I've been thinking about Christmas gifts and looking for a pound cake type recipe that I could bake for some people. I found one I'd really like to try but it states in the instructions that the baking must start in a COLD oven! I've never heard of this. I wanted to bake quite a few of them so that might be a deal-breaker for this recipe.

Is this really necessary? What's the reasoning behind this? Does anyone know? Thanks for any help offered!

From what I'm reading, starting from a cold oven allows it to rise higher before the outsides bake. Also, this method develops a thicker crust. If you're the type that likes a nice thick, crusty outside, this is the way to go.