Description
This Orange Ginger Honey Cake is a moist and flavorful treat that combines the zesty brightness of fresh oranges with the warming spice of ginger and cinnamon. Sweetened naturally with raw honey, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, perfect for any occasion. The optional honey-orange glaze adds an extra layer of citrusy sweetness, making each bite irresistible.
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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to evenly combine the spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter with raw honey until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and grated fresh ginger until everything is fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): While the cake is baking, mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of orange juice in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, poke small holes all over the surface with a skewer or toothpick and drizzle the warm honey-orange glaze evenly over the cake. Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to set.
Notes
- For a more intense ginger flavor, add extra fresh grated ginger or a pinch of ground cloves.
- This cake keeps well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days and refrigerates well for up to a week.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend equal to 2 cups.
- The glaze is optional but highly recommended for added moisture and flavor.
- Ensure the honey is raw or unprocessed for the best taste and health benefits.
Keywords: orange ginger honey cake, ginger cake, honey cake, citrus cake, baked dessert