Irish Honey Cake – Moist and Spiced with Local Honey
Description: Irish Honey Cake is a moist, fragrant dessert sweetened with local honey and warmed with gentle spices. Traditionally served with tea, it’s a simple yet elegant cake that captures the wholesome flavors of Ireland’s countryside.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 8–10
Ingredients
- 225g (1 ¾ cups) plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 100g (½ cup) brown sugar
- 175g (¾ cup) butter, melted
- 175g (½ cup) local Irish honey
- 2 large eggs
- 120ml (½ cup) buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Tin
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin.
Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir in the brown sugar.
Step 3 – Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4 – Combine and Bake
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Transfer to the prepared tin and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5 – Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of whipped cream.
Serving Suggestion
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of Irish breakfast tea or coffee, making it perfect for gatherings or Sunday tea-time.