Description
Delicately sweet, warmly spiced, and infused with bright citrus, these Orange Ginger Honey Cakes are the perfect treat for tea time, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Each mini cake is soft, moist, and bursting with zesty orange, rich honey, and a subtle kick of fresh ginger. Whether you bake them in muffin tins or as a small loaf, these cakes deliver comforting flavor in every bite.
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Ingredients
For the Cakes:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground ginger
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¼ tsp ground cinnamon
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup honey
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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Zest of 1 large orange
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¼ cup fresh orange juice
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice
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Extra orange zest for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a muffin tin or mini loaf pans with parchment or liners.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and cinnamon.
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sweeteners
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, honey, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Stir in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, alternating with Greek yogurt.
Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pans, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes (for muffins) or 25–30 minutes (for mini loaves), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Let cakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
While they cool, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice to make a smooth glaze.
Drizzle over slightly warm cakes and garnish with a little extra zest.
Notes
Use Fresh Orange Juice – Bottled doesn’t bring the same brightness.
Don’t Overmix – Keeps the cakes light and tender.
Room Temp Ingredients – Ensure even mixing and smooth batter.
Make It Spicier – Add a pinch of clove or nutmeg for a more robust spice profile.
Skip the Glaze – They’re still delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Cuisine: American