Print

Orange Ginger Honey Cakes Recipe

4.6 from 130 reviews

Delight in these moist and spicy Orange Ginger Honey Cakes, perfectly balanced with the natural sweetness of honey and the zesty brightness of fresh orange. Infused with warming ginger and a hint of cinnamon, these cakes are made tender with brown butter and fresh ingredients, offering a flavorful treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown butter (butter cooked until golden and nutty)
  • ½ cup raw honey
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange zest
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your chosen baking pans, such as silicone mini bundt molds, loaf tins, muffin tins, or a sheet cake pan, to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and optional cinnamon until evenly combined.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, raw honey, fresh orange zest, fresh orange juice, eggs, and milk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to maintain a tender texture. Be careful not to overmix, which can toughen the cake.
  5. Fill Pans and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pans, filling them about ¾ full to allow room for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Finish: Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans before removing. Once cooled, optionally glaze or frost the cakes with your choice of toppings, such as an orange glaze, honey buttercream, or garnish with candied ginger, orange peel, or edible flowers.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and milk for best mixing results.
  • Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning and let it cool slightly before combining with other ingredients.
  • Use a microplane to zest the orange for maximum flavor without bitter pith.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
  • Experiment with different baking pans depending on the occasion and serving style.
  • Try topping ideas like orange glaze or candied ginger to enhance flavor and presentation.

Keywords: orange cake, ginger cake, honey cake, brown butter cake, citrus desserts, moist cake, spiced cake, healthy desserts