Bourbon Honey Cake

Just in time for Rosh Hashana, this cake will transport your tastebuds, as you welcome the New year in sweetness and health!

Just in time for Rosh Hashana, this cake will transport your tastebuds, as you welcome the New year in sweetness and health!

Technique tip: Prepare the cake completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store at room temperature for one day, refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 4 months.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegetable oil, plus extra for the pan

    1. 3¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for the pan

    2. 1½ cups granulated sugar

    3. 1 cup honey

    4. 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

    5. 3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

    6. 2 teaspoons grated orange zest (from 2 oranges)

    7. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    8. 1 tablespoon baking powder

    9. 1 teaspoon baking soda

    10. 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

    11. 1 teaspoon kosher salt

    12. 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

    13. 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

    14. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

    15. 1 cup hot coffee

    16. 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 2 oranges)

    17. 1/2 cup good bourbon

    18. 1/2 cup blanched sliced almonds

    19. Preparation

      1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush a 9-inch angel food cake pan with a non-removable bottom with oil, line the bottom with parchment paper, then oil and flour the pan.

      2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the oil, granulated sugar, honey, brown sugar, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla on medium speed for one minute. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, allspice and ginger, and blend.

      3. Combine the coffee, orange juice, and bourbon in a 2-cup glass measuring cup. With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour and liquid mixtures to the oil-sugar mixture in thirds, beginning and ending with flour, until combined. Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula (the batter will be very liquidy).

      4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Rap the pan 5 times on the counter to get rid of any bubbles in the batter. Sprinkle the top with the almonds. Bake in the center of the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely, then remove from the pan and place almond side up on a flat serving plate. Serve at room temperature.