Honey cake

Honey cake is a classic dessert known for its rich, sweet flavor and moist texture. It's often enjoyed during Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah, but it's delicious year-round. Here’s a recipe for a traditional honey cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup (240ml) honey
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee or water
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) orange juice
  • 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Glaze (optional):

  • ¼ cup (60ml) honey
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the hot coffee or water until combined.

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt.

  4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the orange juice and chopped nuts (if using).

  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Glaze (optional):

  1. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the honey and water. Heat over low heat, stirring until the honey is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

  2. Apply the Glaze: Brush the warm glaze over the cooled cake for a shiny, sweet finish.

3. Serve:

  • Slice and serve the honey cake at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with a cup of tea or coffee.

Enjoy your honey cake! Its sweet, spiced flavor and moist crumb make it a comforting and satisfying dessert.