Honey Cake

Honey Cake Recipe from Poland and Russia | Ingredients: Butter, Eggs, Honey, Flour, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cinnamon, Baking Powder

Region / culture: Poland, Russia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

Introduction

Honey cake is a delicious and sweet dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This moist and flavorful cake is made with a generous amount of honey, giving it a rich and indulgent taste. Whether you are celebrating a special event or simply craving a sweet treat, honey cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Honey cake has a long history that dates back to ancient times. Honey has been used as a sweetener in baking for centuries, and honey cake has been a popular dessert in many cultures around the world. In Jewish tradition, honey cake is often served during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, as a symbol of hope for a sweet year ahead. This traditional dessert has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by many to this day.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of butter
16 large eggs
56 oz (1.59 kg) of honey
56 oz (1.59 kg) (3 cups) of unbleached flour (all-purpose)
4 tsp of ground ginger
2 tsp of ground nutmeg
2 tsp of ground cloves
2 tbsp of cinnamon
8 tsp of baking powder

How to prepare

Cream the butter and separate the eggs.
Add the room temperature yolks, one at a time, to the butter and beat well.
Mix in the honey.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and spices twice and add to the butter mixture.
Whip the egg whites until stiff.
Fold a little of the egg whites into the batter, then add the rest of them, folding them gently into the batter.
Pour the batter into a buttered and floured loaf pan.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until firm on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and finish cooling on a wire rack.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle the top of the cake with a honey glaze for extra sweetness.
Substitute some of the honey with maple syrup or molasses for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender and moist cake.

- Sifting the dry ingredients twice will help to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.

- Folding the whipped egg whites into the batter gently will help to keep the cake light and fluffy.

- Be sure to bake the cake in a preheated oven to ensure even baking and a golden brown crust.

- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Honey cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

- Folding whipped egg whites into the batter gently.

- Sifting the dry ingredients twice before adding them to the batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the butter with margarine or vegetable oil for a dairy-free version of the cake.

- If you don't have honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

Honey cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve honey cake on a decorative cake stand or platter for a beautiful presentation. Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a honey glaze for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Honey cake pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. You can also serve it with a glass of dessert wine or a sweet liqueur for a special treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover honey cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat the cake, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of honey cake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of honey cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of honey cake contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of honey cake contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Honey cake is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Honey cake contains eggs and wheat.

Summary

Honey cake is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of proteins, iron, calcium, and vitamin A. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Honey Cake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, a skilled and talented cook, had invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare a special dessert for a family gathering.

As I watched her work her magic with flour, eggs, and honey, I was filled with awe and admiration. I could see the love and care she put into each step of the process, from mixing the ingredients to baking the cake to perfection. I knew then and there that I wanted to learn how to make this delicious treat myself.

Over the years, I have acquired many recipes from various places and people, but this one holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of my grandmother and the time we spent together in the kitchen, creating something wonderful and delicious out of simple ingredients.

The recipe for Honey Cake is not a complicated one, but it requires patience, precision, and a touch of love. It starts with a basic cake batter made from flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. But the secret ingredient that sets this cake apart is the honey.

I learned from my grandmother that the key to a good Honey Cake is to use high-quality, local honey. It adds a rich, sweet flavor and a moist texture that is unmatched by any other ingredient. The honey must be warmed slightly before mixing it into the batter, so that it blends smoothly and evenly.

As I watched my grandmother drizzle the honey into the batter, I could see how she had perfected the technique over the years. She had a knack for knowing just the right amount to use, and when to stop mixing to ensure that the cake would turn out perfectly every time.

Once the batter is mixed and poured into a greased baking pan, the cake is baked in the oven until it is golden brown and springy to the touch. The scent of honey, sugar, and butter fills the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation of the delicious treat to come.

After the cake has cooled slightly, my grandmother taught me how to make a simple honey glaze to drizzle over the top. It is made from powdered sugar, more honey, and a splash of milk to create a smooth, glossy finish. The glaze adds a final touch of sweetness and shine to the cake, making it look almost too good to eat.

But of course, we couldn't resist cutting into the cake and tasting a slice while it was still warm. The honey cake was moist, sweet, and bursting with flavor. It was a perfect combination of ingredients, and I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed down the recipe for Honey Cake to my children and grandchildren. I taught them the same techniques and tips that my grandmother had taught me, and watched with pride as they created their own delicious cakes to share with their loved ones.

Now, whenever I bake a Honey Cake, I am reminded of the time I spent with my grandmother in her kitchen, learning the art of cooking and creating something special from scratch. The recipe for Honey Cake may be simple, but the memories and traditions that it holds are priceless.

I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that my grandmother passed down to me, and I will continue to treasure this recipe for Honey Cake for years to come. It is a reminder of the love, care, and dedication that goes into every dish we create, and the joy that comes from sharing good food with family and friends.