Orange Ginger Honey Cake Recipe
This Orange Ginger Honey Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of honey with the zesty brightness of fresh orange and warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ideal for a cozy afternoon treat or a special occasion, this cake features a delicate honey-orange glaze that enhances its citrusy aroma and tender crumb.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, raw honey, and eggs until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add citrus and ginger: Stir into the wet mixture the fresh orange juice, zest of two oranges, and the grated fresh ginger, ensuring even distribution.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently just until incorporated to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top if needed. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Apply glaze: While the cake is still warm, optionally brush the top with a mixture of 2 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp orange juice to create a shiny, flavorful glaze.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure a light and tender crumb.
- Freshly grated ginger adds vibrant flavor; adjust quantity to taste for more or less spice.
- The optional honey-orange glaze enhances moisture and adds a glossy finish but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee and can be served with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of cake)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: orange cake, ginger cake, honey cake, citrus dessert, spiced cake, moist cake, homemade cake