Greek Honey Cake Recipe

Greek Honey Cake is a delicious, moist, and aromatic dessert that combines the flavors of honey, citrus, and cinnamon, with a crunchy walnut texture. This cake is deeply rooted in Greek tradition, often served at celebrations and gatherings. Its rich sweetness, perfectly balanced by the honey syrup drizzled over it, makes for a memorable treat. The combination of spices like cinnamon and the freshness of orange zest adds depth to the cake, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, Greek Honey Cake is perfect for a dessert table or as a sweet end to any meal. Whether you’re familiar with Greek cuisine or exploring it for the first time, this cake will quickly become a beloved recipe in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Moist Texture

The cake’s rich, buttery crumb, combined with the soaking honey syrup, results in a moist dessert that’s incredibly satisfying to eat. Each bite is bursting with sweetness and flavor.

2. Perfect Balance of Flavors

The blend of spices like cinnamon, citrusy orange zest, and sweet honey syrup creates a well-rounded flavor profile that isn’t overly sweet. The walnuts add an extra layer of texture and nuttiness, making each bite an experience.

3. Simple Ingredients

You likely already have many of the ingredients in your pantry, such as flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. This recipe is perfect for when you want to whip up something delicious without needing hard-to-find ingredients.

4. Flexible and Customizable

While the recipe calls for walnuts, you can easily swap them out for other nuts like almonds or pistachios. You can also make this cake gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

5. Impressive Presentation

This cake is visually striking with its golden syrup glaze and crunchy walnut topping. It’s a showstopper on any dessert table and perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Orange zest
• Butter
• White sugar
• Eggs
• Milk
• Chopped walnuts

For the honey syrup:

• White sugar
• Honey
• Water
• Lemon juice

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
• Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t like walnuts, you can leave them out or substitute them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Spice Variations: If you prefer a more intense spice flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the batter for an added depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative to make this cake dairy-free, while still retaining its rich, moist texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and orange zest. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once the eggs are mixed in, add the milk and continue to beat until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in the Walnuts

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Honey Syrup

While the cake is cooling, make the honey syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Step 9: Soak the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, use a fork or skewer to poke small holes all over the top of the cake. Slowly pour the honey syrup over the cake, ensuring it soaks in evenly. Allow the cake to absorb the syrup for about 10-15 minutes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make Sure the Butter is Softened: Using softened butter will make the creaming process smoother and give you a lighter cake texture.
• Let the Cake Cool Before Adding the Syrup: Make sure the cake has cooled before pouring the hot syrup over it. This helps the syrup absorb better and prevents the cake from becoming soggy.
• Soak the Cake Gently: Pour the syrup slowly to allow it to soak in gradually. This will help the cake absorb the syrup evenly without getting too wet in spots.

How to Serve

Greek Honey Cake is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of extra honey for an indulgent treat. Serve it with a hot cup of tea or coffee to complete the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Greek Honey Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within a few days of baking, as the syrup can make it a bit soft over time.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake without the syrup for up to 1 month. Simply wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. To serve, thaw the cake and drizzle it with fresh syrup when ready.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or heat the entire cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring it back to life.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without the walnuts?

Yes, if you prefer, you can leave the walnuts out or substitute them with a different nut, such as almonds or pistachios.

2. Can I use a different type of honey?

Yes, feel free to use a different type of honey to adjust the flavor of the syrup. A more robust honey, like chestnut honey, will add a deeper flavor to the cake.

3. Is this cake gluten-free?

You can make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

4. How long can I store Greek Honey Cake?

The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 1 month.

5. Can I add more spices to the cake?

Yes, you can experiment with adding other spices such as cloves or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile of the cake.

6. Can I make the syrup in advance?

Yes, the honey syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before pouring it over the cake.

7. Can I substitute the milk for a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other dairy-free milk to make this cake dairy-free.

8. Can I make the honey syrup without lemon juice?

Yes, you can skip the lemon juice if you prefer. It adds a subtle tanginess, but the syrup will still be delicious without it.

9. Is the syrup necessary for this cake?

The syrup is a traditional part of the recipe and adds moisture and flavor. However, if you prefer a less sweet cake, you can omit the syrup and simply dust the cake with powdered sugar.

10. Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can use almonds, pistachios, or any other nut of your choice. Walnuts are traditional, but feel free to experiment with other varieties.

Conclusion

Greek Honey Cake is a wonderful, flavorful dessert that brings together warm spices, citrus, honey, and walnuts in a simple yet elegant way. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just as a sweet treat, this cake will impress with its rich flavor and moist texture. With the added honey syrup, every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. This cake is a true representation of Greek baking tradition and is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Print