This Gluten-Free Honey and Spice Cake, also known as “Bolo Pão de Mel,” is a rich and flavorful cake with the perfect balance of sweetness and warm spices. Made with honey, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cloves, this cake is soft and moist with a deep, spiced aroma. The addition of a creamy chocolate glaze made with 70% dark chocolate adds an indulgent touch to every bite. This gluten-free cake is perfect for those seeking a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, offering a comforting and satisfying dessert that can be enjoyed any time.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love this cake for its complex blend of spices and the natural sweetness of honey. The combination of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm and fragrant flavor profile that is comforting and rich. The cake has a tender, moist texture thanks to the gluten-free flour mix, and the honey adds just the right amount of sweetness. The simple, yet indulgent chocolate glaze brings everything together, making this cake perfect for special occasions or as a treat to enjoy with your favorite warm drink. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk.
Perfect Occasion: This Gluten-Free Honey and Spice Cake is perfect for cozy gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a dessert for holiday celebrations. Its spiced flavor makes it ideal for colder months, where the warmth of cinnamon and cloves can shine. Serve it at family dinners, potlucks, or as a sweet treat to accompany coffee or hot chocolate. It’s also a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities who still wants to enjoy a rich, comforting dessert.
Decoration Tips: To elevate the presentation of this cake, drizzle the chocolate glaze generously over the top and allow it to slightly drip down the sides for a rustic yet elegant look. You can garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few chocolate shavings on top for added texture. If you’re feeling creative, add a few edible flowers or a small dusting of powdered sugar to make the cake look festive. Serve it on a cake stand or a decorative platter to highlight its rich, spiced tones.
Gluten-Free Honey and Spice Cake Recipe:
Ingredients:
Muffin Base:
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup honey (or 3/4 cup if you prefer it sweeter)
- 1/2 cup oil (sunflower oil recommended)
- 1 cup warm milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup gluten-free flour mix (or 1/2 cup rice flour, 1/4 cup tapioca starch, 1/4 cup cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- 100g 70% dark chocolate, melted
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a cake pan with butter and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey, and oil until well combined. Gradually add the warm milk while continuing to whisk. - Add the Dry Ingredients:
Sift in the cocoa powder, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir gently to incorporate. Add the gluten-free flour mix and continue to stir until a smooth batter forms. Finally, fold in the baking powder, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Chocolate Glaze:
In a small saucepan, heat the cream over low heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the melted dark chocolate, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy. - Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the chocolate glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.
Enjoy!
