Simple Honey Cake

Honey cake is a traditional dessert enjoyed during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, symbolizing the hope for a sweet year ahead. This holiday, which marks the beginning of the civil year in Judaism, is celebrated with customs such as dipping apples in honey and eating round challah, both representing sweetness and continuity. Honey, a key ingredient in many festive dishes, reflects the desire for blessings in the coming year. For vegans, pure maple syrup can be used as a substitute. Rosh Hashanah also features the blowing of the shofar, a call to repentance, and the Tashlich ceremony, where individuals symbolically cast away their sins, reinforcing themes of renewal and reflection.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

  • 2/3 cup honey

  • 1/2 cup applesauce

  • 1/3 cup olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Olive oil spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  1. Prepare a loaf baking dish (size: 11 x 3.5 x 2 inches) sprayed with olive oil.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

  3. In another bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients: honey, applesauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.

  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  7. Allow the cake to cool completely.

  8. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar.