Spiced Honey Loaves with Ginger, Cinnamon and Cloves

Name: Spiced Honey Loaves with Ginger, Cinnamon and Cloves
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 2 loaves, about 20 slices
Cuisine: Eastern European inspired
Ingredients: 500 g all-purpose flour; 150 g honey; 200 g sugar; 3 whole eggs; 10 g baking powder; 100 g butter; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 0.5 tsp ground cloves; 0.5 tsp ground ginger; 1 pinch salt; 150 ml milk

Honey, cinnamon, ginger and cloves scent two generously sized loaves.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 20 minMakes 2 loaves, about 20 slices

Jump to Recipe

Honey, cinnamon, ginger and cloves scent two generously sized loaves. Gently melt the honey with butter and sugar, cool it enough not to scramble the eggs, then fold in flour and baking powder. Use two roomy loaf pans for the relatively large quantity of batter. Bake until a skewer from the deepest part is clean and give the loaf plenty of time to cool before slicing. Heat honey, butter and sugar gently in a saucepan until melted; cool until only warm. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F); beat eggs with salt and slowly whisk in warm honey mixture and measured milk. Mix flour, baking powder and spices, then fold into wet mixture until no dry streaks remain.

Spiced Honey Loaves with Ginger, Cinnamon and Cloves

How to tell when it is ready

Cool 15 minutes in pans before unmolding onto a rack; cool fully before slicing.

Tips

Heat honey, butter and sugar gently in a saucepan until melted.
Heat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Mix flour, baking powder and spices, then fold into wet mixture until no dry streaks remain.
Pour into two lined 23 x 13 cm loaf pans.

Troubleshooting

If the top darkens early, shield with foil.
If center is wet, use two pans and bake longer.

Substitutions

Use a mild floral honey at the same weight.
Use another neutral whole milk for measured milk.

Variations

Add grated orange zest to batter.
Use a little extra ginger for a stronger spice note.

Serving suggestions

Slice with coffee.
Toast the next-day cake lightly.
Serve with fresh pear slices.
Offer with hot tea.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Wrap cooled loaves and keep room temperature 2 days or freeze slices.

Storage

Wrap cooled loaves and keep room temperature 2 days or freeze slices.

Food safety

Cool fully before wrapping; never put hot syrup into eggs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know spiced honey cake loaf is ready?

Cool 15 minutes in pans before unmolding onto a rack; cool fully before slicing.

How should I store spiced honey cake loaf?

Wrap cooled loaves and keep room temperature 2 days or freeze slices.

Slice with coffee. Wrap cooled loaves and keep room temperature 2 days or freeze slices.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Spiced Honey Loaves with Ginger, Cinnamon and Cloves