SWEET NEW YEAR HONEY CAKE
Experience the essence of tradition with this delightful Jewish Honey Cake, a beloved dessert prepared during Rosh Hashanah to herald a sweet New Year. Infused with the warm flavors of honey, aromatic spices, and notes of citrus, this cake is a heartwarming reminder of familial gatherings and joyous celebrations. Not just reserved for the holidays, this moist and flavorful cake is cherished by honey-cake enthusiasts throughout the year for birthdays, anniversaries, and festive occasions. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Perfectly paired with tea or coffee, this cake invites warmth and nostalgia, making every bite a cherished moment.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggs
3 (whisked)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
lemon rind
1 (grated)
vegetable oil
1/3 cup (none)
honey
1 cup (none)
warm strong black coffee
1 cup (none)
all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons (none)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dark brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
slivered almonds
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2
In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the eggs, fresh lemon juice, grated lemon rind, vegetable oil, honey, and warm black coffee. Beat on low speed until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
3
In a separate large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cream of tartar, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon using a fork or whisk until evenly mixed.
4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on medium speed for about 5 minutes, or until the batter is well blended and smooth.
5
Gently fold in the slivered almonds using a spatula, taking care not to over-mix the batter.
6
Pour the batter into the prepped tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if necessary.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
8
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sweet New Year Honey Cake?
It is a traditional Jewish Honey Cake, often called Lekach, which is a moist and aromatic dessert prepared during Rosh Hashanah to symbolize the hope for a sweet and prosperous year ahead.
When is this honey cake traditionally served?
While it is a staple for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), it is also a popular choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and other festive celebrations throughout the year.
What ingredients give this cake its signature flavor?
The rich flavor comes from a combination of honey, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, fresh lemon juice, lemon rind, and warm black coffee.
How many eggs do I need for this recipe?
This recipe requires 3 large eggs, which should be whisked before being added to the wet mixture.
What type of oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, which helps keep the cake moist.
Why is black coffee added to the honey cake batter?
Warm strong black coffee is used to deepen the color of the cake and enhance the complex flavors of the honey and spices without making it taste like coffee.
What kind of pan should I use for baking?
A 10-inch tube pan is recommended. It should be thoroughly greased and floured to prevent the honey cake from sticking.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the honey cake take to bake?
The baking time is typically between 50 minutes and 1 hour.
How can I tell if the cake is fully cooked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What should I do if the cake is browning too quickly in the oven?
If the top of the cake is browning too fast before the center is cooked, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of slivered almonds, which are gently folded into the batter at the end.
What is the role of cream of tartar in this cake?
Cream of tartar acts as a stabilizer and helps the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) create a better rise and texture.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
While dark brown sugar is preferred for its deeper molasses flavor and color, light brown sugar can be used as a substitute if necessary.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the instructions recommend sifting together the flour and other dry ingredients to ensure an even mix and a smooth batter.
What should I do after the cake comes out of the oven?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
How should I serve the Sweet New Year Honey Cake?
It can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. It pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.
Is this cake dairy-free?
Yes, this specific recipe uses vegetable oil and coffee instead of butter or milk, making it a pareve (dairy-free) dessert suitable for many dietary needs.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe includes 14 specific ingredients, ranging from spices and leavening agents to honey and nuts.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, especially since the recipe also calls for fresh grated lemon rind.
What is the texture of this honey cake?
The cake is moist and flavorful, with a dense yet soft crumb common to traditional honey cakes.
How do I ensure the almonds are evenly distributed?
Fold the slivered almonds gently into the batter using a spatula right before pouring the batter into the pan.
Is the coffee in the recipe used for flavor or moisture?
It serves both purposes; it provides the necessary liquid for the batter while adding a dark, rich undertone that complements the honey.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, honey cakes often taste even better a day or two after baking as the flavors have more time to meld and the texture becomes even moister.
Does this recipe use cinnamon?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is included to provide a warm, aromatic spice profile.
How do I mix the dry and wet ingredients?
You should gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on medium speed for about 5 minutes until smooth.
What is the significance of using honey in Jewish culture?
Honey represents the wish for a sweet year, which is why honey-based foods are central to the Rosh Hashanah holiday.
Should the black coffee be hot?
The recipe specifies using 'warm' strong black coffee to help dissolve the honey and sugar more effectively.
Is a tube pan necessary?
A tube pan is traditional and helps the dense batter cook evenly, but if you use a different pan, baking times may vary.
How much honey is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 full cup of honey, ensuring a prominent honey flavor and moist texture.