Easy Honey Cake Rosh Hashanah
A moist, spiced Easy Honey Cake Rosh Hashanah—simple to make, richly honeyed, and perfect for Rosh Hashanah or any celebration. This bakery-style honey cake uses pantry ingredients, yields a tender, dense crumb, and can be baked as a Bundt, loaf, or sheet cake.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 10
Calories 460 kcal
- 2 cups 240 g all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger optional
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves or allspice
- 1 cup 240 ml / 1 cup neutral oil (canola, vegetable)
- 3/4 cup 180 ml honey
- 1 cup 200 g packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup 120 ml strong brewed coffee or black tea, cooled (or 1/2 cup orange/apple juice for caffeine-free)
- 1/2 cup 120 g plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (or dairy-free yogurt for pareve)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange optional, recommended
- Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dried apricots
Prep & oven:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) for Bundt or 9×13; if using loaf pans, set to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour your chosen pan (for Bundt, brush melted butter into crevices and dust with flour; for 9×13, line with parchment for easy removal).
Dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger (if using), and 1/2 tsp cloves/allspice until evenly combined.
Wet ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk 1 cup oil, 3/4 cup honey, and 1 cup packed brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking to incorporate after each. Stir in 1/2 cup cooled coffee (or tea/juice), 1/2 cup yogurt (or sour cream), 1 tsp vanilla, and orange zest.
Bake:
Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release large air bubbles.
Bake until a skewer or toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Baking times (approximate): Bundt or 9×13: 45–55 minutes; Loaf pans: 50–65 minutes; Cupcakes: 16–20 minutes at 350°F. Start testing 8–10 minutes before the minimum time.
Cool & glaze (optional):
Let cake cool in the pan on a wire rack 15–20 minutes. For a Bundt, invert onto a rack to cool completely. For extra shine and honey flavor, make a simple glaze: warm 1/4 cup honey + 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp orange juice (or water) until melded; brush over warm or cooled cake to soak in lightly.
Serving:
Slice with a serrated knife or thread, serve with extra honey, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, whipped cream, or mascarpone as desired.
- Tips & technique
- Room-temperature eggs mix more evenly — take eggs from fridge 20–30 minutes before baking.
- If your honey is very thick, warm gently to loosen for easier blending with oil.
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling with a knife to avoid packing and an overly dense cake.
- Do not overmix once flour is added — overworking develops gluten and yields a tougher crumb.
- If top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
- Storage & make-ahead
- Room temperature: Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Refrigeration: Keeps 5–7 days; slices can be warmed briefly before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap whole or sliced cake tightly in plastic and foil; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or a few hours at room temperature. Warm slices and brush with a little warmed honey to refresh.
- Variations & substitutions
- Pareve / dairy-free: Use nondairy yogurt (coconut or soy) or replace yogurt with 1/2 cup applesauce + 2 tbsp oil for tenderness.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend with xanthan gum; add 1–2 tbsp liquid if batter seems stiff.
- Less sweet: Reduce brown sugar to 3/4 cup (keep honey for characteristic flavor).
- Spice adjustments: Add 1 tsp cardamom for a Middle Eastern note or 1/2 tsp nutmeg for warmth.
- Fruit & nuts: Fold in apples, diced pears, dried cherries, or chocolate chips for a seasonal twist.
- Allergen note
- Contains eggs and may contain nuts if you add them. For nut allergies, omit nuts and consider seeds for crunch.
- Approximate calorie note: calories listed below are an estimate — see Recipe Card Info.