Orange Ginger Honey Cake Recipe
This Orange Ginger Honey Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert, combining the zesty brightness of fresh oranges with the warm spice of ginger and cinnamon. Sweetened naturally with honey, this cake offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, enhanced by a simple optional honey-orange glaze for extra moisture and shine.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¾ cup raw honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
Optional Glaze
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter and raw honey until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and grated fresh ginger until smooth and fragrant.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake tough.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Optional Glaze: In a small saucepan, gently warm 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of orange juice until the honey is dissolved and the mixture is combined. Brush the glaze over the warm cake to add shine and extra flavor.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy the cake as a delightful treat with tea or coffee.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
- Melt the butter gently to prevent overheating and preserve its flavor.
- Overmixing the batter can result in a dense texture; mix just until combined.
- The optional glaze adds moisture and a glossy finish but can be omitted if desired.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: orange ginger honey cake, honey cake, ginger cake, citrus cake, moist honey cake, spiced cake, homemade dessert