How to make honey cake for Rosh Hashanah

Honey cake for Rosh Hashana

Honey cake is a cherished Rosh Hashanah tradition, symbolizing a sweet and prosperous new year. The honey in the cake represents abundance and blessings in Jewish culture.

Serving honey cake honors cultural heritage and unites families to celebrate new beginnings with sweetness. We make this cake every year and it disappears in minutes from how good it is.

Here’s a classic Honey Cake recipe for Rosh Hashanah that’s rich, moist, and perfect for celebrating the sweet new year:

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup honey
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup warm coffee or tea
• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup whiskey (optional, but adds a rich flavor)
• ½ cup sliced almonds for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan, or use two loaf pans.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, sugars (both white and brown), eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add Coffee, Orange Juice, and Whiskey: Gradually add the coffee (or tea), orange juice, and whiskey (if using) to the wet ingredients and stir well.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s). If desired, sprinkle sliced almonds on top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Tips:

• Honey cake gets better with time. If possible, bake it a day or two before serving for the flavors to fully develop.
• For an extra moist cake, lightly brush it with additional honey after it’s cooled.

This honey cake is aromatic with spices and rich in sweetness, making it a perfect treat for Rosh Hashanah!