A soft and fluffy honey-infused babka cake with a delicate caramelized crust, topped with swirls of creamy vanilla frosting for a touch of elegance. This delightful dessert combines the richness of honey with a tender crumb, making it perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Honey Flavor – The natural sweetness of honey gives the cake a deep, warm flavor.
Soft and Moist Texture – The perfect balance of butter, eggs, and milk ensures a tender, fluffy bite.
Elegant Frosting – Light and creamy vanilla frosting adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Simple Yet Impressive – Easy to make but looks and tastes like a bakery-style dessert.
Versatile Serving Options – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an after-dinner treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, softened
honey
brown sugar
large eggs
vanilla extract
whole milk

For the Frosting:

unsalted butter, softened
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
heavy cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter, honey, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until smooth.
Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool completely before slicing.
For the frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until light and fluffy.
Pipe small swirls onto each cake square before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 squares
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Variations

Nutty Twist – Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
Cinnamon Spice – Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
Chocolate Swirl – Fold in melted chocolate for a marbled effect.
Fruit-Infused – Add dried figs, raisins, or chopped apples for a fruity touch.
Dairy-Free Option – Use plant-based butter and almond milk for a non-dairy version.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerating: Store in the fridge for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake squares for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Is this babka cake the same as traditional babka?

No, this is a cake-style babka rather than a yeast-based bread. It has a softer, fluffier texture.

Can I use raw honey instead of regular honey?

Yes, raw honey works well and adds a slightly richer flavor.

What type of baking dish should I use?

A standard 8×8-inch baking dish works best for even baking.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake it a day ahead and store it covered until ready to serve.

What other frostings pair well with this cake?

Cream cheese frosting or a simple honey glaze would complement it beautifully.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?

Yes, divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for about 18-20 minutes.

How do I prevent the cake from being dry?

Measure ingredients carefully and avoid overbaking—check with a toothpick at 25 minutes.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

Coconut sugar or white sugar with a little molasses can be a good substitute.

Can I add a honey drizzle instead of frosting?

Yes, a warm honey drizzle adds extra moisture and sweetness without being too heavy.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Honey babka is a delightful, moist cake infused with rich honey flavor and topped with smooth vanilla frosting. Its soft texture and caramelized crust make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with coffee, as a dessert, or as a sweet brunch item, this cake is sure to impress with its simple elegance and delicious taste.

Honey Babka

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A soft and fluffy honey-infused babka cake with a delicate caramelized crust, topped with swirls of creamy vanilla frosting for a touch of elegance. This sweet and tender treat is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 squares 1x
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another 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.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until smooth.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing.

Make the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until light and fluffy.
- Pipe small swirls onto each cake square before serving.

Notes

For added texture, swirl in cinnamon or chopped nuts before baking.
Substitute milk with Greek yogurt for a denser, richer texture.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.