Baklava-Inspired Greek Honey Cake
This Baklava-Inspired Greek Honey Cake beautifully captures the rich flavors and textures of traditional Greek baklava but in a simpler, cake form. With its moist and tender crumb infused with warm spices and orange zest, and a luscious honey syrup drizzled over the top, this cake is a delightful dessert that pays homage to its more elaborate counterpart. It’s perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply elevating your everyday dessert routine. Enjoy it served warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 cup (measured and sifted)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (sifted)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
orange zest
1 teaspoon (zested)
butter
3/4 cup (softened to room temperature)
white sugar
3/4 cup + 1 cup for syrup (divided)
eggs
3 (large, at room temperature)
milk
1/4 cup (whole or 2%)
chopped walnuts
1 cup (lightly toasted for flavor)
honey
1 cup (light or dark, according to preference)
water
3/4 cup (filtered)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan, ensuring it’s well-prepared for easy removal of the cake.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and orange zest. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and 3/4 cup of sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
5
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7
While the cake is baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, remaining 1 cup of sugar, and 3/4 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
8
Let the syrup simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in the lemon juice. Increase the heat to bring the syrup to a boil and let it boil for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
9
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully cut the cake into diamond shapes or squares, then generously pour the warm honey syrup over the top, making sure to soak it into the cake.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baklava-Inspired Greek Honey Cake?
It is a dessert that captures the flavors of traditional Greek baklava, featuring honey, walnuts, and spices, but in a simpler cake format.
What are the primary flavors in this cake?
The cake features rich notes of honey, warm cinnamon, citrusy orange zest, and toasted walnuts.
What oven temperature is required?
The cake should be baked in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of baking pan should I use?
A 9-inch square baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
You should grease and flour the pan to ensure the cake can be easily removed after baking.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically takes about 40 minutes to bake, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What is the first step in preparing the batter?
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and orange zest in a medium bowl.
How do I mix the butter and sugar?
Cream them together using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Should the butter be at room temperature?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3/4 cup of butter softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
How should the eggs be added?
Add the 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
What is the technique for adding dry ingredients and milk?
Gradually add the dry mixture alternating with milk, starting and finishing with the flour mixture.
When are the walnuts added to the batter?
The chopped walnuts should be folded in at the very end until they are evenly distributed.
How do I prepare the walnuts for better flavor?
The recipe suggests lightly toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
What ingredients make up the honey syrup?
The syrup is made from 1 cup of honey, 1 cup of sugar, 3/4 cup of water, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
How long should the syrup simmer?
Simmer the honey, sugar, and water for 5 minutes before adding the lemon juice.
What do I do after adding lemon juice to the syrup?
Increase the heat to bring it to a boil and let it boil for an additional 2 minutes.
How long should the cake cool before adding syrup?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before pouring the syrup.
Why should I cut the cake before pouring the syrup?
Cutting the cake into diamond shapes or squares allows the syrup to soak deeply into the crumb.
What shape is traditional for cutting this cake?
Diamond shapes are traditional for baklava-inspired desserts, though squares also work well.
Should the syrup be warm when poured?
Yes, pour the warm honey syrup over the cake to ensure maximum absorption.
What kind of honey should I use?
You can use light or dark honey depending on your personal flavor preference.
What type of milk is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using either whole or 2% milk.
Does this cake contain citrus?
Yes, it contains both orange zest in the batter and lemon juice in the syrup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients required to make this cake.
What is the texture of the cake?
It has a moist and tender crumb that is saturated with sweet honey syrup.
Can I serve this cake with toppings?
Yes, it is delicious served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Is this cake served warm or cold?
It can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature.
How much sugar is used in the syrup?
The syrup specifically uses 1 cup of white sugar in addition to the honey.
What spice gives the cake its warmth?
Ground cinnamon is used to provide the signature warm spice profile.
Is this a good recipe for celebrations?
Absolutely, its rich flavor and beautiful presentation make it perfect for gatherings and special occasions.