15 Sweet Honey Cake Ideas for Your Dessert Cravings

Nothing beats the warm, comforting sweetness of honey cakes when you’re craving something special. These golden treats bring together natural honey flavors with cozy spices and textures.

From simple one-bowl recipes to elegant layered creations, these honey cake variations offer something perfect for every baker and occasion.

01. Spiced Carrot Honey Cake

A wholesome carrot cake sweetened naturally with honey instead of refined sugar. This moist cake pairs beautifully with citrus glazes or cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ cups grated carrots, ¾ cup honey, ½ cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ cup chopped walnuts.

How To Make Spiced Carrot Honey Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, oil, and eggs until smooth and well combined, creating a golden base for your cake.

2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the honey mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.

3. Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Pour into your prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

02. Traditional Greek Honey Cake

Rich Mediterranean flavors shine in this aromatic cake featuring honey and warm cinnamon. The texture reminds many of beloved baklava in cake form.

Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup honey, ¾ cup olive oil, 4 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Traditional Greek Honey Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 10-inch round cake pan. Beat eggs until light and fluffy, then gradually add honey while continuing to beat until mixture is pale and thick.

2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while mixing, then add milk and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well incorporated at this stage.

3. Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients in three additions, mixing gently between each addition.

4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and pulling slightly from sides. Cool completely before removing from pan.

03. Easy Honey Bun Cake

This crowd-pleasing dessert captures all the sticky-sweet goodness of store-bought honey buns. Starting with cake mix makes it wonderfully simple for busy bakers.

Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix, 4 large eggs, ¾ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 cups powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons milk, 4 tablespoons melted butter.

How To Make Easy Honey Bun Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan. Mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and sour cream until smooth. Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly.

2. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the pan, then top with remaining cake batter, spreading carefully to cover.

3. Use a knife to swirl through the layers, creating a marbled effect. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and set.

4. While cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in slightly.

04. Apple Spice Honey Bundt

Perfect autumn flavors combine in this elegant Bundt cake with tender apples and warming spices. The beautiful shape makes it ideal for special gatherings.

Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup honey, ½ cup butter (softened), 3 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 2 cups diced apples, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon allspice, ½ teaspoon salt.

How To Make Apple Spice Honey Bundt

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 12-cup Bundt pan, making sure to coat all the intricate details. Cream butter and honey together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

2. Beat in eggs one at a time, then alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined to ensure a tender crumb.

3. Toss diced apples with a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, then fold into batter along with cinnamon and allspice. Pour into prepared pan, smoothing the top.

4. Bake for 55-65 minutes until a long skewer inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto serving plate.

05. Festive Holiday Honey Cake

This impressive Bundt cake brings elegance to any celebration with its moist crumb and rich honey flavor. It releases beautifully from the pan every time.

Ingredients: 3½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup honey, ¾ cup vegetable oil, 4 large eggs, 1 cup strong coffee (cooled), ½ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt.

How To Make Festive Holiday Honey Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease a large Bundt pan with butter, then dust with flour for easy release. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, oil, eggs, and brown sugar until well combined.

2. Add cooled coffee to the honey mixture, stirring until smooth. The coffee enhances the honey flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain.

4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

06. Fig Hazelnut Honey Cheesecake

Luxurious cheesecake meets sophisticated flavors in this show-stopping dessert. The honey-bourbon drizzle adds an elegant finishing touch that guests will remember.

Ingredients: 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs, ¼ cup melted butter, 32 oz cream cheese (softened), ¾ cup honey, 4 large eggs, 1 cup chopped figs, ½ cup chopped hazelnuts, ¼ cup bourbon, 2 tablespoons additional honey for drizzle.

How To Make Fig Hazelnut Honey Cheesecake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with foil. Mix vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter, then press firmly into bottom of prepared pan.

2. Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add honey, beating until well combined, then add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each addition.

3. Fold in chopped figs and hazelnuts gently, distributing evenly throughout the batter. Pour over crust and place springform pan in a larger roasting pan.

4. Add hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan and bake for 55-65 minutes until center is almost set. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

5. Before serving, warm honey and bourbon together until smooth, then drizzle over individual slices for an impressive presentation.

07. Layered Latvian Honey Cake

This traditional European layer cake requires patience but rewards you with incredible flavor. The sour cream filling perfectly balances the sweet honey layers.

Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup honey, ½ cup butter, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 cups sour cream, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup chopped walnuts for garnish.

How To Make Layered Latvian Honey Cake

1. Heat honey and butter in a saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs one at a time, then stir in baking soda until mixture foams slightly.

2. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into thin circles on floured parchment paper.

3. Bake each layer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Cool completely on wire racks while preparing the filling.

4. Beat sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable. Layer the cake by spreading filling between each layer, saving some for the top and sides.

5. Wrap assembled cake tightly and refrigerate overnight to soften the layers. Garnish with chopped walnuts before serving for the best texture and flavor development.

08. Chocolate Glazed Honey Cake

Rich chocolate glaze meets aromatic honey cake in this sophisticated dessert. The brandy adds depth while warm spices create irresistible comfort food appeal.

Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup honey, ½ cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, 1 cup dark chocolate chips, ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons brandy.

How To Make Chocolate Glazed Honey Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan. Whisk together honey, oil, and eggs until smooth, then gradually add milk while continuing to mix.

2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, and cloves. Fold dry ingredients into honey mixture just until combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

3. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan before glazing.

4. For glaze, heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

5. Stir brandy into chocolate mixture, then pour evenly over cooled cake. Use an offset spatula to spread glaze smoothly, allowing it to drip down the sides attractively.

09. Old German Honey Cake

This traditional recipe actually improves with age, developing deeper flavors over several days. The dense, moist texture makes it perfect for advance preparation.

Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup honey, ¾ cup brown sugar, 4 large eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup strong coffee (cooled), 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger.

How To Make Old German Honey Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Beat honey, brown sugar, and eggs together until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes with an electric mixer.

2. Gradually add oil while continuing to beat, then slowly incorporate the cooled coffee. The mixture should be smooth and well combined at this point.

3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger in a large bowl. Fold dry ingredients into honey mixture in three additions, mixing gently after each.

4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

5. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 2-3 days before serving to allow flavors to develop fully.

10. Light Honey Angel Food Cake

Delicate and airy, this angel food cake gets its subtle sweetness from honey instead of traditional sugar. Just seven simple ingredients create this heavenly dessert.

Ingredients: 12 large egg whites, ½ teaspoon salt, 1½ teaspoons cream of tartar, ⅓ cup honey (warmed), 1 cup cake flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Light Honey Angel Food Cake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and ensure your tube pan is completely clean and ungreased. Sift cake flour and sugar together three times to create the lightest possible texture.

2. Beat egg whites and salt until foamy, then add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form. The mixture should hold its shape but still look slightly wet.

3. Gradually drizzle in warmed honey while beating, then continue until stiff, glossy peaks form. Fold in vanilla extract with a rubber spatula using gentle motions.

4. Sift flour mixture over egg whites in four additions, folding gently after each addition just until no streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to maintain the airy texture.

5. Pour batter into tube pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and springy to touch. Immediately invert pan and cool completely upside down for at least 2 hours.

11. Flourless Banana Honey Cake

This healthy twist on honey cake eliminates flour and refined sugar completely. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and incredible moisture throughout.

Ingredients: 4 large ripe bananas (mashed), ½ cup honey, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, 2 cups almond flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt.

How To Make Flourless Banana Honey Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round cake pan with oil. Mash bananas until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture if desired.

2. Whisk together mashed bananas, honey, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. The mixture should be golden and fragrant.

3. In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into banana mixture just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

5. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. This cake is delicious warm or at room temperature and keeps well covered for several days.

12. Japanese Honey Sponge Cake

Incredibly light and delicate, this Japanese-style cake features a tender crumb and subtle honey flavor. The angel food-like texture melts beautifully on your tongue.

Ingredients: 6 large eggs, ⅔ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup honey (warmed), 1 cup cake flour, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt.

How To Make Japanese Honey Sponge Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9-inch round pan with parchment paper. Beat whole eggs and sugar in a large bowl until very thick and pale, about 8-10 minutes with an electric mixer.

2. Gradually drizzle in warmed honey while continuing to beat, then add vanilla extract. The mixture should fall in ribbons when you lift the beaters.

3. Sift cake flour and salt together, then fold into egg mixture in three additions using a rubber spatula. Use gentle folding motions to preserve the air you’ve beaten in.

4. Drizzle melted butter around the edge of the bowl and fold in quickly but gently. Pour batter into prepared pan immediately.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and springing back when lightly touched. Cool completely in pan before removing to maintain the delicate structure.

13. Honey Cupcakes with Fresh Berries

These tender cupcakes come together quickly for last-minute celebrations. Fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream create an irresistible combination that everyone loves.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup honey, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup milk, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced).

How To Make Honey Cupcakes with Fresh Berries

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Whisk together honey, oil, eggs, and milk until smooth and well combined.

2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to honey mixture, stirring just until combined to ensure tender cupcakes.

3. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes until tops spring back when lightly touched and edges pull slightly from sides.

4. Cool completely on wire racks while preparing toppings. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.

5. Top each cooled cupcake with a dollop of whipped cream and arrange fresh strawberry slices on top. Serve immediately for the best texture and presentation.

14. Orange Glazed Honey Bundt

Bright citrus glaze perfectly complements the rich honey flavor in this elegant Bundt cake. The beautiful presentation makes it ideal for special occasions and gatherings.

Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup honey, ½ cup butter (softened), 3 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¾ cup fresh orange juice, ¼ cup butter, 1½ cups powdered sugar.

How To Make Orange Glazed Honey Bundt

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 12-cup Bundt pan, paying special attention to all the decorative ridges. Cream butter and honey together until light and fluffy.

2. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

3. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to honey mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined to avoid a tough cake.

4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a long skewer inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before inverting.

5. For glaze, heat orange juice and butter until butter melts, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle warm glaze over cooled cake, allowing it to flow down all the ridges beautifully.

15. Russian Honey Layer Cake

This intricate masterpiece features burnt honey and tangy cream frosting for incredible depth of flavor. The labor-intensive process creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

Ingredients: 1 cup honey (divided), ¼ cup butter, 3 large eggs, ½ cup brown sugar, 3½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 cups heavy cream, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), ¾ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Russian Honey Layer Cake

1. Heat ¾ cup honey in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns deep amber and smells slightly burnt, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until melted.

2. Beat eggs and brown sugar until pale, then gradually whisk in the hot honey mixture. The mixture will be very warm at this point.

3. Stir baking soda into flour, then gradually add to honey mixture, forming a soft dough. Divide into 8 portions and roll each into thin 9-inch circles.

4. Bake each layer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely while preparing frosting.

5. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add remaining honey, powdered sugar, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whip cream to soft peaks, then fold into cream cheese mixture.

6. Layer cake with frosting between each layer, then cover entire cake with remaining frosting. Refrigerate overnight to soften layers before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

These honey cake recipes offer something wonderful for every skill level and occasion, from quick cupcakes to elaborate layered masterpieces. Each one celebrates honey’s natural sweetness in its own special way.

Whether you choose a simple weeknight treat or an impressive holiday centerpiece, these cakes will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas and your table with smiles.