Homemade Spiced Honey Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 52g (Sugars: 32g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the honey, melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake for 40-45 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, slice and serve the Homemade Spiced Honey Cake. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. Opt for a floral or mild honey variety to enhance the cake's taste.
• Orange zest — Make sure to grate only the outer orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense spice flavor, toast the whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger) in a dry pan before grinding them.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean and neat slices.
• Serve the Spiced Honey Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness.
• To enhance the flavors, let the cake rest for a day before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Homemade Spiced Honey Cake as a delightful dessert after a hearty Polish meal. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the cake with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for an elegant and festive presentation. You can also decorate it with a drizzle of honey or a few orange zest curls.