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–+ servings

Perfect Honey Cake

A naturally sweetened, tender honey cake infused with warm spices and buttermilk, making it a moist and decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Serving Size 12 slices

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan or 8x8 square pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ¾ cup honey
  • ½ cup coconut oil or neutral oil
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Optional Honey Glaze:

  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pan with parchment paper.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • In a large bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy. Add the buttermilk, honey, coconut oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Optional Honey Glaze:
  • Warm the honey, water, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over low heat until thin and pourable.
  • Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • The flavor of the cake deepens after a day, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.
  • You can substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk if needed, using the same quantity.
  • Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.