Print

Yule Ginger & Orange Zest Vanilla Spice Cakes Recipe

Yule Ginger & Orange Zest Vanilla Spice Cakes Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

These Yule Ginger & Orange Zest Vanilla Spice Cakes are a festive and aromatic treat perfect for the holiday season. Infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, along with bright orange zest and juice, these moist cakes balance sweetness with a subtle citrus tang. Finished with rich vanilla and honey, they make a comforting and delightful dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 3/4 tbsp Ground Ginger
  • 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp Orange Zest

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 stick Melted Butter (1/2 cup)
  • 3/4 cup Honey
  • 3 tbsp Orange Juice (fresh squeezed recommended)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk
  • 2 Eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Then sprinkle in the orange zest to evenly distribute the zest’s bright flavor throughout the dry mix.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients and Combine: Add the melted butter, honey, freshly squeezed orange juice, vanilla extract, and whole milk to the dry ingredients. Crack in the eggs. Beat everything together thoroughly until the batter is smooth and creamy, ensuring even mixing without over-beating.
  3. Bake the Cakes: Pour the batter evenly into three well-greased 5 inch by 3 inch ceramic baking dishes. Place them in the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a knife or toothpick into the center of a cake; it should come out clean.
  4. Cool and Remove: Allow the cakes to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to set. To remove from dishes, carefully invert each ceramic baking dish and gently wiggle the cake free. If a cake sticks, slide a thin, flat knife around the edges to loosen it, then try again gently.

Notes

  • Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the best flavor.
  • Using ceramic baking dishes ensures even baking and good heat retention.
  • Allow cakes to fully cool before removing to prevent breakage.
  • Store cakes wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Yule cake, ginger cake, orange zest cake, vanilla spice cake, holiday dessert, Christmas cake, honey cake

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/yule-ginger-and-orange-zest-vanilla-spice-cakes-recipe/