honey cake cupcakes

honey cake cupcakes are the perfect size for a smaller crowd!

honey cake cupcakes in a tea towel

You are going to LOVE these honey cake cupcakes. Even if you don’t celebrate Rosh Hashanah.

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish new year – and apples and honey are the food traditionally associated with this holiday – specifically, dipping apple slices in the honey for a “sweet” year.

I’ve done a few riffs on this flavor combo (see these whoopie pies, this dessert, and these popsicles!) but a straight-up honey cake has always been my fave.

honey coffee and essential oils bottles

Not being a chocolate fan – or a “really rich and sweet desserts” fan for that matter – honey cake fills the bill perfectly for me. It’s tender and moist, not too sweet and is full of warm spices that make this a recipe that is welcome all year round.

I’ve made the same recipe forever, but as we have had a much (MUCH) smaller crowd for the holidays over the past few years I’ve skipped it in lieu of desserts more appropriate for just a few guests. But I was REALLY missing my honey cake this year and so I scaled it down and made cupcakes instead.

honey cake cupcakes on a wire rack

And they are fabulous.

This recipe calls for basic pantry items that you probably have on-hand, and mixes up quickly in one bowl. Since it’s Monday I’m incorporating Cinnamon Bark and Clove essential oils for added flavor! This is optional obviously, but I highly recommend (especially if you – ahem – discover that your jar of spices is woefully past its prime).

honey cake cupcakes in a tea towel with essential oil bottles

What is NOT optional is the pan prep. By brushing the wells of the tin with oil and coating with granulated sugar you get a magically crunchy and jewel-like coating to the sides of the cupcakes. I love this technique and know you will too!

muffin tin

Got a crowd? Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a bundt or tube pan for 50 minutes (or till a tester comes clean). Cool in the pan for 20 minutes before removing to cool completely. And you’ll need 3 eggs!

Honey Cake Cupcakes

1/2 cup vegetable oil, plus extra for brushing the tin
1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
1/2 cup honey
6 tablespoons brewed coffee
1 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
4 drops Cinnamon Bark essential oil
2 drops Clove essential oil

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush a 12-cup muffin tin with the vegetable oil (covering the entire tin), then sprinkle with the 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar (again, cover the top, sides and bottoms of the tin).

Using the whisk attachment of your mixer, whisk the eggs to combine. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, honey, coffee and remaining 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and whisk again. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk till smooth.

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin and bake till a tester tests clean, 15 – 18 minutes. Cool in tin on wire rack for 5 minutes then gently remove from tin to cool completely on the rack.

(print this recipe)


This delicious recipe brought to you by Sheri Silver
https://sherisilver.com/2021/08/30/honey-cake-cupcakes/

honey cake cupcakes in a tea towel

2 Comments

  1. Paula Rulin on September 12, 2023 at 11:38 am

    Can clove spice and ground cinnamon be substituted for the oil?

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!