop up some crispy bacon or deli ham and mix it into the batter. For a touch of sweetness, add in some grated carrot or zucchini.
If thou prefereth gluten-free options, thee canst replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Alas, do not forget the necessary adjustments to baking powder and salt! Cheese lovers, rejoice- sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the cake before baking it for an extra flavor boost.
For those who prefer a creamy filling, try mixing cream cheese with lemon peel and a pinch of pepper to create a delicious cheese filling. Alternatively, top off the cake with some roasted butternut squash or savory tomato sauce.
If thee wish to make a breakfast casserole with this cake recipe or turning it into a savory bread recipe, slice the pound cake into pieces and layer them with eggs, ham, and cheese before baking it in a loaf pan. Or try making a cornbread bundt cake by replacing the wheat flour with cornmeal.
The options are endless. Let thy imagination run wild and have fun creating different variations of this delightful pound cake formula!
Serving and Pairing
Friends and family are bound to be impressed by your savory pound cake, which makes for an excellent appetizer or snack. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend slicing it into thin pieces and serving it on a platter with some fresh herbs, such as chopped basil or parsley. The herbs will add a pop of color and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
This cake would also make for a delightful addition to any brunch meal, served alongside scrambled eggs or a frittata. As a breakfast dish, the savory pound cake pairs well with ham or bacon, and can be incorporated into a breakfast casserole.
If you’re looking for more ideas on how to serve this dish, consider pairing it with some olive tapenade or roasted red pepper spread. You could even toast it slightly and top it with some creamy goat cheese for a more indulgent treat.
As for drinks, I highly recommend keeping things simple and sticking with coffee, tea or juice. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try pairing this cake with an almond-flavored liqueur or even sparkling wine.
No matter how you serve it, this pound cake is sure to impress both your taste buds and your guests’ taste buds alike.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hark now, fair friends, for I shall impart to thee invaluable knowledge on how to store, make-ahead and reheat thy masterpiece. Amidst the baking process, you can prepare and freeze it for another day. As for storage, the cake shall last for about four days if kept at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. If you wish to extend its shelf life, place it in the refrigerator and consume within seven days.
Reheating your savory pound cake might seem like a daunting task; fear not, dear bakers, as I have an easy solution for thee. Place a slice of the cake in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s warm enough to your liking without drying out the cake. If you prefer using an oven, preheat it at 300°F/150°C and cover the cake with aluminum foil before placing it in the oven. Allow it to warm up for up to 10-15 minutes or until it is evenly heated.
If thou wishest to enjoy your cake for an extended period or send it as a gift to someone far away, preparing mini versions of the savory bread would be ideal. You can wrap each small cake in plastic wrap before freezing- this way, you can conveniently defrost only what you need without compromising on quality.
That’s all! My wisdom on storing, make-ahead and reheating will undoubtedly steer thee towards success with thy recipe.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the success of your savory pound cake, there are some tips and tricks you can follow.
Firstly, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This is particularly important for the butter, as it needs to be soft enough to cream with the sugar. Eggs that are too cold can also cause curdling and uneven baking.
In addition, be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough and dense cake. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated and then stop.
To prevent your savory pound cake from sticking to the pan, remember to grease it thoroughly with butter or oil before adding the batter. This will also make it easier to remove once baked.
When using fresh herbs in your savory pound cake, opt for those that have a more subtle flavor such as thyme or rosemary. Stronger herbs like basil or cilantro can overpower the other flavors in the cake.
Lastly, allow your savory pound cake to cool completely before slicing into it. Allowing it to rest will ensure that it stays moist and that the flavors have had time to meld together.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and moist savory pound cake that is perfect for any occasion.
FAQ
Hark! Gather around, dear cooks and bakers. As every great chef knows, even the most straightforward recipes can stir up confusion in the kitchen. Hence, to ensure your savory pound cake comes out perfect every time, let us address some frequently asked questions that may arise while preparing this delightful delicacy. So grab your aprons and let’s get started!
What is the difference between pound cake and bundt cake?
When it comes to cake, one may wonder about the distinction between pound and bundt cakes. While any cake can be prepared as a bundt cake, it needs to be baked using a bundt pan. On the other hand, pound cakes have some unique features. They tend to be dense and were first made using a pound of each of the ingredients, including butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
Why is it called Elvis Presley pound cake?
According to an article in Saveur magazine by Jane and Michael Stern, Elvis Presley had a particular fondness for simple and traditional foods, despite having the means to indulge in more luxurious options. This endearing quality made him all the more relatable to his fans who also enjoyed down-home cuisine.
Why is my pound cake not moist?
When baking a cake, if it turns out to be dry, it’s most likely due to over-baking or an incorrect balance of ingredients. If too much flour was used or not enough butter and sugar, the cake can lose its moisture. To avoid this issue, lower the oven temperature or take the cake out a bit earlier than suggested. This will help keep your cake moist and scrumptious.
Bottom Line
Fellow foodies, indulge in the pleasures of my savory pound cake! Whether for breakfast, brunch or tea time, this recipe is a game changer. The moist crumb and diverse flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser, and the ease of preparation and versatility only add to its charm. This cake can be customized with a range of substitution or variations from vegetables like carrot and zucchini to ham and parmesan cheese.
So why not try a savory twist on a classic, enjoy a slice of savory pound cake with your favorite fresh herb or a dollop of cream cheese. Tempt your taste buds with this appetizing treat that would surely satisfy your cravings. Believe me, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll be hooked!
Thank you for letting me share my love for pound cakes and British cuisine with you, I hope you savor every bite!
Savory Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup finely diced zucchini
- 1/4 cup finely diced carrot
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 6 eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons grated orange peel
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced ham
- fresh edible flowers or fresh herb, if desired (to garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F Spray 81⁄2x41⁄2-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook zucchini and carrots together in boiling salted water 2 to 3 minutes or just until tender. Drain; rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- In large bowl, beat butter on medium speed until soft and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating each egg until mixture is almost smooth.
- In medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, orange peel, lemon peel, baking powder, salt and pepper; mix well. Gradually add to egg mixture, beating until well combined. Stir in vegetables and ham. Spoon batter into pan; spread evenly.
- Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack. Cut into 1⁄4-inch slices; arrange on serving tray. Garnish with edible flowers or fresh herbs.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.