This genius basil sugar topping would make any cake sparkle, but it’s especially dazzling on this simple, golden pound cake from Thalia Ho. With earthy and sweet notes abound, the garnish can be paired with lots of things including cookies, all sorts of fruits, and even toast. Set it out for a picnic or barbecue, but whatever you do: Don’t skimp! GET THE RECIPE ►► https://f52.co/3mzMhlrPREP TIME: 30 minutesCOOK TIME: 30 minutesSERVES: three 5x3-inch (14x8-centimeter) loaves (or one 9x5-inch loaf)INGREDIENTSPound Cake3/4 cup (1½ sticks/170 grams) unsalted butter, softened1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour3/4 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon iodized salt1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar3 large eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extractZest of 1 large lemon1/3 cup plus 1½ tablespoons (100 milliliters) buttermilkBasil Sugar1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar1/4 cup (10 grams) packed basil leavesZest of ½ large lemonRecipe adapted slightly from Wild Sweetness: Recipes Inspired by Nature (Harper Design, March 2021).SUBSCRIBE TO FOOD52 ►► https://f52.co/2HN7Dp8CONNECT WITH FOOD52Web: https://food52.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/food52Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Food52Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/food52Twitter: https://twitter.com/Food52TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@food52Food52 newsletter: https://f52.co/newsletterABOUT FOOD52As a one-stop shop for joyful living, Food52 connects discerning home cooks with the interests they're passionate about via award-winning food and lifestyle content across platforms. We provide our audience with the recipes and solutions they crave to eat thoughtfully, live joyfully, entertain beautifully, and travel differently.