Honey Cake Recipe

The Golden Honey Cake Recipe: Sweet & Fluffy Bliss

Sweet aromas of warm honey cake often drift through kitchens, filling every corner with memories and comfort.

Baking memories connect generations through simple ingredients and shared traditions.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful dessert, passing recipes from grandmother to daughter.

Honey brings natural sweetness and depth to each tender slice, creating a magical experience.

Soft crumbs melt on your tongue, revealing layers of carefully blended flavors.

Delicate spices whisper hints of nostalgia with every bite.

Craft this classic treat and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Why Everyone Loves Mary Berry Honey Cake

Why Everyone Loves Mary Berry Honey Cake
  • Savor Simplicity: This honey cake recipe brings pure joy with minimal kitchen skills needed, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Celebrate Versatility: Perfect for cozy family gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert that suits multiple occasions without complexity.
  • Enjoy Rich Flavor Depth: Cinnamon and honey create a warm, comforting taste profile that transforms an ordinary cake into a memorable treat everyone will adore.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, you can create a delectable dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

Ingredient List for Mary Berry Honey Cake

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the honey cake.
  • Honey: The star ingredient that gives the cake its signature sweet and rich flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, moist cake.
  • Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps with the cake's caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's soft texture.
Leavening and Spice Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt, Cinnamon: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the cake.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Vanilla: Adds depth and complexity to the cake's flavor.
  • Almonds: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor when sprinkled on top.
  • Additional Honey: Drizzled on top for extra sweetness and shine.

Instructions for Mary Berry Honey Cake

Instructions for Mary Berry Honey Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Prepare a 9-inch cake pan by coating it with butter and lining the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Ensure the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Base

Using an electric mixer, cream together:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Golden honey

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time to the creamy mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until smooth and fully integrated.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to blend carefully, ensuring no flour pockets remain.

Step 6: Bake and Decorate

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 40 minutes. Halfway through baking, sprinkle sliced almonds on top for extra crunch.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully flip onto a wire rack. Drizzle additional honey over the top before serving warm.

Tips That Help with Mary Berry Honey Cake

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, honey, and spices to ensure the cake's perfect texture and flavor balance.
  • Bring to Room Temperature: Let eggs and butter sit out beforehand for smoother mixing and better cake consistency.
  • Gentle Folding Technique: Fold flour mixture gently to maintain air pockets, creating a lighter, more tender cake.
  • Prevent Burning: Cover with foil if almonds start browning too quickly during the last 20 minutes of baking.
  • Storage Hack: Keep cake fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, which helps retain moisture.

Ways to Customize Mary Berry Honey Cake

  • Vegan Honey Cake: Replace eggs with mashed banana or applesauce. Swap butter for coconut oil. Use maple syrup instead of honey for plant-based sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend. Ensure baking powder is certified gluten-free. Add xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Nutty Orange Variation: Replace almonds with chopped pecans. Add orange zest to batter for citrusy flavor. Drizzle with orange-infused honey glaze.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Reduce honey quantity. Add extra spices like nutmeg for depth of flavor.

Good Pairings for Mary Berry Honey Cake

  • Pair Creamy Mascarpone Cream: Dollop rich, silky mascarpone cream alongside warm honey cake slices to enhance the dessert's sweetness and provide a luxurious, smooth contrast.
  • Complement with Golden Dessert Wine: Select a sweet Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling to match the cake's honey notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience that elevates the dessert's warmth.
  • Match with Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a fragrant chai tea with cinnamon and cardamom to mirror the cake's warm spices, offering a comforting and aromatic beverage that perfectly complements the honey cake's delicate flavors.

Keep Mary Berry Honey Cake Fresh Longer

  • Store cooled honey cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Slice cake into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Frozen cake keeps well for 2-3 months.
  • Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain moisture.
  • Remove frozen cake from freezer, let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Brings back soft texture naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions on Honey Cake

  • Is honey cake difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Even beginners can successfully create a delicious honey cake with simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything?

Yes, you can swap out some ingredients. For example, if you don’t have almonds, you can use walnuts or skip nuts entirely. You can also replace some honey with maple syrup if needed.

  • How do I know when the honey cake is perfectly baked?

Check the cake with a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy when touched.

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Honey Cake Recipe

Honey Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Honey cake whisks you into a world of sweet, nostalgic comfort from Eastern European kitchens. Layers of delicate spice and golden honey create a dessert that warms hearts and delights senses with each tender crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup (113 grams) honey

Leavening and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Flavor and Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 cup (28 grams) sliced almonds
  • Additional honey for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch cake pan by lightly greasing and lining with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip butter, sugar, and honey together until light and airy, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition, then gently mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, maintaining a soft, consistent batter without overmixing.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading evenly; sprinkle sliced almonds on top during the last 20 minutes of baking.
  7. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack.
  9. Drizzle additional honey over the warm cake, creating a glossy, sweet finish before serving.

Notes

  • Swap honey for maple syrup to create a vegan-friendly version of this delightful cake.
  • Toast almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delicious crunch to the cake’s texture.
  • Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moistness and softness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Jewish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 309 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 103 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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