Yule Ginger & Orange Zest Vanilla Spice Cakes Recipe

Introduction

These Yule Ginger & Orange Zest Vanilla Spice Cakes bring warm seasonal flavors into a tender, fragrant treat. Perfect for the holidays, they combine zesty orange with cozy spices for a delightful bite every time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tbsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 1 stick melted butter
• 3/4 cup honey
• 3 tbsp orange juice (fresh squeezed is best)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 eggs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, sift together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle in the orange zest and mix to combine.
2. Step 2: Add the melted butter, honey, orange juice, vanilla extract, and milk to the dry ingredients. Crack in the eggs and beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Pour the batter evenly into three well-greased 5″ x 3″ ceramic baking dishes. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Step 3: Let the cakes cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. To remove, carefully invert each ceramic dish and gently wiggle the cakes out. If they stick, slide a flat, thin knife around the edges to loosen before trying again.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh orange zest and juice for the brightest flavor. You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile.
• Try adding a handful of chopped crystallized ginger for extra spice and texture.
• Ensure your baking dishes are well-greased or lined with parchment to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store the spice cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour substitutes?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it is a 1:1 substitute and contains xanthan gum or similar for structure. Baking times may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have ceramic baking dishes?

You can use metal or glass baking pans of similar size, but watch the baking time closely as it may change. Adjust as needed and check doneness with a knife or toothpick.

Yule Ginger & Orange Zest Vanilla Spice Cakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

Delight in the festive flavors of Yule with these Ginger & Orange Zest Vanilla Spice Cakes. Infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, complemented by bright orange zest and honey for natural sweetness, these moist cakes are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter treats. Soft, aromatic, and gently spiced, they capture the essence of the season in every bite.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 3 small individual cakes (5″ x 3″ each) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western, Holiday

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 3/4 tbsp Ground Ginger
• 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 2 Tbsp Orange Zest

Wet Ingredients

• 1 Stick Melted Butter (about 1/2 cup)
• 3/4 Cup Honey
• 3 tbsp Orange Juice (fresh squeezed preferred)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 Cup Whole Milk
• 2 Eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dry Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Sprinkle in the orange zest and mix to combine evenly.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients and Mix Batter: Add the melted butter, honey, fresh orange juice, vanilla extract, and whole milk to the dry ingredients. Crack in both eggs. Beat all ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring the spices and zest are well distributed.
3. Pour Batter and Bake: Grease three 5-inch by 3-inch ceramic baking dishes thoroughly. Pour the batter evenly into these dishes. Place the dishes in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully cooked.
4. Cool and Remove Cakes: Remove the baking dishes from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. To remove the cakes from the dishes, carefully invert each ceramic dish and gently wiggle the cake out. If a cake sticks, slide a flat, thin knife around its edges to loosen it before trying again.

Notes

• Using fresh-squeezed orange juice enhances the citrus flavor but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
• For easier removal, lightly grease and dust the baking dishes with flour or line with parchment paper.
• These cakes pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for serving.
• Store cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Yule cake, ginger spice cake, orange zest cake, vanilla spice cake, holiday dessert, festive cakes, ginger and orange cake, Christmas cake, spiced cake recipe