Cypriot Honey Cake

Ingredients

While the original Malva Pudding from South African cuisine is made with apricot jam and served with a creamy custard sauce, the Cypriot Honey Cake replaces the jam with local honey and incorporates olive oil for a unique Mediterranean twist. The spices used in the Cypriot version also differ, with cinnamon and cloves adding warmth and depth to the flavor profile. Additionally, the Cypriot Honey Cake is traditionally served warm and soaked in a honey syrup, giving it a sticky and indulgent texture. We alse have the original recipe for Malva Pudding, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (240ml) olive oil 1 cup (240ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the honey syrup: For the honey syrup:
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves 3 cloves

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 42g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a rectangular baking dish.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, and sugar until well combined.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. 6.
   Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   While the cake is baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, honey, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
10. 10.
    Remove the cake from the oven and immediately pour the hot honey syrup over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.
11. 11.
    Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Olive oil — Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Honey — Opt for local Cypriot honey to enhance the authenticity of the dish.
• Cinnamon and cloves — Grind whole spices for a fresher and more intense flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the Cypriot Honey Cake with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• To enhance the flavors, you can add a splash of orange blossom water to the honey syrup.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before pouring the honey syrup to ensure it absorbs properly.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together.

Serving advice

Serve the Cypriot Honey Cake warm or at room temperature. Drizzle any remaining honey syrup over each slice for an extra burst of sweetness.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a drizzle of honey for a visually appealing presentation.