This Dutch honey cake, known as honingkoek in Holland, is a delicious treat with just a touch of sweetness. In fact, this loaf-shaped “cake” is more of a slightly-sweetened quick bread. And, the nice thing about this cake is incredibly easy to make.
In parts of the US this Scandinavian cake became known as “butter cake” despite the fact that there’s no butter in the batter. This is because it’s traditional to slice the cake once it’s out of the oven and then toast it like bread, serving each slice with butter on top in lieu of any frosting or glaze.
The batter for this spice cake loaf is a rich mixture of honey, whole milk, and brown sugar that’s spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Then you bake this cake in a loaf pan for an hour in a low oven.
You can enjoy this cake plain, but the toasting and buttering process enhances the warm, spicy flavor of the cake even more. It’s typical to eat this for a Dutch breakfast as sweet foods for the morning meal are routine. After all, the Dutch also love to have toast with butter and chocolate sprinkles for breakfast, too.
This honey cake is also great for snacks or for dessert. There’s something so hearty and comforting about this cake that makes it perfect for just about any time of the day.
Try it with or without butter for a taste of the Netherlands here at home.
Honingkoek (Dutch Honey Cake)
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cup whole milk
- butter for serving
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 300˚F. In a medium bowl combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
- In large bowl combine eggs, sugar, honey, and milk. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and stir until combined. Pour into a 9”x5” loaf pan and bake for 1 hour or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from pan and slicing into 8 equal pieces. When ready to serve toast sliced cake pieces lightly in oven under the broiler and top each piece with a slice of butter.
Recipe adapted from Just a Pinch.