Golden Honey and Almond Cake is a wonderfully moist and flavorful simple cake recipe perfect for any occasion. You’ll love making this easy cake that comes together with minimal effort, offering a delightful treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-purpose flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a gluten-free version.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a vegan alternative.
- Almond flour: Finely ground blanched almonds work well here.
- Eggs: For an egg-free option, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Milk: Any plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) can be substituted.
- Butter: A good quality margarine or coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Tools Needed: 9-inch round cake pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking. This ensures your simple cake recipe bakes perfectly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the honey, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Alternate Dry and Wet Additions
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates your simple cake recipe is fully cooked.
6. Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, if desired, whisk together powdered sugar, honey, and milk for the glaze and drizzle over the cake.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Spiced Cake: Include ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
- Mini Cakes: Bake in a muffin tin for individual honey almond simple cake recipes. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Golden Honey and Almond Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To enjoy, allow it to come to room temperature or gently warm a slice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake this simple cake recipe a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.
- Why is my cake dry? Overmixing the batter or baking for too long can result in a dry cake. Ensure you mix until just combined and check for doneness with a skewer.
- Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar? Yes, brown sugar can be substituted for granulated sugar, which will add a slightly deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- What if I don’t have almond flour? You can omit the almond flour and use 2 cups of all-purpose flour, though the texture will be slightly different.
- How do I know if my butter is softened enough? Softened butter should yield slightly when pressed with a finger, but not be melted or greasy.
- Is this a good simple cake recipe for beginners? Absolutely! The steps are straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for new bakers.