Nonnette - French Honey Spice Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120ml) honey ½ cup (120ml) honey
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ½ cup (120ml) hot water ½ cup (120ml) hot water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 24g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, honey, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the hot water. Mix until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
6. 6.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   While the cake is baking, prepare the honey syrup glaze by combining ¼ cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of hot water in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until the honey is dissolved.
8. 8.
   Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately brush the honey syrup glaze over the top.
9. 9.
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Slice and serve the Nonnette cake, and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Orange zest — Make sure to use organic oranges and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue.
• Honey — Opt for a high-quality honey to enhance the flavor of the cake.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the batter.
• Serve the Nonnette cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Nonnette cake as a delightful afternoon treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. It can also be enjoyed as a dessert after a French-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the Nonnette cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve it on a decorative cake stand or plate to showcase its golden brown color.