The Ultimate Rosh Hashanah Honey Cake Recipe

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time of reflection and celebration. One of the traditional foods enjoyed during this holiday is honey cake, symbolizing a sweet and prosperous year ahead. Each family has their favorite honey cake recipe; however, we've dished up the ultimate honey cake recipe for you and your loved ones to enjoy! It has aromatic flavors and spices that entice your senses and taste buds.

Honey Cake Recipe

Honey Cake Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup whiskey or brandy (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• Sliced almonds
• Honey for drizzling
• Pomegranate seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 or 10-inch tube or bundt pan.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs using an electric mixer or whisk until they are well combined. Add in the granulated sugar and honey, and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
4. Gradually add in the vegetable oil, strong brewed coffee, orange juice, whiskey or brandy (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
5. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture using a spatula. Mix just until there are no visible streaks of flour, being careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. It is optional to sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of the cake batter. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and generously drizzle honey over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and symbolism.

Honey Cake Recipes Galore!

Apples are just as popular as honey during Rosh Hashanah. If you are looking to switch things up, baking an apple honey cake is another option. Your guests may even enjoy a spiced carrot cake as well. For those who are gluten-free, you can use brown rice flour and make a gluten-free honey cake too.

More Sweetness & Symbolism for Your Rosh Hashanah Celebration

Although many of us would like to skip the entrées and go straight to dessert, your palate will not want to miss out on our apple cider glazed-backed chicken or our classic sweet noodle kugel recipe. If you are in the mood for something lighter, you can easily put together a Rosh Hashanah salad, complete with apples and pomegranates.