Name: Honey Tea Cake Loaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional); 2 large eggs, room temperature; ½ cup (120ml) honey; ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (or brown sugar); ½ cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk; ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: zest of 1 lemon or orange

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This Honey Tea Cake Loaf is a cozy, lightly sweetened treat with a delicate crumb and a golden honey flavor that shines through every bite. It’s simple, unfussy, and absolutely perfect with a warm cup of tea or a gentle morning coffee. Whether I’m enjoying a slice plain, toasted, or glazed, it’s always comforting and delicious.

Honey Tea Cake Loaf

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour

1½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

2 large eggs, room temperature

½ cup (120ml) honey

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (or use brown sugar for deeper flavor)

½ cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk

½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: zest of 1 lemon or orange (for a citrusy lift)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy release.

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Mix the wet ingredients in a large bowl: eggs, honey, sugar, milk, oil, vanilla, and citrus zest (if I’m using it). I whisk until it’s smooth and blended.

Combine the dry into the wet, stirring gently until just combined. I avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.

Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 45–55 minutes. I check with a toothpick—it should come out clean.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Optional glaze: While the loaf is still warm, I mix the glaze ingredients and brush it over the top for added shine and flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices).

Prep time: 10 minutes

Bake time: 45–55 minutes

Cooling time: 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the honey for maple syrup for a more autumnal flavor.

A sprinkle of chopped nuts on top adds texture.

Adding dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates gives it a natural sweetness boost.

I’ve also made it with almond extract instead of vanilla for a more fragrant twist.

For a richer loaf, I use melted butter instead of oil.

Storage/Reheating

I keep the loaf covered at room temperature for 3–4 days.
To freeze, I slice it and wrap individual pieces—then freeze for up to 2 months.
When I want a slice, I warm it in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds until soft.

FAQs

How do I know when the honey loaf is fully baked?

I check with a toothpick inserted in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. The top should be golden and slightly domed.

Can I make this loaf dairy-free?

Yes, I use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and stick with vegetable oil instead of butter.

What’s the best honey to use?

I prefer a mild, floral honey like clover or wildflower. Stronger honeys like buckwheat can overpower the flavor.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The loaf is naturally moist and flavorful, but I like adding the glaze for extra shine and sweetness.

Why is my loaf dense or gummy?

That usually happens when I overmix the batter or underbake the loaf. I mix just until combined and make sure the center is fully set before removing from the oven.

Conclusion

This Honey Tea Cake Loaf is one of those timeless bakes I come back to again and again. It’s cozy, adaptable, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether I’m making it for guests or treating myself, I always enjoy the warm comfort it brings.

📖 Recipe:

Honey Tea Cake Loaf

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling)
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey Tea Cake Loaf is a cozy, lightly sweetened treat with a delicate crumb and golden honey flavor. Perfect for pairing with tea or coffee, it’s simple, one-bowl, and made with pantry staples. Optional citrus zest and glaze offer customizable flavor.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, honey, sugar, milk, oil, vanilla, and citrus zest (if using) until smooth.
Gently stir dry ingredients into wet until just combined—do not overmix.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
(Optional) While loaf is still warm, mix glaze ingredients and brush over the top.