Orange ginger honey cakes offer a comforting blend of citrus brightness and subtle spice. These soft and fragrant cakes bring together the gentle sweetness of honey, the zestiness of fresh oranges, and the warm bite of ginger in every bite. Whether you’re preparing dessert for a festive occasion or simply want something cozy and homemade, this recipe delivers both flavor and simplicity.
With no need for fancy tools or skills, this cake is easy to put together and ideal for beginner and experienced bakers alike. The result is a rich, moist cake with just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and warm flavors.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cakes stand out because they’re both deeply flavorful and easy to make. Honey keeps them soft and moist, while orange juice and zest brighten every bite. Ginger, both ground and fresh, adds a pleasant spiciness that warms the palate without overpowering.
You’ll also appreciate how well these cakes store. The flavor improves over time, making them perfect for baking ahead. They’re excellent for holidays, brunches, or afternoon tea. With no mixer required and minimal cleanup, this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want something simple but special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cake uses wholesome ingredients that come together for an unforgettable flavor. Each component has a purpose, helping you get the best results.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
Forms the foundation of the cake. It gives structure and helps balance the moisture from the wet ingredients.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
Interacts with the acidity from the orange juice to help the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Ground Ginger (1 teaspoon)
Provides a background warmth and spice that enhances the overall flavor.
Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon)
Adds a cozy, aromatic element that complements the citrus and honey.
Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon)
Gives a mild nutty flavor that deepens the spiced notes.
Salt (a pinch)
Improves the flavor of all the other ingredients by enhancing sweetness and spice.
Melted Unsalted Butter (½ cup)
Adds richness and moisture. The melted form makes it easy to blend into the batter.
Raw Honey (¾ cup)
Naturally sweetens the cake and helps keep it moist and soft over time.
Eggs (2 large)
Essential for binding the batter and adding structure and volume.
Fresh Orange Juice (1 cup)
Contributes acidity, moisture, and a vibrant citrus taste.
Orange Zest (zest from 2 oranges)
Boosts the orange flavor significantly with fragrant oils from the peel.
Fresh Grated Ginger (1 tablespoon)
Adds a clean, sharp ginger flavor that complements the warmth of the ground version.
Optional Glaze
A mix of 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons orange juice, brushed on the cake while warm, adds flavor and a shiny finish.
How to Make Orange Ginger Honey Cakes
This recipe is straightforward and requires just a few mixing bowls. You’ll start by preparing your dry ingredients, then whisk together the wet ingredients in another bowl. Once combined, the batter is poured into a baking pan and baked until golden and aromatic.
Applying the optional glaze while the cake is still warm helps the citrus and honey flavors soak into the top layer, creating an extra burst of flavor and a soft, glossy finish. Let the cake cool before slicing for the best texture and presentation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir them well to distribute the spices evenly.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the honey. Beat in the eggs until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add Fresh Elements
Stir in the orange juice, zest, and freshly grated ginger. This step infuses the mixture with bright, bold flavor.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or spoon. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and level the top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Glaze the Cake (Optional)
While the cake is still warm, whisk together the honey and orange juice for the glaze. Brush it over the top for a sweet, citrusy sheen.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Let the cake sit in the pan for about 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips
- For bold citrus flavor, use fresh orange juice and don’t skip the zest.
- If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can substitute with an extra ½ teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the texture soft.
- The glaze is optional but adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
- To make individual portions, use a muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 18–22 minutes.
Details
Flavor: Sweet citrus with mild spice and honey undertones
Texture: Soft and moist with a tender, light crumb
Best For: Holidays, brunch, tea time, or cozy evenings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 servings
Notes
There are many ways to make this cake your own:
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Add dried cranberries for a sweet-tart surprise.
- Bake in mini loaf pans or muffin tins for grab-and-go portions.
- Swap the butter for a neutral oil if you need a dairy-free version.
This cake also makes a great gift and keeps well for a few days, which makes it ideal for holidays or meal prep.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Sugar | 21 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
These values are estimates and based on a 10-slice serving from one cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do ginger and honey affect the texture of orange cakes?
Honey helps keep the cake moist and soft, while ginger enhances flavor without changing the texture.
Can orange ginger honey cakes be made ahead of time?
Yes, they actually taste better after resting for a few hours or overnight. Store at room temperature or in the fridge.
What type of ginger is best for this recipe?
Freshly grated ginger adds more punch and brightness. Ground ginger is suitable too, but the flavor is milder.
Is this cake good for freezing?
Definitely. Wrap the cake or individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before eating.
Storage Instructions
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If needed, refrigerate for extended freshness. To freeze, wrap slices individually in plastic or store the entire cake in a sealed container. Thaw before serving, and enjoy as if freshly baked.
Print
Orange Ginger Honey Cakes | A Stunning Seasonal Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
A moist and warmly spiced cake made with honey, fresh orange juice, and ginger. This simple yet flavorful dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday baking, or an afternoon treat with tea. Bright citrus meets warm spice in a soft, tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground 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 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
(Optional glaze) 2 tablespoons honey
(Optional glaze) 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan or line with parchment.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and honey until smooth. Beat in eggs.
4. Stir in orange juice, orange zest, and grated ginger.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. While warm, brush with glaze made from honey and orange juice (optional).
9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For more intense orange flavor, add ½ teaspoon orange extract.
Works well in muffin tins (bake 18–22 minutes).
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Add chopped walnuts or dried cranberries for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 21
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 39
- Protein: 4
Conclusion
These orange ginger honey cakes are everything you want in a homemade dessert: flavorful, moist, and simple to prepare. The combination of citrus, spice, and honey gives them a unique and comforting taste, while the soft texture makes them perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.