Uttar Pradesh-inspired Spiced Honey Cakes

Ingredients

While the original French Nonnette is typically made with orange zest and marmalade, this Uttar Pradesh-inspired version incorporates traditional spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The flavor profile is adapted to the warm and aromatic spices commonly used in Uttar Pradesh cuisine, giving the cakes a distinct and unique taste. We alse have the original recipe for Nonnette, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a muffin tin.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, milk, and vegetable oil until well combined.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
6. 6.
   Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the best flavor and aroma.
• Cardamom — For the freshest flavor, grind whole cardamom pods using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, brush the warm cakes with a honey glaze after baking.
• Serve the Spiced Honey Cakes warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for added indulgence.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. Add more cinnamon for a stronger flavor or reduce the cloves for a milder taste.
• These cakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm them slightly before serving to enhance the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Spiced Honey Cakes as a delightful dessert or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack.

Presentation advice

Dust the cakes with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of elegance. You can also garnish them with a small piece of cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cardamom for a visually appealing presentation.