Greek Honey Cake is a simple yet rich dessert that has flavors reminiscent of baklava. Made with walnuts, honey, and orange zest, it’s a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and citrusy flavors. Drizzled with a warm honey syrup, this cake is ideal for any occasion, especially when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon orange zest

• ¾ cup butter

• ¾ cup white sugar

• 3 eggs

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 cup chopped walnuts

For the Honey Syrup:

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup honey

• ¾ cup water

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and orange zest. Set aside.

3. Make the Cake Batter:
   In a large bowl, cream together the butter and ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in the chopped walnuts.

4. Bake the Cake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes before cutting it into diamond shapes.

5. Prepare the Honey Syrup:
   In a saucepan, combine honey, 1 cup sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for another 2 minutes.

6. Finish the Cake:
   Pour the warm honey syrup over the cake. Let the syrup soak in before serving.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 310 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 15g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Sodium: 150mg

• Potassium: 90mg

• Sugar: 30g

• Fiber: 2g

• Vitamin A: 8% DV

• Vitamin C: 2% DV

• Calcium: 2% DV

• Iron: 6% DV

The Cake: Fluffy and Nutty with a Citrus Twist

The base of the cake is a simple batter made with pantry staples such as flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and milk. The addition of ground cinnamon and orange zest elevates the flavor profile, giving the cake a warm, aromatic scent. The cinnamon adds a mild spice, while the orange zest introduces a bright, citrusy freshness that complements the sweetness of the honey syrup.

Chopped walnuts are stirred into the batter, giving the cake a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the honey syrup and citrusy notes. The result is a moist, fluffy cake that’s not too sweet but has just the right amount of richness to satisfy your dessert cravings.

Baking the Cake: Golden and Tender

Baking the cake at 350°F (175°C) ensures that it cooks through evenly while developing a golden-brown top. The batter is poured into a greased and floured 9-inch square pan, which allows the cake to rise and become light and fluffy as it bakes. After about 40 minutes, the cake will be ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, let the cake cool for about 15 minutes. This cooling period allows the cake to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut into diamond shapes before drizzling the warm honey syrup on top.

The Honey Syrup: Sweet, Sticky, and Fragrant

The honey syrup is the star of this dessert. It’s made by simmering honey, sugar, and water together until it becomes thick and syrupy, with a glossy texture. The addition of lemon juice brightens the syrup, adding a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the honey and sugar. The syrup is then brought to a boil, ensuring it has a rich, concentrated flavor that will soak beautifully into the cake.

Once the cake has cooled, the warm honey syrup is poured over it. The syrup soaks into the cake, making it even more moist and flavorful. The honey glaze provides a glossy finish and a rich, sweet layer that complements the nutty, cinnamon-infused cake underneath.

Serving Suggestions: A Perfectly Balanced Dessert

Greek Honey Cake is a dessert that shines on its own but can be served with various accompaniments. For a more indulgent treat, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coolness of the cream contrasts beautifully with the warmth and sweetness of the cake and syrup.

It also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a strong cup of tea, making it a fantastic dessert for afternoon gatherings or as a sweet end to dinner.

For added texture and flavor, garnish the cake with extra chopped walnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A few fresh mint leaves can also be added for a pop of color and a refreshing note to balance the sweetness.

Nutritional Information: A Decadent Yet Wholesome Dessert

Each serving of Greek Honey Cake contains approximately 310 calories, making it a rich and satisfying dessert. With 45g of carbohydrates and 30g of sugar, the cake is sweet and indulgent, but it also provides 2g of fiber to help balance the sweetness.

The cake is a good source of healthy fats, with 15g of fat per serving, including 7g of saturated fat from the butter and walnuts. While it’s a treat, the nuts contribute beneficial fats, and the walnuts provide a boost of protein (4g per serving). The addition of walnuts also contributes to the cake’s iron content (6% DV), and it provides a small amount of calcium and vitamin A.

Though the sugar content is relatively high due to the honey syrup, it’s balanced by the richness of the cake and the earthy flavors of the walnuts, making it a satisfying dessert that doesn’t need to be overly sweet to be enjoyed.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Nutty Treat

Greek Honey Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the perfect blend of sweetness, nuttiness, and citrusy freshness. The warm honey syrup, poured over the soft and fluffy cake, makes it a rich and satisfying treat for any occasion. The crunch of walnuts and the subtle flavors of cinnamon and orange zest make this cake not only delicious but also memorable.

Whether you’re hosting a celebration, enjoying a quiet moment with coffee, or simply treating yourself, this cake offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. It’s sure to become a favorite go-to dessert for any occasion!