Portuguese Honey Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) dark honey 1 cup (240ml) dark honey
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (75g) chopped almonds 1/2 cup (75g) chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup (80g) raisins 1/2 cup (80g) raisins
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 52g (Sugar: 32g)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the honey, sugar, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, orange zest, and lemon zest. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. 5.
   Fold in the chopped almonds and raisins.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. 7.
   Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense citrus flavor, add a few drops of orange or lemon extract to the batter.
• Serve the Bolo de mel with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
• If you prefer a lighter version of the cake, you can substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce.
• To enhance the cake's presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Store the Bolo de mel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness.

Serving advice

Slice the Bolo de mel into generous portions and serve it alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet port wine. The cake is best enjoyed slightly warmed, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the Bolo de mel, sprinkle some toasted almonds and raisins on top of the cake before serving. You can also garnish it with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.