Orange Ginger Honey Cakes – A Warm, Zesty Treat for Every Occasion

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances citrus brightness with warm, comforting spices, look no further than Orange Ginger Honey Cakes. These moist, flavorful cakes are perfect for autumn afternoons, holiday gatherings, or even as a sophisticated snack with tea or coffee. Bursting with orange zest, sweet honey, and a gentle kick of ginger, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and tender texture: Honey keeps the cakes soft for days.
• Balanced flavors: Orange zest, fresh ginger, and warm spices harmonize beautifully.
• Simple ingredients: No fancy tools needed—just basic pantry staples.
• Versatile dessert: Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or festive occasions.

Ingredients

Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp ground ginger
• 0.25 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup honey
• 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

Optional Glaze

• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp orange juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease your cake molds.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Stir in the honey, orange juice, orange zest, and grated fresh ginger until fully combined.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft, smooth batter forms.
6. Drop batter onto the baking sheet (or pour into molds) and smooth tops slightly.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Optional: Prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar with orange juice. Drizzle over cooled cakes.

Tips for Perfect Orange Ginger Honey Cakes

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Fresh ginger matters: Grated fresh ginger gives a brighter, more complex flavor than powdered.
• Do not overmix: Overmixing flour can make cakes dense. Mix just until incorporated.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Variations

• Spiced nuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cakes for a decadent twist.
• Mini cakes: Bake in a muffin tin for individual servings—perfect for parties.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slightly warm with a cup of Earl Grey tea or freshly brewed coffee.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for breakfast or brunch.
• Garnish with candied orange peel and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for festive occasions.

Fun Facts

• Honey’s role: In addition to sweetness, honey helps retain moisture, making these cakes last longer.
• Cultural influence: Orange and ginger combinations are popular in European holiday baking, particularly in Scandinavian and British recipes.
• Health perks: Orange provides vitamin C, while ginger adds anti-inflammatory benefits—so a slice is almost guilt-free indulgence!

Orange Ginger Honey Cakes

Moist, flavorful cakes infused with orange, ginger, and honey, perfect for autumn or holiday treats.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 210

Ingredients

  

Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp ground ginger
• 0.25 tsp cloves optional
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup honey
• 0.5 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
• 2 tsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

Optional Glaze

• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp orange juice

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet or lightly grease cake molds.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Stir in honey, orange juice, orange zest, and grated fresh ginger until fully combined.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until a soft, smooth batter forms.
6. Drop batter onto baking sheet or pour into molds, smooth tops slightly.
7. Bake 18–22 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack.
8. Optional: Mix powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzle over cooled cakes.

Notes

Store cakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Fresh ginger gives a more vibrant flavor than powdered ginger.