Introduction
Honey cake is a beloved dessert that boasts a rich, moist texture and a medley of warm spices that create a delightful aroma. Perfect for tea time or any special occasion, this cake is sure to please everyone with its luscious sweetness and comforting flavors. With a mix of honey, brown sugar, and aromatic spices, this cake is not only easy to prepare but also a delightful treat for any dessert lover.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 250g honey
– 200g brown sugar
– 180ml vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 250ml brewed black tea (cooled)
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– ½ tsp ground ginger
– ¼ tsp ground cloves
– ¼ tsp salt
– 300g all-purpose flour
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 170°C. Grease and line a 22cm loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Dissolve baking soda in the brewed black tea, then add to the wet ingredients. Mix well.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and flour.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and serve with tea or coffee.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 170°C. Prepare a 22cm loaf pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 250g of honey, 200g of brown sugar, and 180ml of vegetable oil until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Add Eggs
Crack 3 large eggs into the bowl, adding them one at a time. Make sure to beat the mixture well after each addition. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Incorporate Tea
Take 250ml of brewed black tea (ensure it’s cooled) and dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in it. Once dissolved, pour this mixture into the wet ingredients and mix well.
5. Sift Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 300g of all-purpose flour.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir the batter gently until it is completely smooth and well combined.
7. Transfer to Pan and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a skewer into the center of the cake; it should come out clean.
8. Cool the Cake
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After this, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and Serve
Once the cake is fully cooled, slice it and serve it alongside your favorite tea or coffee.
Notes
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Flavor Enhancements
Consider adding nuts or dried fruits to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This honey cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store the honey cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Refrigeration
If you plan to keep the cake longer, it can be refrigerated for up to a week. However, refrigeration may slightly alter its texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Tea or Coffee Pairing
Serve slices of honey cake with a cup of black tea or coffee, as it complements the sweetness and spice of the cake beautifully.
Toppings
Consider adding whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch.
Fruit Compote
Pair the cake with a homemade fruit compote or fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
– Calories: 250
– Total Fat: 10g
– Saturated Fat: 1g
– Cholesterol: 50mg
– Sodium: 150mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 38g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 18g
– Protein: 4g
Ingredient Substitutions
Honey
Agave syrup or maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, though they will slightly alter the flavor.
Brown Sugar
Coconut sugar or white sugar can be used instead of brown sugar, but the results may be less rich in flavor.
Vegetable Oil
Canola oil or melted coconut oil are good alternatives for vegetable oil.
Black Tea
Strong brewed coffee or another type of tea can replace black tea for a different flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour
For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Adjust baking times accordingly.
Cook Techniques
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Ensure that the honey, brown sugar, and vegetable oil are mixed thoroughly to create a uniform base for the cake. This will help to incorporate air and achieve a lighter texture.
Incorporating Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This method allows for better emulsification, resulting in a richer batter.
Dissolving Baking Soda
Dissolving the baking soda in brewed black tea helps activate it, which will contribute to the cake’s leavening and overall texture.
Sifting Dry Ingredients
Sift together the baking powder, spices, salt, and flour to remove lumps. This also aerates the flour, making it easier to incorporate into the wet mixture.
Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients
Combine the dry and wet ingredients gradually, mixing until just smooth. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stop as soon as there are no visible flour streaks.
Baking the Cake
Bake in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking. Use a skewer to check for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Cooling the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a short period before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps set the structure while preventing moisture from making the bottom soggy.
FAQ
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar, but it may alter the flavor and moisture content of the cake.
How should I store the honey cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze the honey cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What can I serve with honey cake?
Honey cake pairs well with tea, coffee, or even a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
Can I add nuts or fruits to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or dried fruits can be added for extra texture and flavor, but be sure to adjust the total flour amount slightly if needed.
Conclusion
This rich and moist honey cake is sure to impress with its warm spices and delightful aroma. It’s perfect for tea time or special occasions, bringing a sweet touch that pairs beautifully with your favorite beverages. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a light glaze, this cake is a delicious addition to any dessert table.
Honey and Almond Cake
Add crushed almonds to your honey cake batter for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey.
Honey Citrus Cake
Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter for a refreshing twist that brightens up the rich flavors of the honey and spices.
Spiced Honey and Chocolate Cake
Mix in cocoa powder to create a decadent chocolate version of the honey cake, enhancing the chocolatey richness with a hint of spice.
Honey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Top your cooled honey cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting to balance the sweetness and add a luscious finishing touch.
Honey-Banana Cake
Introduce mashed ripe bananas into the batter for a moist, banana-infused honey cake that adds natural sweetness and flavor.
Honey Cake with Dried Fruits
Fold in a mix of dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots for added texture and a burst of fruity goodness.
Honey and Pumpkin Spice Cake
Incorporate pureed pumpkin and adjust spices for a seasonal twist, creating a warm and cozy flavor profile perfect for fall.