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Home » Holiday

Orange Ginger Honey Cakes

Published: Dec 12, 2019 · Modified: Aug 14, 2024 by Jenn ·This post may contain affiliate links ·

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Recipe card for orange ginger honey cakes.
Recipe card for orange ginger mini honey cakes.

Honey Cakes flavored with orange, ginger, and brown butter are moist without becoming dense. These mini ginger loaves are perfectly soft, full of citrus honey notes and delicious with a smear of butter.

Three orange cakes on cutting board wrapped with greenery.

My mother is the quintessential southern lady who gives baked goods as gifts for holidays, birthdays, new neighbors, and special occasions. She doesn't just throw them in a tupperware or wrap a cake in aluminum foil, no she packages them with class and decorations. I wish I could say the same for my giveaway bakes, but I have yet to receive any complaints.

I've seen my mother bake eight cakes, decorate them with icing, berries, holly leaves, and then individually wrap in clear plastic adorned with homemade bows. She then delivers them door to door with a smile and genuine excitement. We should all be lucky enough to receive one of her baking gifts.

Orange cakes being wrapped with string and greenery.

On the other hand, if you live next to me you might receive a half layered cake, several slices of pie, or an extra pan of brown butter brownies. Since I'm always recipe testing, photographing, and making food, leftovers are plentiful. I've even told neighbors to just bring over empty plates for me to fill with pie and cookies. Everyone seems happy, preventing me from eating all the goodies myself!

Now, back to the honey cakes. I chose to bake mini cakes for gifting to friends. (Don't be to harsh on my simple holiday packaging.) Using winter flavors of browned butter, ginger, and orange create a rich cozy sensation. A bit different than your typical spice cake, but perfect for a chilly morning or evening treat by the fire.

I suggest you bake all four, wrap up three as gifts, and save the fourth for yourself!

🧈 What is Brown Butter?

Brown butter is made by cooking unsalted butter until the milk solids turn a medium brown color. This process cooks out any of the water in the butter resulting in a rich nutty or toasty flavor. A great technique for adding more depth to your baked goods.

To make brown butter (also called beurre noisette), simply place your butter in a light colored skillet so you can see the color change and cook on medium heat. First the butter will start to foam as it melts, then it will slowly change from a golden hue to a darker more toasty brown color. It should start to give off a nutty aroma as it browns.

Remove your brown butter from the heat and put in heat safe bowl to let it cool. Make sure not to overcook your butter to a dark brown almost black.

Can I bake this honey cake recipe in a loaf pan?

In short, yes you can convert this recipe to one large banana bread size loaf by using a 9 inch by 5 inch loaf pan. The only change will be the baking time. Increase your baking time to 40-45 minutes and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If the toothpick comes out dry with only a few small crumbs, your honey cake is baked.

Orange ginger cakes on table wrapped in twine and greenery.
Hands holding a honey mini cake wrapped for Christmas.

Tips for Orange Ginger Honey Cakes:

  • Make sure to use brown butter for a nice nutty flavor addition.
  • Use fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh orange zest.
  • Use local pure honey for better flavor.
  • Place your mini cake pans on a cookie sheet in the oven.
  • Use four 6 inch mini loaf pans. Try these mini loaf pans.
  • Halfway through baking, lightly cover your row of cake pans with a sheet of aluminum foil. This will prevent the tops from over browning. The moist cake batter takes a but longer to fully bake through the center.
  • Check each cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. Cakes are ready if toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
  • Let your cakes cool before removing them from their pans.
  • Serve with butter spread or mix additional brown butter and honey for a drizzle!
Overhead view of a sliced orange loaf cake on a cutting board with a small knife.

How to Store Honey Cakes

  • Once cooled these honey cakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure to keep in a cool location to prevent humidity causing mold on moist goods. Alternatively you can wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
  • To freeze honey cakes, wrap in two layers of plastic wrap and or place in an air tight container in the freezer for up to 3 months of freshness. Allow cakes to thaw to room temperature before serving.
Overhead view of a sliced orange loaf cake on a cutting board with a small knife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you substitute the Milk?

The whole milk can be substituted for almond, oat, or soy milk evenly. Just make sure to use an unsweetened plain version to prevent added sweetness or massive flavor change.

Can this recipe make Honey Muffins?

Yes, you can use a 12 cup muffin pan to make regular sized orange ginger honey muffins. Simply fill each muffin well ¾ full with batter and bake at 350 F (176 C) for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Can the Orange Juice be substituted?

If you're not a huge fan of orange, simply swap the orange juice and zest for your favorite citrus. I would recommend going with lemon or grapefruit!

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Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ★★★★★ rating in the recipe card below and consider leaving a comment as well, thanks!

Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, and email newsletter to get all the new recipes!

Three orange cakes on cutting board wrapped with greenery.
Jenn Davis

Orange Ginger Honey Cakes

4.99 from 92 votes
Orange Ginger Honey Cakes made with brown butter, orange juice, orange zest, fresh honey, and ground ginger. Rich Holiday cakes to give as gifts!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Ingredient Tips
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Servings: 4 mini loaves
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  • 250 grams (2 cups) all purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, *or 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest, *zest of one orange
  • 113 grams (½ cups) unsalted butter, browned *see notes
  • 270 grams (¾ cup) honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 125 grams (½ cup) whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 50 grams (¼ cup) granulated sugar
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Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325℉ (160℃) and prepare four 6-inch mini loaf pans. (spray with non-stick spray or a thin coating of butter and flour.)
  2. In a medium bowl, hand whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger and orange zest.
  3. Brown your butter by placing in a small skillet on medium heat. Stir until butter is melted. Continue to stir and heat until butter is foamy and brownish in color.
  4. Pour the warm brown butter into the bowl of stand mixer. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
  5. Next, add the honey, orange juice, milk, sugar, and slightly beaten eggs into the mixing bowl with the browned butter.
  6. Mix on medium speed using the paddle attachment until smooth.
  7. Slowly spoon in flour mixture on medium speed until a cake batter is formed. (scrape sides and bottom of bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
  8. Divide batter amongst the four pans.
  9. Place pans on cookie sheet and bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. (Cover loaves with a sheet of aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over browning.)
  10. Place pans on cooling rack to completely cool before removing.
  11. Eat and enjoy!

Notes

Baking Pans

    • Place your mini cake pans on a cookie sheet in the oven.
    • Use four 6 inch mini loaf pans. Try these mini loaf pans.

Honey

Quality honey will give the best flavor. Try local honey or pure honey from the store. 

Brown Butter

Allow browned butter to cool to room temperature before mixing with additional ingredients. 
To make brown butter (also called beurre noisette), simply place your butter in a light colored skillet so you can see the color change and cook on medium heat. First the butter will start to foam as it melts, then it will slowly change from a golden hue to a darker more toasty brown color. It should start to give off a nutty aroma as it browns.
Remove your brown butter from the heat and put in heat safe bowl to let it cool.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was! Tag and share on Instagram @twocupsflour

Reader Interactions

4.99 from 92 votes (81 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Maria Ladwig

    December 04, 2018 at 8:47 pm

    Jenn,
    I do not buy almond milk. Does regular milk change the sweetness level of the bread? Could it be substituted?
    I am excited to try these for Christmas.

    Reply
    • Jenn

      December 05, 2018 at 6:58 am

      I use unsweetened almond milk, so substituting regular milk should be fine:)

      Reply
      • Rachel

        December 20, 2019 at 10:12 am

        The recipe states to use whole milk. If I used almond milk, would it still be half a cup?

        Reply
        • Jenn

          December 21, 2019 at 1:49 pm

          Yes you can swap whole milk for almond milk with same measurement.

          Reply
      • Sidney Jo

        December 31, 2019 at 11:16 am

        I’m excited to try this recipe and I notice it doesn’t call for any salt, which I’ve never tried before! With all the glowing reviews I would guess there’s no lack of flavor, but any thoughts?

        Reply
        • Jenn

          December 31, 2019 at 11:34 am

          Hi Sidney! I felt the flavor was fine, if you would like to add some start with 1/8 to 1/4 tsp and see what you like:)

          Reply
        • Ishwant

          June 15, 2020 at 9:48 pm

          Hey,
          Can i use milk instead of eggs if not then what i can use

          Reply
          • Jenn

            June 26, 2020 at 11:00 am

            You can try to replace each egg with a 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk or whole milk. I haven't tried for this recipe, so I can't guarantee the results. Let me know how it goes!

      • Sara

        December 20, 2020 at 1:20 pm

        Can fresh ginger be used or is it too much flavor?

        Reply
        • Jenn

          December 21, 2020 at 8:03 am

          Hi Sara, I would stay with the ground ginger since its better for the high temperatures of baking. You would need a lot of fresh ginger to get the same flavor.

          Reply
    • Yann

      December 21, 2020 at 9:19 pm

      5 stars
      Made it today! Delicious. Thanks for a great recipe. Now I want to bake everything in mini loaf pans .

      Reply
    • Marie Berdini

      February 23, 2021 at 7:07 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious little cakes to have on hand for a treat and to give away. Loved them on first try. I do think next time I'll add more orange zest.

      Reply
      • Margaret

        March 22, 2021 at 7:36 pm

        Can I make two loafs out of this, instead of fourini loaves? How much cook time would it take?

        Reply
  2. Stefany

    December 05, 2018 at 5:32 pm

    Jenn,
    I do not have mini loaf pans. How would you adjust baking a full loaf?

    Reply
    • Jenn

      December 05, 2018 at 8:03 pm

      Honey cakes can be more dense, so I love baking in smaller cake pans. You can use a regular loaf pan, but will take longer to bake all the way through. Make sure to check with a toothpick.

      Reply
      • Kimberly

        March 13, 2020 at 8:36 pm

        I was about to ask the same question, but considering your answer, how would I adjust the time for a large muffin pan? I know I can pretty much eyeball it oh, but I thought I'd ask. Also, would you change the temperature?

        Reply
  3. Whitney

    December 11, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    Is there some reason I couldn’t make these much smaller... like using a madeleines pan? I’m wanting to try something different for a batch or two and these sound amazing!

    Reply
    • Jenn

      December 13, 2018 at 4:24 pm

      I can't say for sure, since I haven't tried it. But let me know if you do!

      Reply
  4. Victoria

    December 12, 2018 at 12:42 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Jenn,

    I have made these twice now & LOVE them! I have given out a few of them as little gifts. I am looking at switching up the flavors but keeping the core of the recipe as it works so well. I do have one question, how are you using/incorporating the 1/4c of sugar? Is it in the loaf or are you using as a dusting on the top? Thanks for the

    Reply
    • Jenn

      December 13, 2018 at 4:23 pm

      yay!! so glad to hear you're loving them! Would love to hear what other flavors you choose:)

      Reply
  5. Victoria

    December 12, 2018 at 1:00 pm

    5 stars
    Sorry Jenn, I see now where the sugar is.... sorry!

    Reply
  6. Lisa Baird

    December 19, 2018 at 12:07 pm

    5 stars
    These little cakes are a winner, winner, chicken dinner! I followed the recipe as written but did substitute non fat dairy milk for the almond milk. They are appropriately called 'cakes' as that's what they are with a tender crumb, subtle flavors, and especially tasty with butter. I will be making another batch.

    Reply
  7. Aadiba

    December 20, 2018 at 1:24 am

    can I substitute honey for sugar?

    Reply
    • Jenn

      December 20, 2018 at 10:11 am

      Hi Aadiba! I would try replacing the 3/4 Cup of Honey with 1 cup of sugar and an additional 1/4 cup of the Almond Milk. Let me know how it goes.

      Reply
  8. priya

    December 26, 2018 at 3:41 am

    looks and sounds delicious! making idea great

    Reply
  9. Shelly Mitchell

    July 14, 2019 at 6:19 pm

    5 stars
    I made these this morning and they were so good. I recently got the Nordic Ware mini beehives pan and wanted a honey cake to make in them. This was perfect. I added an extra tablespoon of oj, replaced the dry ingredients with Kodiak Cakes buttermilk and Chia mix and replaced the butter with greek yogurt. I'll be making these again. Thanks

    Reply
  10. Kate Lundberg

    September 29, 2019 at 9:14 pm

    5 stars
    I live in Beijing, China where it can be difficult to find normal Western ingredients. When I came across this recipe last weekend I knew I had everything for it and I was SO eager to make them! I borrowed a mini loaf pan from a friend and baked the rest of the batter in a pie plate which turned out very much like a regular cake, so I'll be making an orange flavored cream cheese frosting or glaze for it. Like some of the other commenters have said, I also added some extra fresh-squeezed orange juice to boost that delicious citrus flavor. I also used regular cow's milk rather than almond milk. I'm planning (way ahead) to make these again for Christmas morning breakfast!

    Reply
    • Jenn

      September 30, 2019 at 8:23 am

      oh wow!! So glad you enjoyed them Kate!! Thanks for sharing:)

      Reply
      • Niyati

        June 10, 2020 at 7:13 am

        Hi Jenn!

        Loved this easy recipe and planning to try it soon but I don’t eat eggs. Is there any replacement that I can use?

        Reply
        • Cathy

          December 23, 2020 at 5:48 pm

          I’m allergic to ginger what could I substitute?

          Reply
  11. Elise

    September 30, 2019 at 5:15 am

    5 stars
    Delicious - baked for 30 minutes and they were lovely. Definitely spread with butter. wrapped and decorated as per your picture and they were a hit. Gave them to each family at our Rosh Hashana dinner.

    Reply
    • Jenn

      September 30, 2019 at 8:22 am

      Yay!! So glad you enjoyed:)

      Reply
  12. Bondita

    October 09, 2019 at 7:14 am

    Wow! I love homemade cakes and this looks delicious. I'll definitely try this out

    Reply
  13. Ash

    October 28, 2019 at 8:26 am

    Do you think it would be possible to substitute the ginger for another spice? And if so, which one would you recommend? I have a friend who despises ginger to her very core, but I think these loaves would be such a charming gift!

    Reply
    • Jenn

      October 28, 2019 at 8:50 am

      Hi Ash! Try using Nutmeg instead 🙂

      Reply
  14. Megha

    November 01, 2019 at 7:42 am

    Hey, can I deduct the orange juice?

    Reply
    • Jenn

      November 01, 2019 at 11:11 am

      You can substitute for lemon juice or water 🙂

      Reply
  15. sanya

    November 01, 2019 at 8:49 am

    So I want to make this cake for my exam tomorrow, but I just want to do a ginger honey cake, what should I do about the orange juice?

    Reply
    • Jenn

      November 01, 2019 at 11:10 am

      Hi You can substitute with lemon juice 🙂 the acidity is what helps make the texture of the cake.

      Reply
      • Sanya

        November 05, 2019 at 3:41 pm

        5 stars
        Hey, so I tried it and it worked pretty well, I also flavoured the recipe with tea and frosted it with lemon cream cheese icing.
        It was a hit and was really appreciated by all the chefs at my school.

        Reply
        • Jenn

          November 08, 2019 at 8:21 am

          So glad you liked it! Lemon icing sounds fabulous!

          Reply
  16. Jennifer B

    December 22, 2019 at 9:09 am

    So I’m confused you say to prepare 6 loaf pans, then you say to fill 4 pans, I only had enough batter for 3. What did I do wrong. I specifically got the 6in mini loaf pans for this recipe.

    Reply
    • Jenn

      December 22, 2019 at 9:00 pm

      Hi, I'm not sure where it says 6 loaf pans. The recipe is to divide the batter evenly between four '6 inch' mini loaf pans.

      Reply
      • Jennifer Bruns

        December 24, 2019 at 9:26 am

        Oh Lordy you are right it says 4 6 inch pans, excuse my confusion. It’s the holidays lol. I still only had enough batter for 3. Any recommendations for high altitude?

        Reply
  17. Patti

    January 13, 2020 at 7:12 pm

    I don’t own a mixmaster with a paddle attachment. How can I mix this otherwise and for how long?

    Reply
    • Jenn

      January 14, 2020 at 4:30 pm

      Do you have a hand mixer?

      Reply
  18. Heer

    March 19, 2020 at 8:44 am

    Hi,
    Is it possible for me to substitute the eggs with something else?

    Reply
    • Jenn

      March 19, 2020 at 11:59 am

      Have you ever used flax eggs?

      Reply
  19. Melissa

    March 29, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    Can I substitute other types of flour and use the same measurement?

    Reply
  20. Larisa Childerston

    April 30, 2020 at 10:03 pm

    These are amazing.

    Reply
    • anil

      May 20, 2020 at 8:26 am

      5 stars
      Wow! I love homemade cakes and this looks delicious. I’ll definitely try this out

      Reply
  21. Brianna Baker

    June 30, 2020 at 3:42 pm

    4 stars
    Can I make this in a standard bunt cake pan? I just love the shape.

    Reply
    • Jenn

      July 08, 2020 at 7:29 am

      Yes! Check out this recipe https://twocupsflour.com/orange-brown-butter-cake/

      Reply
      • Kim

        December 10, 2020 at 11:19 am

        Hi. I want to make these for gifts using crystallized ginger. How much do you think I should substitute for the ground ginger?

        Reply
  22. Carole

    August 02, 2020 at 7:07 pm

    Loving the delicious photography and cant wait to try this recipe. We have fabulous local honey in our area and plenty of citrus. Haven't baked for years. I hadn't thought of sharing baked goods, you have given me some ideas and started me thinking baking again. Thank you.

    Reply
  23. Alisha Khan

    August 17, 2020 at 4:53 pm

    5 stars
    These look like tea cake and yummy. The recipe is worth trying. Can I substitute orange juice with something else? because the orange season is over.

    Reply
  24. Lila

    November 13, 2020 at 3:57 am

    5 stars
    Wow! This was different than any loaf I’ve tried, in a very pleasant way. Highly recommend to anyone tired of the same old baked goods. I substituted buttermilk & added salt. Browning the butter, I only set my smoke alarms off once. 10/10 success

    Reply
  25. Stephanie

    November 17, 2020 at 9:50 am

    Hi, this looks delicious!! I wonder if you have ever tried making it dairy free? How did it turn out?
    I would like to attempt it, I assume swapping whole milk for oat milk, butter for dairy free butter and eggs for flaxseed or chickpea powder.
    You may not know this answer but I thought I would ask just in case! I’m new to this...
    Thank you

    Reply
  26. bre

    November 11, 2021 at 3:56 pm

    hi! I was wondering if I used a Madeline pan if I can do that and just reduce the bake time to my usual time. Since Madelines are like cookies with a soft cake-like texture, I was wondering if that would work? Thanks so much in advanced for your time! 🙂 Looks delicious

    Reply
  27. HM

    April 22, 2025 at 11:54 pm

    5 stars
    this is SO good. added a tbsp grated fresh ginger and baked it in a regular cake pan, as I didn't have the adorable mini pans. drizzled a simple OJ + powdered sugar glaze on top and the crowd went wild

    Reply
    • Jenn

      April 23, 2025 at 1:50 am

      I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for baking!

      Reply
4.99 from 92 votes (81 ratings without comment)

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