Orange Ginger Honey Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Orange Ginger Honey Cake combines warm spices with the bright freshness of orange and the natural sweetness of honey. It’s a moist, flavorful cake perfect for afternoon tea or a subtle dessert. The fresh ginger adds a nice zing that balances the citrus and sweetness beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 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
• 2 tbsp honey (optional glaze)
• 2 tbsp orange juice (optional glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, and eggs until well combined. Stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and grated ginger.
4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: For an optional glaze, brush the warm cake with a mixture of honey and orange juice before allowing it to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated ginger for the best flavor and a pleasant spicy kick.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
• Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunchy texture.
• The glaze is optional but enhances moisture and adds extra citrus sweetness.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy, let refrigerated cake come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave. This cake also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice provides the best flavor and brightness, but you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Make sure it is 100% juice and not from concentrate for optimal taste.

Is there a substitute for honey in this recipe?

You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey, though this may slightly alter the flavor and sweetness level of the cake.

Orange Ginger Honey Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 75 reviews

This Orange Ginger Honey Cake is a delightful spiced cake infused with fresh orange juice, zest, and the warm flavors of ginger and cinnamon. Sweetened naturally with raw honey, it offers a moist and aromatic treat perfect for any occasion. An optional honey-orange glaze adds a glossy finish and extra burst of citrusy sweetness.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 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. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with raw honey and eggs until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and grated fresh ginger to infuse flavor.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and tender.
5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean without batter.
6. Optional glaze application: While the cake is still warm, brush the surface with a blend of honey and orange juice to create a glossy, flavorful glaze. Let the cake cool completely before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make it gluten-free.
• Use freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated ginger for the best flavor.
• The optional glaze enhances sweetness and adds moisture but can be omitted for a less sweet version.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• To make it vegan, you could experiment with egg substitutes and vegan butter, but this will alter texture and flavor.

Keywords: orange ginger honey cake, spiced cake, honey cake, orange zest cake, easy cake recipe, holiday dessert, moist cake