Devonshire Honey Cakes

Ingredients

While the original Nzuddi recipe from Italian cuisine is made with almonds and flavored with lemon zest, the Devonshire adaptation replaces almonds with honey as the star ingredient. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives the cakes a distinct flavor profile that is reminiscent of the comforting treats found in Devon. We alse have the original recipe for Nzuddi, so you can check it out.

• 200g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 100g (1/4 cup) honey 100g (1/4 cup) honey
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the honey and eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. 6.
   Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. 7.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool on a wire rack.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, dust the Honey Cakes with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. Local honey from Devonshire would add an authentic touch to the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced honey flavor, drizzle a little extra honey over the cakes while they are still warm.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Serve the Honey Cakes with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Store the cakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.
• Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom to create your own unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Serving advice

Enjoy these Devonshire Honey Cakes as a delightful afternoon tea treat or as a sweet ending to a meal. Serve them warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Honey Cakes on a vintage cake stand or a rustic wooden platter. Dust them generously with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of honey for an extra visual appeal.