Fragrant Rosemary Cake by George Wintle

As seen in Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving.

Wintle's creation marries woody rosemary notes with honey sweetness and mead's unique character. The cake turns out wonderfully damp, filled with tiny bits of fresh rosemary for an unexpected savory note. Drizzled with honey-mead mixture, this treat gets even better, and you can add a dollop of mead cream for extra richness. It's quick to make but tastes fancy - just follow a few easy steps to bring these bold flavors to your next get-together.

Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Sat, 26 Apr 2025 15:18:20 GMT
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Two pieces of bread with butter and lavender on top. | foodthingle.com

This herb-infused sponge with honeyed topping turns basic kitchen staples into a showstopping treat that mixes woody rosemary with gentle sweetness. The blend of mead and honey creates a tender, aromatic bake that somehow feels down-to-earth yet fancy all at once.

I whipped this cake up for a backyard get-together where I wanted something fancy but not fussy. My kitchen smelled amazing with rosemary scents, and everyone kept coming back for extra pieces all night long.

What You'll Need

Cooking Guide

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Two slices of bread with purple flowers on top. | foodthingle.com

When I first shared this cake, my grandma asked how I made it, which means it's really good in my family. She'd grown rosemary in her backyard for years but never thought to put it in sweet stuff until she tried my cake.

Mastering The Honey Drizzle

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Two pieces of bread with butter and lavender on top. | foodthingle.com

Pairing Ideas

Traditional Roots

Keeping It Fresh

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes rosemary a good ingredient for cake?

Rosemary brings an unexpected earthy flavor that works surprisingly well with both sweet and savory elements in baked goods.

→ Can I substitute mead in the recipe?

Sure thing. Try apple cider, white wine, or even water mixed with a spoonful of honey to keep that complex taste profile.

→ How do I ensure the cake stays moist?

Measure your ingredients carefully. Don't mix the batter too much. Bake at the right temp. The syrup will also help keep everything nice and juicy.

→ Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

You can definitely use dried rosemary. Just cut the amount in half since it's stronger. Make sure to grind it up really well for the best texture.

→ What is the purpose of mead cream in this dish?

The mead cream gives you that smooth, luxurious feeling when eating the cake. It really brings together all the herby and sweet flavors with its creamy goodness.

Wintle's Herbal Syrup Cake

Herby cake with sweet mead topping, a wonderful sweet for any gathering.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
45 Minutes
Overall Time
60 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Desserts

Skill Level: Moderate

Regional Style: British

Output: 10 Number of Servings

Special Diets: Meat-Free

What You'll Need

→ Cake Batter

01 1 cup soft unsalted butter
02 1 cup white sugar
03 4 large eggs
04 2 cups plain flour
05 1 tablespoon baking powder
06 ½ teaspoon salt
07 1 tablespoon finely diced fresh rosemary
08 ½ cup milk

→ Syrup and Garnish

09 1 cup honey
10 ½ cup fresh mead (or something similar)
11 Fresh rosemary twigs for topping

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Get your oven hot at 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 9-inch round cake tin.

Step 02

Beat soft butter with white sugar in a big bowl until fluffy and pale.

Step 03

Drop in eggs one by one, making sure each one's totally mixed before adding another.

Step 04

Take another bowl and stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and chopped rosemary.

Step 05

Slowly add your dry mix to the butter blend, switching between that and pouring milk. Stir until just smooth.

Step 06

Empty the mix into your ready tin. Let it bake for 40-45 minutes. It's done when a toothpick comes out clean from the middle.

Step 07

As the cake bakes, mix honey and mead in a pot. Let it bubble gently, then cook until a bit thick. Take it off the heat to cool down.

Step 08

When done, pull the cake out and let it sit in the tin for 10 minutes. Then move it to a wire rack until fully cool.

Step 09

Once the cake's cool, pour your honey-mead mix all over the top.

Step 10

Add some mead cream if you want and stick rosemary twigs on top.

Essential Tools

  • 9-inch round cake tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric or hand mixer
  • Wire rack
  • Saucepan
  • Toothpick

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has dairy from butter and milk
  • Has eggs
  • Has gluten from flour

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat Content: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Protein: 4 g