Can I use a different type of honey for this cake?

Absolutely! Different honey varieties will give your cake unique flavor profiles. Clover honey is mild and great for beginners, while buckwheat honey provides a stronger, more robust flavor. Orange blossom honey adds a lovely citrus note. Feel free to experiment with your favorite!

Why is my cake dry? I followed the recipe exactly.

The most common cause of a dry honey cake is overbaking. Every oven is different, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Also, make sure you're measuring your flour correctly—spoon it into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly with the cup, which can pack in too much flour.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Good news—this cake is already dairy-free! The moisture comes from oil and honey instead of butter, making it perfect for those avoiding dairy products. Just make sure any topping you add (like whipped cream) is also dairy-free if needed.

Can I make this cake in a different size pan?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the baking time. A 9-inch round pan will produce a slightly thinner cake that bakes faster (check around 22-25 minutes). For a loaf pan, bake for about 40-45 minutes. Always test with a toothpick to ensure it's done.

Honey Cake Recipe - YummyHere

Name: Honey Cake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Main Ingredients; 3/4 cup honey, divided; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil or any neutral flavored oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup hot water; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

This luscious Honey Cake is a golden treasure that brings warmth to any table. With its delicate crumb and rich honey flavor permeating every bite, it’s an effortless dessert that comes together in just 35 minutes. The beautiful simplicity of this cake makes it perfect for both everyday treats and special occasions, while the aromatic cinnamon and sweet honey create an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: This cake requires basic pantry ingredients and comes together in minutes—perfect for when you need something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Sweetness: The honey infuses the cake with natural sweetness and keeps it wonderfully moist for days—making it ideal for both immediate enjoyment and make-ahead planning.
No Fancy Equipment: Just a bowl and a whisk are all you need to create this delicious treat. No stand mixer required!
Perfect Texture: The combination of oil instead of butter gives this cake its tender crumb that stays moist even days after baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honey: The star ingredient that gives this cake its distinct flavor and incredible moisture. Make sure to divide it as instructed—some goes in the batter and some gets drizzled on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake. Room temperature eggs work best as they incorporate more easily.
Vegetable Oil: Creates a wonderfully moist texture that butter simply can’t match. The neutral flavor lets the honey shine through.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the honey flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
Hot Water: The secret to activating the baking soda and creating a tender crumb. Don’t substitute with cold water!
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake. No need for fancy cake flour here.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor with its subtle molasses notes that complement the honey beautifully.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: The dynamic duo that gives the cake its perfect rise.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Cinnamon: Brings a warm, spicy note that pairs perfectly with honey.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spiced Honey Cake

Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, and ginger along with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

Citrus Honey Cake

Mix in the zest of an orange or lemon to brighten the flavor profile. This version is especially refreshing for spring or summer.

Nutty Honey Cake

Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the honey.

Coffee-Infused Honey Cake

Replace the hot water with hot strong coffee for an interesting flavor depth that works wonderfully with the honey and spices.

How to Make Honey Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 180C/350F and thoroughly grease an 8-inch round cake pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of honey, the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy. Add the hot water and whisk again until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth batter with no dry spots. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is combined.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

Step 5: Add the Final Touch

While the cake is still warm, drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of honey over the top. This creates a glorious, sticky sweet layer that takes this cake to the next level. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Measure Precisely: Honey is sticky, so spray your measuring cup with a bit of cooking spray before measuring for easy release.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cake tough.
Check Early: Every oven is different, so start checking your cake around the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center.
Warm Honey Drizzle: For the final honey topping, warming the honey slightly makes it easier to pour and helps it soak into the cake better.
Let It Rest: This cake gets even better after sitting for a few hours, as the flavors meld and the honey fully infuses the cake.

How to Serve

This Honey Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Sweet Pairings

Serve a slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Breakfast Treat

Enjoy a piece with your morning coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day.

Seasonal Touches

Top with fresh berries in summer or poached pears in fall for a seasonal twist.

Beverage Companions

Pairs beautifully with a cup of chamomile tea, coffee, or a glass of dessert wine if serving as an evening treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For best results, don’t add the final honey drizzle if you’re planning to store leftovers. Instead, wrap the cooled cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and drizzle with honey just before serving.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the completely cooled cake (without the final honey drizzle) in a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or refrigerated cake, let it thaw at room temperature, or microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds. Then drizzle with fresh honey for that perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of honey for this cake?

Absolutely! Different honey varieties will give your cake unique flavor profiles. Clover honey is mild and great for beginners, while buckwheat honey provides a stronger, more robust flavor. Orange blossom honey adds a lovely citrus note. Feel free to experiment with your favorite!
Why is my cake dry? I followed the recipe exactly.

The most common cause of a dry honey cake is overbaking. Every oven is different, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Also, make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly—spoon it into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly with the cup, which can pack in too much flour.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Good news—this cake is already dairy-free! The moisture comes from oil and honey instead of butter, making it perfect for those avoiding dairy products. Just make sure any topping you add (like whipped cream) is also dairy-free if needed.
Can I make this cake in a different size pan?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. A 9-inch round pan will produce a slightly thinner cake that bakes faster (check around 22-25 minutes). For a loaf pan, bake for about 40-45 minutes. Always test with a toothpick to ensure it’s done.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Cake is truly one of those special recipes that combines simplicity with spectacular flavor. The beautiful aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is just the beginning of the experience. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, bringing it to a potluck, or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake never fails to delight. The perfect balance of sweetness and spice makes it appealing to almost everyone, and its straightforward preparation means you can whip it up whenever the craving strikes. Give it a try—I’m confident it will become a cherished recipe in your collection!