Can I Use Real Honey In The Honey Cake?

Asked by LS1991. Answered on 9th April 2023

Full question

I am fascinated with Nigella's recipe for “Honey Cake”, she jokingly mentions that the recipe doesn’t have a drop of honey in the recipe. My question is can I substitute the 300ml of golden syrup in the batter for 300ml of good runny honey instead? I just love honey but have never used it in a cake before but I have used golden syrup many times. As Nigella has said, golden syrup is one of our culinary achievements but I’m so familiar with its taste in baked goods. I’m assuming it will work just fine but I thought it best to ask from the best before I proceed. Much appreciated.

Honey Cake

By Nigella

Our answer

Nigella's Honey Cake (from FEAST) is a friend's family recipe. Honey cakes are moist, sweet spiced cakes, and using golden syrup or honey helps to keep the cake moist as they are invert sugars that are hygroscopic (attract moisture).

Golden syrup is more economical to use than honey, but if you wanted to use honey it is possible as the two are fairly interchangeable. However, we would mention that honey can have a very assertive flavour in baked goods, which can be overwhelming. Golden syrup has a fairly neutral flavour, which lets the flavour of the mixed spice come through. Also somtimes honey can make baked goods brown more quickly than golden syrup, so you may need to keep an eye on the cake while it is baking. For preference we would suggest using a milder, lighter style of honey rather than a very dark one. Also, as the honey flavour can be so pronounced, it may be better to try using half honey and half golden syrup. However, as we have not tried making the cake with honey, we are unable to guarantee the results. You may also like to try Nigella's Honey Cake With Dates And Apples, which does have honey in the ingredients.