Description

This easy honey cake is moist, gently sweet, and packed with comforting flavor. Perfect for afternoon tea, lunchboxes, or welcoming guests, it’s a fuss-free, old-fashioned loaf that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (340g) honey (clover and wildflower recommended, any mild honey works)
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole, 2%, or plant-based)
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
Optional: 1/4 cup (35g) chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional: 1/2 cup (75g) raisins or dried apricots (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes)
Optional: 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease and flour it.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy (2-3 minutes). Add honey, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in 2-3 batches, gently folding until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in optional add-ins (nuts, dried fruit, orange zest) if using.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Tap gently to release air bubbles.
Bake for 45-55 minutes. Check at 45 minutes; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve once fully cool.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and milk for best texture. Don’t overmix the batter. Sift flour for a lighter crumb. Check honey for crystallization and warm if needed. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 baking blend. For vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk. Cake flavor deepens overnight and freezes well.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Snack, Dessert
Cuisine: American, European

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 120
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 37
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4

Keywords: honey cake, tea cake, easy snack, homemade cake, moist loaf, honey dessert, quick baking, comfort food