Greek Honey Cake Recipe

Greek Honey Cake is a deliciously moist and aromatic cake that blends the rich flavors of honey and Greek yogurt. This cake is perfect for those who enjoy a comforting dessert with a hint of sweetness and tang. The combination of honey and Greek yogurt adds a unique depth of flavor, while the cake remains incredibly soft and tender. The warm, golden honey flavor is subtly enhanced by the slight tartness from the Greek yogurt, creating a balanced taste that is both indulgent and refreshing. Whether served for a special occasion or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee, this cake will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. It’s easy to prepare, and the ingredients are simple yet create a cake that feels special and sophisticated. With its rich texture and delightful flavor, Greek Honey Cake is sure to impress anyone who tastes it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Flavor Profile

The combination of Greek yogurt and honey creates a flavor that is both sweet and slightly tangy, giving the cake a depth that makes it stand out from regular cakes.

2. Moist and Tender Texture

Thanks to the yogurt and butter, this cake is incredibly moist, ensuring each bite is soft and tender.

3. Simple Ingredients

The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, making it accessible for most home bakers. The ease of preparation means you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious dessert.

4. Versatile

Greek Honey Cake can be enjoyed as a breakfast cake, afternoon snack, or dessert. It’s perfect for a family gathering or a special celebration.

5. Light Yet Indulgent

The cake offers a lovely balance of lightness and indulgence, making it a treat that’s satisfying but not overly rich.

Ingredients

• Plain flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Coarse salt
• Greek yogurt
• Honey
• Butter, at room temperature
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla bean paste/extract

Variations

1. Add Nuts

For an added crunch, consider folding in chopped walnuts, almonds, or pistachios into the batter. These nuts pair beautifully with the honey and Greek yogurt flavor.

2. Lemon Zest

For a refreshing citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. The zest will complement the honey and Greek yogurt while adding an extra layer of brightness to the cake.

3. Greek Yogurt Glaze

Top the cake with a Greek yogurt-based glaze to enhance the creamy tang of the yogurt. Simply mix Greek yogurt, honey, and powdered sugar for a smooth, sweet topping.

4. Spices

Incorporate ground cinnamon or cardamom into the batter to give the cake a warm, spiced flavor, making it perfect for colder months.

5. Add Dried Fruit

Dried figs or raisins can be added to the batter for a slightly chewy texture and additional sweetness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, and coarse salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla bean paste (or extract).

Step 5: Add Greek Yogurt and Honey

Mix in the Greek yogurt and honey, and beat until combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 7: Pour Into Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure that the butter, eggs, and Greek yogurt are all at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more easily and results in a smoother batter.

2. Don’t Overmix

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake.

3. Use Good Quality Honey

Since honey is a key flavor in this recipe, using a good-quality honey will enhance the overall taste of the cake. Opt for raw or pure honey for the best flavor.

4. Check for Doneness

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready.

5. Let the Cake Cool Completely

Let the cake cool completely before slicing or serving to ensure it holds its shape and texture.

How to Serve

Greek Honey Cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack, or serve it as a dessert after a light meal. You can also drizzle extra honey on top of the cake for an added sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake stays moist and flavorful for several days.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for several hours.

Reheating

If you prefer to eat the cake warm, simply microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds, or reheat the whole cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of yogurt?

Yes, you can use plain yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives the cake its signature tang and moisture.

2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

If you use salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.

3. Can I make this cake without honey?

While honey is a key flavor in this recipe, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup for a different but still delicious result.

4. Can I add lemon or orange zest to the cake?

Yes, citrus zest would be a lovely addition to this cake and would pair nicely with the honey flavor.

5. Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the plain flour. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder.

6. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

7. Can I make this recipe in a different pan size?

You can use a different pan size, but baking times may vary. If using a larger or smaller pan, keep an eye on the cake and test for doneness.

8. Can I frost this cake?

This cake is wonderful on its own, but you could also frost it with a cream cheese or honey frosting if you prefer a sweeter topping.

9. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

10. How should I store the cake if I live in a humid climate?

In humid climates, it’s best to store the cake in the fridge to prevent it from becoming too moist. Keep it covered in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This Greek Honey Cake is a wonderful combination of rich honey sweetness and the tanginess of Greek yogurt. It’s simple to make, with ingredients that come together to form a moist, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a special event or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to impress with its delightful texture and sophisticated flavor.

Print