Mary Berry Honey Cake Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking to bake something truly delightful, Mary Berry’s honey cake recipe is a must-try!

It’s the perfect balance of sweet, moist, and full of flavor, with honey being the star ingredient that gives the cake a lovely, rich taste. Mary Berry’s recipes are always reliable, and this one is no exception-it’s simple to make, and the results are consistently delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, her honey cake is a fantastic choice for a cozy treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Mary Berry Honey Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Honey Cake, you’ll need a delightful mix of simple yet rich ingredients that come together to create a moist, sweet, and aromatic cake. Each ingredient plays a specific role, contributing to both flavor and texture. Here’s the list you’ll need:

1. Self-raising Flour (220g): This flour provides the necessary lift to the cake, creating a light and fluffy texture. Self-raising flour is ideal for recipes that require a gentle rise without the need for additional leavening agents like baking powder.

2. Caster Sugar (150g): The fine grains of caster sugar dissolve quickly and evenly, ensuring the cake is sweet but not overly so. It creates a smooth batter, adding sweetness without making it too granular or heavy.

3. Butter (100g): Softened unsalted butter is a key fat in this recipe. It helps create a tender crumb while adding richness and flavor to the cake. Make sure it’s at room temperature to mix well into the batter.

4. Honey (150g): The star ingredient of the cake, honey, adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor. It also contributes to the moistness of the cake, giving it a unique, aromatic sweetness that is different from regular sugar.

5. Eggs (2 large): Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake. They also contribute to its rich flavor and help achieve the perfect texture.

6. Milk (100ml): Milk adds moisture and softens the cake’s texture. It helps create a smooth batter and ensures the cake stays moist after baking.

7. Baking Powder (1 tsp): Although the flour is self-raising, a little extra boost from baking powder ensures the cake rises beautifully, achieving that light and fluffy texture.

8. Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): A pinch of ground cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice to the cake. It complements the honey’s sweetness and gives the cake a cozy, autumnal flavor.

9. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A subtle yet essential flavor, vanilla extract rounds out the other flavors, providing a fragrant base note.

Equipment Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Honey Cake, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. These are common items you’ll find in most kitchens, but using the right equipment will ensure that your cake turns out just as it should:

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need two large mixing bowls-one for combining the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon) and another for the wet ingredients (butter, honey, eggs, milk).

2. Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: An electric hand mixer is essential for creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which is a crucial step for getting the right texture. If you have a stand mixer, that’s also a great option.

3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters in baking, so make sure you have the right measuring cups and spoons for the ingredients, especially when measuring the honey, milk, and flour.

4. Sieve: A sieve is helpful for sifting the flour and any dry ingredients, ensuring that your cake has a smooth and lump-free batter.

5. Cake Tin (8-inch round): Mary Berry’s Honey Cake is traditionally baked in an 8-inch round cake tin, which allows the cake to rise evenly while maintaining a manageable size.

6. Cooling Rack: Once baked, the cake will need to cool properly. A cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cake, preventing it from becoming soggy and ensuring it cools evenly.

7. Spatula: A flexible spatula will help you scrape the sides of the bowl, ensuring that all ingredients are well-incorporated into the batter.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Honey Cake

Making Mary Berry’s Honey Cake is a relatively simple process, with clear steps to follow. With the right ingredients and equipment, this cake comes together beautifully in no time.

1. Prepare the Oven and Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/325°F/Gas Mark 3. Grease your 8-inch round cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In one of your mixing bowls, place the softened butter and caster sugar. Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar together. Mix for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, pale, and fluffy. This is an important step that creates air in the batter, ensuring a light texture in the finished cake.

3. Add the Honey, Eggs, and Vanilla: Add the honey, eggs, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat the mixture on a low speed at first to combine, then increase the speed to ensure it’s fully incorporated. The batter will appear slightly loose, which is normal due to the honey.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Sifting removes any lumps and ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.

5. Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold the flour into the wet ingredients using a spatula or spoon, taking care not to deflate the air you’ve created during mixing.

6. Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, folding it into the batter until smooth. The milk adds moisture to the mixture, ensuring the cake will be soft and not too dense.

7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, or the top is golden and springy to the touch.

8. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before beginning. This helps them mix together more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a lighter cake.

2. Don’t Overmix: While it’s important to ensure everything is well-incorporated, overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Fold the ingredients in gently to maintain a light texture.

3. Add Extra Honey Glaze: For an even more decadent cake, consider brushing the finished cake with a light honey glaze. Simply heat a few tablespoons of honey with a splash of water or lemon juice, then pour it over the cake once it has cooled.

4. Make It a Layer Cake: If you want to make this a showstopper, you can bake the batter in two smaller cake tins and stack them with a filling, such as whipped cream or buttercream, for a layered honey cake.

5. Storage: This cake stays moist for several days. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze it for later. If freezing, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap before placing it in a sealed container or freezer bag.

Mary Berry’s Honey Cake is a delightful, simple dessert that brings together the sweetness of honey, the warmth of cinnamon, and the richness of butter. It’s a cake that is not overly complicated to make, yet it yields a wonderfully moist and flavorful result that’s perfect for tea time, family gatherings, or even special occasions. By following the steps carefully and using the tips provided, you’ll have a cake that’s sure to impress both in flavor and presentation.

Whether you choose to enjoy it plain or dress it up with a glaze or cream filling, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The beautiful blend of ingredients, the tender crumb, and the rich honey flavor make it a timeless recipe that’s sure to be enjoyed by all.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Honey Cake

Mary Berry’s Honey Cake is a timeless classic, celebrated for its rich sweetness and comforting flavors. However, like any good recipe, it lends itself wonderfully to variations, allowing you to tailor the cake to your own preferences or to experiment with exciting new twists. Let’s dive into a few easy ways to make this cake even more delightful, with options that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.

1. Spiced Honey Cake:
   A simple yet flavorful variation is to introduce a blend of warm spices. Adding cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to the dry ingredients will not only enhance the depth of flavor but will also give the cake a cozy, autumnal feel. A teaspoon of each spice is usually enough to balance the honey’s sweetness while providing a rich, aromatic profile.

2. Lemon Zest and Honey Cake:
   If you enjoy a touch of citrus, try adding some freshly grated lemon zest to the batter. The zesty freshness pairs beautifully with the honey, giving the cake a light, refreshing lift. A splash of lemon juice in the batter can also work wonders, cutting through the richness of the honey with its tartness.

3. Nutty Honey Cake:
   For added texture and flavor, fold in some chopped nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts into the batter. The natural earthiness of the nuts will complement the honey’s sweetness, and their crunch will provide a delightful contrast to the moist cake. Toasting the nuts beforehand brings out their flavor even more.

4. Honey Cake with Dried Fruits:
   Incorporating dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or figs into the batter adds a burst of natural sweetness and texture. Soaking the dried fruits in warm water or tea beforehand ensures they stay moist and plump as they bake. This variation makes for a heartier cake, perfect for a cozy tea time or as a snack on the go.

5. Gluten-Free Honey Cake:
   For those with dietary restrictions, Mary Berry’s honey cake can easily be made gluten-free. Simply swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it is one with xanthan gum for structure. You can also try almond flour for a denser, richer cake that pairs beautifully with honey’s natural sweetness. Make sure to adjust the baking time slightly, as gluten-free cakes can sometimes bake more quickly than their wheat-based counterparts.

6. Honey and Coffee Cake:
   If you’re a fan of the combination of coffee and honey, try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter. The coffee complements the honey’s sweetness and adds a deep, slightly bitter note, creating a more complex flavor profile. This variation is ideal for pairing with a strong cup of coffee or tea.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Once you’ve baked Mary Berry’s Honey Cake and are enjoying the warm, moist goodness, you’ll likely want to store any leftovers to enjoy later. Proper storage ensures the cake stays fresh, moist, and flavorful for as long as possible. Here are some best practices to keep your cake tasting as delicious as the day it was baked:

1. Room Temperature Storage:
   If you plan to consume the leftover honey cake within a few days, storing it at room temperature is ideal. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help lock in moisture and prevent the cake from drying out. It should stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored this way.

2. Refrigeration for Extended Freshness:
   To keep the cake fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate it. The cool environment will slow down any spoilage, but it can dry out the cake slightly. To prevent this, make sure to wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it come to room temperature for the best taste and texture.

3. Freezing Leftovers:
   If you have a large batch of honey cake and don’t anticipate finishing it in the next week, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. This double-wrapping method will protect the cake from freezer burn. To defrost, leave it out at room temperature for several hours or thaw in the refrigerator overnight. The cake will remain fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

4. Avoiding Frosting and Toppings:
   If your honey cake has been frosted or topped with any cream-based fillings, it’s best to refrigerate it right away. However, be mindful that the texture of some frostings can degrade when stored for too long, so it’s better to store any frosting separately and add it right before serving.

What Goes Well With Honey Cake

Mary Berry’s Honey Cake is wonderfully versatile, and its natural sweetness makes it an excellent companion to a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas for what pairs perfectly with this delicious treat:

1. Tea and Coffee:
   A classic pairing for any cake, tea and coffee are excellent choices to enjoy with honey cake. The floral notes of a light Earl Grey or a robust black tea can cut through the cake’s sweetness, while a strong coffee-especially a dark roast or espresso-offers a contrast to the honey’s rich, syrupy flavor. If you prefer something a little more indulgent, try pairing the cake with a sweetened cappuccino or latte.

2. Fresh Fruit:
   The lightness and acidity of fresh fruit can balance out the dense sweetness of the cake. Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even a medley of citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits can provide a refreshing contrast. For a more indulgent option, you could also serve the cake with caramelized apples or poached pears, which add a rich, warm sweetness.

3. Whipped Cream or Crème Fraîche:
   A dollop of whipped cream or tangy crème fraîche complements the sweetness of honey cake by adding a smooth, creamy texture. The richness of these toppings enhances the honey flavor without overpowering it. For extra flair, you could lightly sweeten the whipped cream with a touch of vanilla or cinnamon.

4. Ice Cream:
   If you’re looking to elevate the dessert experience, a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or even honeycomb-flavored ice cream) alongside a slice of honey cake makes for a decadent pairing. The cool, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced cake, creating a delicious balance of textures and temperatures.

5. Nuts and Chocolate:
   Honey cake pairs wonderfully with nuts like toasted almonds or hazelnuts, which add crunch and depth. A handful of chopped chocolate or a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache also works well to introduce a bit of bitterness to counterbalance the sweetness of the cake. For a more sophisticated flavor, you could melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the cake before serving.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Honey Cake is a beautifully simple yet incredibly delicious treat, and its versatility shines through when you explore different variations and pairings. From spiced additions to nutty and fruity twists, there’s an endless array of ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes.

Proper storage ensures that your cake remains fresh and enjoyable long after it’s baked, allowing you to savor each slice. And when it comes to what goes well with this cake, the options are as diverse as your preferences, whether you’re pairing it with a warm cup of tea, fresh fruit, or a scoop of ice cream. Mary Berry’s Honey Cake is a celebration of flavor, comfort, and creativity, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Honey Cake?

Mary Berry’s honey cake requires basic ingredients including flour, baking powder, butter, sugar, eggs, honey, milk, and vanilla extract. The combination of honey with these simple ingredients creates a moist, flavorful cake.

Can I Substitute Honey With Another Sweetener In Mary Berry’s Honey Cake?

While honey is the key ingredient in this recipe, you can substitute it with golden syrup or maple syrup for a similar texture and sweetness. However, the flavor will change slightly.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Honey Cake Dairy-free?

To make Mary Berry’s honey cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, in place of regular milk.

How Do I Store Mary Berry’s Honey Cake To Keep It Fresh?

Store Mary Berry’s honey cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag.

Can I Add Any Other Flavors Or Ingredients To Mary Berry’s Honey Cake?

Yes, you can add ingredients such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even spices like cinnamon or ginger for added flavor. Be sure to adjust the wet-to-dry ingredient ratio if you’re adding extra moisture or dry ingredients.

How Long Does It Take To Bake Mary Berry’s Honey Cake?

Mary Berry’s honey cake typically bakes for about 25-30 minutes at 180°C (350°F) in a preheated oven. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check with a skewer or toothpick to ensure the cake is fully baked.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Honey Cake In Advance?

Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s honey cake in advance. The cake can be baked a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. The flavors often improve after sitting for a bit, making it a great make-ahead option.

What Type Of Honey Is Best For Mary Berry’s Honey Cake?

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use a mild, runny honey such as acacia or clover honey. Stronger honey varieties like buckwheat can overpower the cake’s delicate flavor.

How Do I Know When Mary Berry’s Honey Cake Is Fully Baked?

To check if Mary Berry’s honey cake is fully baked, insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If the skewer has wet batter on it, bake the cake for a few more minutes.

Can I Frost Mary Berry’s Honey Cake?

While Mary Berry’s honey cake is delicious on its own, you can frost it with a light cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even a glaze made from powdered sugar and honey. These toppings complement the honey flavor beautifully.