Honey Cake
A beautifully moist, warmly spiced honey cake with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and orange. This elegant cake develops even deeper flavor after a day of resting, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for holidays and celebrations.
Servings 12 people
Calories 314kcal
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup honey
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup avocado oil or light olive oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup brewed coffee cooled
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and lightly flour a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan or a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Set aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Honey
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Coffee
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Mix until smooth.
- Combine
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Mix just until no dry flour remains.
- Do not overmix.
Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
- For the richest flavor, wrap tightly and allow the cake to rest overnight before serving.
Notes
Storage
Room Temperature: Wrap tightly and store for up to 4 days. Refrigerator: Up to 1 week. Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.Suggested Pairings
- Hot tea
- Fresh coffee
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Roasted nuts
- Fresh fruit
-
Chef's Tips
- Orange zest brightens the honey and spice flavors.
- Coffee enhances the depth of the honey without making the cake taste like coffee.
- This cake becomes even moister on the second day.
- Use a mild, floral honey for the most balanced flavor.
Optional Glaze
Whisk together:- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp honey
Optional Garnishes
- Orange zest
- Toasted sliced almonds
- Chopped pistachios
- Fresh berries
- Light dusting of powdered sugar
- Fresh whipped cream