Moist Orange Ginger Honey Cake (Easy One-Bowl Recipe)

If you’re craving a dessert that’s fragrant, warmly spiced, and naturally sweetened, this Orange Ginger Honey Cake is the one to bake. Inspired by cozy winter flavors and bright spring citrus, this cake strikes the perfect balance between zesty orange, floral honey, and warming ginger. It’s one of those bakes that perfumes the whole kitchen, making it ideal for holidays, tea-time gatherings, or anytime you need a comforting treat.

This recipe uses simple pantry staples and comes together in one bowl no mixer required. The result is a tender, moist crumb with a glossy honey-orange finish. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned dessert lover, this cake will quickly become a go-to favorite.

🍰 Orange Ginger Honey Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 10

Calories: ~285 per slice

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• ¾ cup (255g) honey
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) orange juice (fresh squeezed preferred)
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• ½ cup (120ml) neutral oil (canola, avocado, or vegetable)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) hot water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan and line with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Make a well in the center. Add honey, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Whisk until smooth do not overmix.
5. Slowly pour in the hot water and whisk until the batter becomes glossy and thin.
6. Transfer batter to the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack.
9. Brush with extra honey or orange syrup (optional but highly recommended).

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan: Replace eggs with ½ cup applesauce; use maple syrup instead of honey if needed.
• Oil: Melted coconut oil works but adds coconut flavor.
• Orange Juice: Lemon juice + water works for a tangier variation.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Warm the honey slightly so it blends more easily.
• For deeper flavor, let the cake rest overnight spices intensify beautifully.
• Do not skip the hot water step; it ensures a tender, plush crumb.
• Use fresh orange zest for maximum aroma.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Make Ahead: Bake 24–48 hours in advance for best flavor.
• Counter: Store airtight for 3–4 days.
• Fridge: Up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm individual pieces for 10–12 seconds in the microwave.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Cake too dense: Batter may have been overmixed whisk just until combined.
• Dry texture: Overbaking is the usual culprit; check at 40 minutes.
• Sinking center: Oven temperature may be too low; preheat fully.
• Bitter flavor: Too much pith in the zest avoid the white part.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

A slice of Orange Ginger Honey Cake is delicious on its own, but it shines even brighter with simple accompaniments.

• Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef (Tender, Saucy & Better Than Takeout)
  

Orange Ginger Honey Cake

This moist Orange Ginger Honey Cake is infused with bright citrus, warm ginger, and rich honey. An easy one-bowl cake that fills your kitchen with cozy aroma and makes the perfect dessert for holidays, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 285

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Orange Ginger Honey Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves optional
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice fresh squeezed preferred
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 1/2 cup neutral oil canola, avocado, or vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup water hot

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 9-inch Round Cake Pan
• Cooling Rack

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the honey, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest, neutral oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Whisk until the batter is smooth and just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Slowly pour in the hot water while whisking until the batter becomes thin and glossy.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top if needed.
7. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the cake is risen, golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack.
9. Optional: while still slightly warm, brush the top with a little extra honey or an orange syrup for added shine and flavor.

Notes

For the best flavor, bake this Orange Ginger Honey Cake a day ahead and let it rest covered at room temperature. The spices and citrus deepen beautifully overnight. You can also add a simple orange glaze or candied orange slices for an elegant finish.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh juice is best, but bottled works if it’s not from concentrate.

Can I bake this in a loaf pan?

Yes! bake 50–60 minutes instead of 40–50.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can cut the granulated sugar by 25% without affecting texture.

Why add hot water?

It helps develop a silky batter that bakes into a moist, tender crumb.

Can I add fresh ginger?

Yes! Add 1–2 teaspoons grated ginger for extra warmth.

Does this cake freeze well?

Extremely well1 wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Orange Ginger Honey Cake is bright, aromatic, and irresistibly moist! a perfect blend of citrus and spice. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a holiday dessert, or simply craving something cozy, this cake delivers every time. Bake it once, and it will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.