Orange Honey Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Orange Honey Cake is a moist and flavorful treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of honey with the bright, citrusy notes of fresh orange. It’s spiced gently with ginger and warming spices, making it an ideal dessert for any season.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup raw honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• Optional Glaze:
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp orange juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter, raw honey, and eggs. Mix well.
4. Step 4: Stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and grated fresh ginger to the wet ingredients.
5. Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: For extra flavor, brush the warm cake with the optional honey-orange glaze made by mixing honey and orange juice.
8. Step 8: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated ginger for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor than pre-ground ginger.
• To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
• Adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can introduce a pleasant crunch.
• Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream to balance the sweetness.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, allowing it to return to room temperature before serving. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular honey instead of raw honey?

Yes, regular honey works well as a substitute; however, raw honey adds a slightly richer flavor and potentially more nutrients.

Is fresh orange juice necessary, or can I use bottled juice?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor and brightness, but good-quality bottled juice can be used if fresh is not available.

Orange Honey Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

This delightful Orange Honey Cake combines warm spices and the bright flavors of fresh orange juice and zest for a moist, fragrant dessert. Sweetened with raw honey and enhanced by a hint of fresh ginger, it offers a cozy yet refreshing taste perfect for any occasion. The optional honey-orange glaze adds a glossy, flavorful finish to this simple yet elegant cake.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ¾ cup raw honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

Optional Glaze:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp orange juice

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan to ensure the cake does not stick after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well combined and evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, raw honey, and eggs until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Add Orange and Ginger: Stir fresh orange juice, orange zest, and grated fresh ginger into the wet mixture, blending to infuse the flavors.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix. Stir just until combined for a tender crumb.
6. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the cake’s center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
7. Apply Optional Glaze: While the cake is still warm, brush it with the honey-orange glaze made by mixing 2 tablespoons honey with 2 tablespoons orange juice to add extra flavor and shine.
8. Cool: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps set its texture perfectly.

Notes

• Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a fluffy texture.
• The optional glaze adds moisture and a glossy finish; you can skip this step for a more subtle honey flavor.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest enhance the cake’s fresh, bright citrus flavor.
• To warm the honey for easier mixing in the glaze, gently heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds.
• This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or dessert.

Keywords: Orange Honey Cake, Honey Cake, Spiced Orange Cake, Moist Cake, Citrus Dessert, Honey Dessert