Panamanian Spiced Honey Cake

Ingredients

While the original Bulgarian Pernik is typically made with yogurt and features Bulgarian spices, the Panamanian adaptation of this recipe incorporates local ingredients and spices to create a unique flavor profile. The Panamanian version uses honey as the primary sweetener and includes spices commonly found in Panamanian cuisine, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Additionally, turmeric is added to give the cake a vibrant golden hue. We alse have the original recipe for Pernik, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) milk ½ cup (120ml) milk
• ¼ cup (30g) toasted almonds, for garnish ¼ cup (30g) toasted almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 30g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, turmeric, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, drizzle the top of the cake with honey and sprinkle with toasted almonds for garnish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use locally sourced Panamanian honey for an authentic flavor.
• Turmeric — Be cautious while handling turmeric as it can stain surfaces and clothing.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Serve the cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• If you prefer a stronger honey flavor, brush the warm cake with honey syrup after baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Panamanian Spiced Honey Cake as a dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea. It can also be enjoyed as a snack throughout the day.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before drizzling it with honey and sprinkling toasted almonds. Serve it on a decorative cake stand for an elegant touch.