Introduction

This Orange Ginger Honey Cake is a delightful blend of warm spices and bright citrus flavors. It’s moist, flavorful, and sweetened naturally with honey, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to prepare and wonderfully aromatic, this cake will quickly become a favorite.

The image shows four golden brown cupcakes arranged neatly on a white plate, each topped with sugar crystals that give a sparkly texture. On top of each cupcake is a thin slice of bright orange citrus fruit, adding a fresh and colorful touch. There is a sprig of green rosemary placed near the cupcakes for decoration. The background is a soft blur of warm colors, and a woman's hand is gently touching one of the cupcakes. The setting rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
Pinch of salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup raw honey
2 large eggs
1 cup fresh orange juice
Zest of 2 oranges
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
Optional glaze: 2 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp orange juice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, and eggs until well mixed.
Step 4: Stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and grated fresh ginger to the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: For extra flavor, brush the warm cake with the optional honey-orange glaze.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated ginger for a stronger, fresher flavor instead of ground ginger if you prefer.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
If you like a more pronounced orange taste, increase the orange zest to three oranges.
The optional honey-orange glaze can also be drizzled just before serving for a shiny, sweet finish.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. When reheating, warm slices briefly in the microwave to regain softness and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows four small round muffins placed closely together on a white rectangular tray. Each muffin is golden brown with a slightly rough texture on the outside. On top of each muffin is a shiny orange glaze layer, finished with a thin slice of orange placed flat in the center. The glazed tops sparkle lightly under soft light. A sprig of green rosemary lies beside the muffins on the tray. The background shows a white marbled texture surface with blurred dark green foliage in the distance. A woman's hand is gently touching one muffin from the front left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute honey with an equal amount of sugar, but the cake will have a different texture and less moisture. Honey also adds a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate with sugar alone.

Is fresh orange juice necessary, or can I use bottled juice?

Fresh orange juice is best for the natural brightness and flavor, but if you only have bottled juice on hand, make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar or preservatives.