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Orange Ginger Honey Cake Recipe

4.4 from 116 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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