Baking Orange Ginger Honey Cakes is one of my favorite memories from growing up. Every holiday season, my grandma would spend hours in the kitchen whipping up batch after batch of these moist, flavorful cakes. The aroma of citrus, warm spices, and sweet honey would fill the whole house, beckoning us kids to sneak bites as soon as the pans came out of the oven.
Grandma always said the secret was in the little details – zesting the oranges just so, folding in the honey with a light touch, and letting the cakes cool completely before drizzling on the glaze. It took practice, but once you got the technique down, these Orange Ginger Honey Cakes became the easiest, most delicious treat to share with loved ones. And the best part? This recipe makes a big batch of 12 cakes, so there’s plenty to go around!
Table of Contents
Why This Orange Ginger Honey Cakes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Orange Ginger Honey Cakes
What makes this Orange Ginger Honey Cakes recipe so special is the way the bright citrus flavors of the orange perfectly complement the warm, slightly spicy notes of the ginger. And the honey? Well, that’s the real secret ingredient that adds incredible moisture and a subtle sweetness that ties everything together. When you bite into one of these cakes, the flavors just burst in your mouth in the most delightful way. This recipe yields 12 cakes, so you’ll have plenty to share (or hoard for yourself!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these 12 amazing Orange Ginger Honey Cakes, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup honey, plus more for drizzling
Step-by-Step Orange Ginger Honey Cakes Instructions
Preparing Your Orange Ginger Honey Cakes
This recipe takes 26 minutes total – 8 minutes for prep and 18 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a muffin tin, a zester, and a few basic baking tools. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
2- In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs, then stir in 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of honey, and the zest of 2 oranges.
3- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
4- Bake for 18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
5- Allow the cakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6- Once cooled, drizzle the tops of the cakes with 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice mixed with 1 tablespoon of honey. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Zest the oranges before juicing them for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter – that can lead to tough, dense cakes.
- Be sure to grease the muffin tin well so the cakes release easily.
- Let the cakes cool completely before adding the orange juice glaze.
Serving and Storing Your Orange Ginger Honey Cakes
Perfect Pairings for Orange Ginger Honey Cakes
These moist, flavorful Orange Ginger Honey Cakes are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They make a wonderful anytime snack or a special treat for dessert. And since this recipe yields 12 cakes, with each serving being 1 cake, you’ll have plenty to share with family and friends.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Orange Ginger Honey Cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cakes for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature and then drizzle with the orange juice glaze. For make-ahead convenience, you can bake the cakes in advance and freeze them until you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Orange Ginger Honey Cakes
Creative Orange Ginger Honey Cakes Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of cream cheese to the batter. You could also experiment with different spices like cinnamon or cardamom. And for a fun twist, bake the cakes in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats.
Making Orange Ginger Honey Cakes Diet-Friendly
To make these Orange Ginger Honey Cakes gluten-free, simply substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. For a vegan version, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the regular eggs, and replace the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use lemon zest instead of orange zest?
A: Absolutely! Lemon zest will also work beautifully in this recipe, adding a bright, citrusy flavor.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 12 cakes, with each serving being 1 cake.
Q: Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cakes in advance and freeze them unfrosted for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and drizzle with the orange juice glaze.
Q: Why are my cakes dry and dense?
A: Be sure not to ovmix the batter, as that can lead to tough, dry cakes. Also, be careful not to overbake them. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Orange Ginger Honey Cakes
- Total Time: 26
- Yield: 12 cakes
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of bright orange, warm ginger, and sweet honey in these moist and flavorful Orange Ginger Honey Cakes. A quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup honey, plus more for drizzling
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. – In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the milk and 1/4 cup honey.
4. – Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. – Fold in the orange zest and grated ginger.
6. – Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
7. – Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. – Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. – Drizzle the cooled cakes with additional honey before serving.
Notes
For a more pronounced ginger flavor, you can increase the amount of grated fresh ginger to 3 tablespoons. These cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 8
- Cook Time: 18
- Category: Cakes, Pies & Cheesecakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Orange Ginger Honey Cakes are a true delight, combining bright citrus flavors with warm spices and sweet honey. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special treat any time of year. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become a new go-to in your baking repertoire. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out in the comments!
