Name: Honey Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup honey; 1 cup brewed coffee (cooled); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Golden, rich, and delicately spiced, Honey Cake is the kind of classic bake that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re celebrating Rosh Hashanah or simply craving a cozy slice with your afternoon tea, this cake delivers an irresistible honey flavor with a beautifully moist crumb. It smells like comfort and tastes like tradition.

This version of honey cake leans on warm spices and brewed coffee to deepen the honey’s natural sweetness. Baked in a loaf pan, it’s easy to slice, serve, and store—making it a perfect make-ahead option for brunches, holidays, or gifting. And the best part? It gets even better after a day or two.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Cake

Deep honey flavor with warm spice undertones.
Moist, tender crumb that stays soft for days.
Made in one bowl—no fancy mixers or special pans required.
Freezes well and travels beautifully.
Perfect for gifting or making ahead.

What Kind of Honey Should I Use?

Choose a good-quality honey you enjoy the taste of, as it’s the star ingredient. Clover honey offers a clean, light flavor, while wildflower honey adds depth and complexity. Avoid overly bitter varieties or raw honey with strong floral notes unless you want them to be the centerpiece.

Ingredients for the Honey Cake

Each ingredient plays a role in crafting the moist texture and rich flavor of this loaf:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cake, giving it structure without being too dense.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and keep it airy.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon & Ground Cloves: These spices add warmth and nostalgic depth.
Eggs: Provide moisture, structure, and richness.
Sugar: Boosts sweetness and helps with browning.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture without weighing the cake down.
Honey: The star of the show—for deep sweetness and that signature sticky richness.
Brewed Coffee: Intensifies the flavor of the honey and spices without making it taste like coffee.
Vanilla Extract: Brings everything together with a smooth background note.

How To Make the Honey Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs with sugar, then stir in the oil, honey, coffee, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve and Store This Honey Cake

This honey cake yields 10 generous slices and tastes even better after resting overnight. Serve it slightly warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a cup of strong black tea.

To store, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Honey Cake?

Fresh Fruit

Slices of apple or pear balance the richness with natural sweetness.

Mascarpone or Cream Cheese

Spread a layer on top for a lightly tangy contrast.

Whipped Cream

Softly whipped cream makes this feel like a plated dessert.

Hot Tea or Coffee

Classic companions that highlight the honey and spice.

Yogurt or Sour Cream

A spoonful on the side adds a cool and creamy touch.

Roasted Nuts

Scatter chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a crunchy element.

Citrus Zest

Grated orange or lemon zest sprinkled on the top lifts the flavor beautifully.

Warm Apple Compote

A cozy autumn pairing for holiday tables.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving this honey-forward bake, explore these other cozy classics on Chef Alchemy:

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add nuts or swap in a flavored honey? Maybe drizzle on a citrus glaze?

I love seeing your creative spins on this timeless bake. If you have questions or tweaks, drop them below—we’re all about helping each other bake better.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Chef Lorenzo Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Honey Cake

Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 10 slices
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, sweet, and warmly spiced, this Honey Cake is a timeless treat that delivers big comfort in every slice. With its rich golden hue, this loaf is soaked with the mellow sweetness of honey, perfectly paired with warm cinnamon and a hint of cloves. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast idea, an easy recipe for the holidays, or healthy snack-style tea cakes, this one-bowl wonder checks every box. It’s ideal for dessert tables, food gift ideas, or just your everyday cozy cravings. Best of all? It tastes even better the next day.