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There’s something so special about a good honey cake. It is such a delectable treat with roots deeply embedded in tradition and flavor that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. 

As we approach the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, honey cake takes center stage on the dessert table, symbolizing hope for a sweet new year. 

I don’t know if it’s the sweetness or the spices, but every time I see a loaf or a slice, it makes me want to cozy up with a cup of tea or coffee.

Making and eating honey cake is also associated with the Jewish New Year or Rosh Hashanah. It is customary to eat apples dipped in honey to wish for a sweet year and honey is used in many dishes served during this holiday.

Finding a good honey cake recipe is harder than it seems. For years I tried several versions that failed miserably. Some were too dry, others too sticky, while a few left a tasty mess that did not resemble a cake but were yummy nonetheless thanks to its honey flavor. However, I feel this is the best traditional honey cake recipe and has become a Rosh Hashanah staple in my family.

Top Tips for Baking the Best Honey Cake

But how can you bake the best honey cake ever? When baking a moist honey cake, I would advise you to carefully measure the ingredients, avoid over mixing, and make sure to preheat the oven. Also, keep an eye on the cake for the last 5 minutes. Some ovens seem to be hotter than others even if the set temperature says otherwise and it’s important to not overcook your honey cake, unless you want it to be really dry. 

Here are my top tips:

1. Choose the right honey: The quality and type of honey you use greatly affect the flavor of your cake. Opt for a high-quality, locally sourced honey that reflects the nuances of your region. Varieties like clover, wildflower, or orange blossom honey can add complexity to your cake.
2. Balance the sweetness: While honey is naturally sweet, it’s important to strike a balance by adding just the right amount of sugar to your recipe. Brown sugar can complement the honey’s depth of flavor.
3. Spice it up: Traditional spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg add warmth and depth to your honey cake. Don’t skimp on these aromatic additions.
4. Mix with care: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Combine your ingredients gently until just incorporated to maintain that perfect crumb.
5. The right pan: Use the right-sized pan to ensure even baking. A round cake pan, bundt pan or a loaf pan works well for honey cake.
6. Patience is key: Let your honey cake cool completely so it is at room temperature before cutting into it. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures a moist and delicious slice.

Honey and Rosh Hashanah

Honey cake holds a cherished place in Jewish culinary tradition, especially during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It symbolizes the hope for a sweet year ahead, making it a staple dessert during this important holiday. The sweetness of honey cake serves as a reminder of the optimism and blessings that lie ahead, a theme deeply rooted in Jewish culture. It’s a symbol of hope, tradition, and the sweet moments we celebrate with our loved ones. Its unique blend of honey, spices, and love make it a cherished treat during the Jewish holiday season.

In many families, honey cake is also served to break the fast of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Synagogues might offer a slice of this sweet treat after the high holy day services are over, too.

Honey cake recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes

Baking time: 60 minutes

Makes 1 honey cake

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup of honey
• 1 ½ cups  white sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup coffee
• ¾ cup orange juice 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F or 176 C. Prepare an angel food cake pan by lightly using cooking spray and dusting with flour. Remove excess flour.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. Add the oil, honey, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, coffee, and orange juice to the dry ingredients.
   
4. Mix until all of the wet ingredients are combined with the dry ones but do not over mix.
5. Transfer the honey cake batter to the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean after you insert it in the middle.
7. Allow the cake to rest in the baking pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan and then invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Let me know how your delicious honey cake turns out! I hope it’s as yummy as this one. If you prefer to bake it as a loaf, this recipe should make enough batter for 2 big loaves. In that case, baking time would be reduced by 10-15 minutes,

And to those celebrating the Jewish New Year, L’Shana Tova!

More recipes for the Jewish Holidays

• How to make my family’s favorite fluffy challah
• VIDEO: How to make round challah for Rosh Hashanah
• Apple Challah French Toast Casserole
• Delicious and easy olive oil challah recipe
• Easy strawberry Hamantaschen recipe
• How to make the most delicious potato latkes

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