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Moist Greek Honey Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 41 reviews

This Moist Greek Honey Cake is a delightful Mediterranean dessert that combines warm spices, citrus zest, and a luscious honey syrup. Its tender crumb and fragrant honey-soaked finish make it a perfect treat for any occasion, showcasing the rich flavors of Greek cuisine with a moist texture and balanced sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (can be replaced with neutral oil)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt (can be replaced with dairy-free yogurt)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large orange zest
  • 1 large lemon zest

Honey Syrup Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup high-quality honey (Greek thyme or orange blossom honey is ideal)
  • 1 piece cinnamon stick
  • a few whole cloves
  • strips of orange peel
  • strips of lemon peel
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the honey syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves, and strips of orange and lemon peels. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup honey and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Strain the syrup into a bowl to remove solids and let it cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
  4. Create the wet mixture: In another bowl, mix 1 cup granulated sugar with the zest of one large orange and one large lemon to release their oils. Add 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and whisk until smooth. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time to ensure full incorporation. Fold in 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender crumb.
  6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cake turns golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Soak the cake with honey syrup: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately poke holes all over the surface using a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the cooled honey syrup over the cake, allowing it to seep in. Let the cake soak for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for full flavor absorption and optimal moistness before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
  • Use dairy-free yogurt to make the cake suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
  • Greek thyme or orange blossom honey enhances the authentic Mediterranean flavor of the syrup.
  • The cake is best served at room temperature after allowing the syrup to soak overnight.
  • Storage: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and bring back to room temperature before serving.

Keywords: Greek honey cake, Mediterranean cake, honey syrup cake, moist cake, traditional Greek dessert, cinnamon honey cake, citrus zest cake

Find it online: https://foodarohub.com/moist-greek-honey-cake-recipe/