Orange ginger honey cakes are the perfect blend of sweet, zesty, and spicy — all wrapped into one incredibly moist and fragrant treat. These delightful little cakes bring together the bright flavor of fresh orange zest, the warmth of ginger, and the deep, floral notes of natural honey. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend dessert, this cake will quickly earn a permanent spot in your favorites.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines citrus, spice, and natural sweetness
- Moist, tender crumb thanks to honey and fresh juice
- Easy to make in one bowl
- Great for gifting, afternoon tea, or festive occasions
- Can be adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets
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
- 2 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake or muffin pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, and eggs.
- Stir in the orange juice, zest, and grated ginger.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet, folding gently until just mixed.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Optional: While warm, brush the top with the honey-orange glaze.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Estimated Cost: $8–10
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: ~310
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 4g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients.
Tips & Variations
🎂 For Mini Cakes:
- Use a mini Bundt pan or muffin tin
- Bake for 20–25 minutes
🌱 Vegan & Gluten-Free:
- Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg)
- Use almond or oat flour instead of all-purpose
- Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter
🍊 Boost Flavor:
- Add a few drops of orange extract
- Sprinkle extra zest on top after glazing
FAQs
Can I use crystallized ginger?
Yes! Chop it finely and reduce the added sugar slightly.
How can I store these cakes?
- Room Temp: 2–3 days in an airtight container
- Fridge: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (wrap slices individually)
What kind of honey is best?
Raw, unfiltered honey offers the richest flavor. Buckwheat or wildflower honey adds great depth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! The flavor improves after a day.
Why did my cake come out dry?
Too much flour or overbaking. Use a kitchen scale and test with a toothpick at 40 minutes.
Orange Ginger Honey Cakes
Equipment
- – Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- – Grater/zester
- – Baking pan
- – Cooling rack
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
- – 2 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.
- Combine flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In a second bowl, whisk butter, honey, and eggs.
- Stir in orange juice, zest, and fresh ginger.
- Gently fold wet and dry mixtures together.
- Pour into pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Brush glaze over cake while warm.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
– Try mini versions in cupcake molds.
– Add orange extract for extra zing!
Conclusion
Orange ginger honey cakes are a simple way to elevate your baking routine with bold, comforting flavors. The balance of citrus zest, spicy ginger, and luscious honey makes this cake irresistibly moist and aromatic. Whether you’re making it for guests or just a personal treat, this recipe never fails to impress.