Byzantine Spice Cake

Transport your taste buds to an ancient era with this Byzantine Spice Cake—a dessert imbued with the warm, aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean. This moist and tender cake combines the richness of honey and orange zest with a captivating blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, delivering a symphony of bold, fragrant notes in every bite. Chopped walnuts add delightful texture, while a dusting of powdered sugar gives it an elegant finish. Perfect for tea-time indulgence or as a memorable dessert centerpiece, this spiced creation is as easy to make as it is to fall in love with. Ready in just an hour, this spiced cake recipe is ideal for anyone seeking a unique and soulful baking experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 0.75 cup whole milk
• 0.25 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.75 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground cardamom. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a handheld or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated.

Step 5

Mix in the honey, orange zest, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 6

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed, and do not overmix.

Step 7

Fold in the chopped walnuts gently using a spatula.

Step 8

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula.

Step 9

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

Once the cake is fully cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Step 12

Slice and enjoy this fragrant and spiced treat with tea or coffee.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1076.5 grams (1076.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3546

Total Fat 153.40g	197%
Saturated Fat 55.80g	279%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 766mg	255%
Sodium 3479mg	151%
Total Carbohydrate 504.40g	183%
Dietary Fiber 16.60g	59%
Total Sugars 299.30g
Protein 65.40g	131%

Vitamin D 204IU	1018%
Calcium 539mg	41%
Iron 17mg	96%
Potassium 1299mg	28%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.7%

Protein: 7.1%

Carbs: 55.1%