Honey Cake with Citrus Frosting

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Honey Cake with Citrus Frosting

This Honey Cake with Citrus Frosting has quickly become a staple in my home. It started as an experiment—I wanted a cake that balanced the rich, golden warmth of honey with the bright, refreshing notes of citrus. The result? A moist, deeply flavorful cake with a luscious, tangy frosting that feels like a burst of sunshine in every bite.

I made this cake for a family gathering, and from the very first slice, it was a hit. My husband went back for seconds before I even finished my first piece, and my kids, who usually turn up their noses at anything too fancy, devoured it without hesitation. The candied citrus slices on top add an elegant touch, making it look bakery-worthy with minimal effort. What I love most is that it’s not overly sweet—just the right amount of indulgence to pair beautifully with an afternoon cup of tea or as a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion.

If you’re looking for a cake that is both stunning and simple to make, this one is it. It’s the kind of dessert that lingers in your memory, making you crave just one more slice long after the last crumb has disappeared. Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself to something special, this honey cake with citrus frosting is a must-try.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Do I have to use candied citrus slices on top?
Not at all! While they add a beautiful touch and extra citrusy flavor, you can decorate with fresh citrus zest or leave it plain.

What kind of honey should I use?
A mild-flavored honey like clover or orange blossom works best. Darker, stronger honeys may overpower the delicate balance of flavors.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and you’ll still get a lovely texture.

What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can swap it out for Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy richness.

What You Need to Make Honey Cake with Citrus Frosting

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup honey

½ cup brown sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup sour cream

½ cup milk

Zest of 1 orange

For the Citrus Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp orange zest

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Candied Citrus (Optional):

1 orange, thinly sliced

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

How to Make Honey Cake with Citrus Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, beat butter, honey, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Mix in sour cream and milk, alternating with the dry ingredients, until the batter is smooth.

Stir in orange zest and pour batter into the prepared pan.

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

Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Citrus Frosting

Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.

Pour in lemon juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Candied Citrus (Optional)

In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a simmer.

Add orange slices and simmer for 15 minutes until translucent.

Remove slices and let them cool on parchment paper.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Frost the cooled cake with citrus frosting.

Decorate with candied citrus slices or a sprinkle of fresh orange zest.

Tips for Making the Best Honey Cake with Citrus Frosting

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and room-temperature eggs helps create a smoother batter.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.

Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.

Enhance Citrus Flavor: For a stronger citrus kick, add a teaspoon of orange extract to the batter.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Absolutely Loved It! This cake was a hit with my family! The honey and citrus flavors pair so well, and the frosting is divine. Will make again!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A Beautiful Cake! Loved the flavors and how elegant the cake looked. Next time, I’ll add a bit more lemon zest for extra zing!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for Brunch! Made this for a weekend brunch, and everyone asked for the recipe. So light and refreshing!”

⭐⭐⭐ “A Little Too Sweet for Me. The cake was moist and delicious, but I might cut back on the powdered sugar in the frosting next time.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Easy and Delicious! Super easy to follow and came out perfect. The candied citrus on top was a showstopper!”

Printable Recipe

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