As Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, draws near, many are preparing for a month full of festivities and gatherings. Today, we're excited to present a healthier version of a beloved holiday dessert, the honey cake.
From the kitchen: Honey cake is a cherished dish from the Ashkenazi Jewish tradition, enjoyed during Rosh Hashanah. Eating honey symbolizes the desire for a sweet New Year. I aimed to create a lighter, dairy-free alternative by revamping a classic recipe with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. This version of honey cake is not only delicious but also nourishing. Raw honey and spices provide a unique earthy sweetness, making it an ideal choice for any kosher holiday spread.
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Baking Time
60 minutes
Recipe Category
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or 1 cup whole wheat flour + 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
- 1 1/3 cup applesauce
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In another bowl, mix the applesauce, non-dairy milk, honey, and vanilla until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
- Lightly grease a bundt pan with oil. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 325°F and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes. The top should spring back when touched.
- Let the cake cool completely before inverting onto a serving plate.
To prepare the glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey and cornstarch, whisking to remove lumps. Heat over medium, stirring until it begins to simmer and thickens slightly.
- Remove from the heat and let cool.
For decoration:
- Dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle the honey glaze evenly over the top.
