Honningkage Honey Cake

Intro:
During the festive season, Danish households come alive with the delightful aromas of traditional Christmas baking. One such beloved treat is known as Honningkage, or Honey Cake, a scrumptious dessert that captures the essence of the holiday spirit. With its rich blend of spices and the sweetness of honey, Honningkage is a perfect addition to any Christmas celebration. Let’s dive into the heartwarming recipe and bring a taste of Denmark to your home this holiday season.

Title: Honningkage Honey Cake

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Optional: Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the honey, heavy cream, orange zest, and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with confectioners’ sugar for a festive finish.
10. Slice the Honningkage into squares or diamonds and serve alongside your favorite hot drink, such as coffee or tea.
11. Enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of this Danish delight with family and friends, savoring the essence of Christmas in every bite.

Honningkage, with its delightful blend of aromatic spices and sweet honey, is sure to become a favorite holiday treat in your home. The subtle citrus zing from the orange and lemon zest adds a refreshing touch to this classic Danish recipe, making it a perfect dessert for cozy evenings by the fireplace or festive gatherings with loved ones. Embrace the spirit of Christmas with a slice of this rich, moist Honey Cake that encapsulates the warmth and joy of the holiday season.