Groninger Koek with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 35g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a rectangular baking pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, and orange zest until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, slice the Spiced Honey Cake into squares or rectangles and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a high-quality honey for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Orange zest — Make sure to grate only the outer orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the Spiced Honey Cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• To enhance the citrus flavor, drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled cake by mixing powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth.
• For a festive twist, sprinkle some powdered sugar and ground cinnamon on top of the cake before serving.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness.
• Enjoy a slice of Spiced Honey Cake with a cup of warm spiced tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

Serving advice

Serve the Spiced Honey Cake as a delightful dessert or enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

Presentation advice

Present the Spiced Honey Cake on a rustic wooden platter, dusted with powdered sugar and adorned with a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.