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Orange Honey Cake 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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