Greek Honey Cake with Orange and Pistachios 

Greek Honey Cake is a light, flavor-packed dessert that skips all the fuss. Make this simple, sweet, and citrusy cake to feed a crowd!

I found Greek honey cake in search of easy desserts that aren't laden with butter or frosting. This recipe, which features an olive oil cake soaked with a honey, fresh citrus and pistachio syrup rather than frosting, is exactly the not-too-sweet dessert I was craving.

This cake recipe is inspired by desserts on the island of Aegina, where pistachios and honey from local beekeepers are aplenty. To be honest, I was ready to try this Greek honey cake the instant I saw that it involved pistachios-whether in a milk pudding or baklava I'll take any excuse to use creamy, slightly savory pistachios to elevate a sweet treat.

Aside from its incredible flavor, this yiayia-approved honey cake is also ideal for serving a crowd. The squares can easily feed 12 to 15 or so, and it’s adored by kids and adults alike. Plus, it's the kind of simple dessert recipe where you dump all the ingredients in one single bowl and mix!

Greek Honey Cake Ingredients

With tangy Greek yogurt, sweet honey, fresh citrus, course semolina flour, and crunchy nuts, this cake has a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Eggs: Hold the batter together.
• Citrus: You will need 2 lemons and 2 oranges. Both the zest and the juice are used, so opt for organic citrus and give them a good scrub. I like extra fragrant and sweet Meyer lemons if they’re available.
• Greek yogurt: Moistens the cake with a tangy flavor to balance the sweetness.
• Sweetener: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter, and honey soaks into the cooked cake, flavoring and sweetening it. A high-quality, pleasantly flavored honey is essential-I like our Greek Alfa honey.
• Flour: A combination of semolina and all-purpose give this cake a nice fluffy meets toothsome texture.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake a nice rise.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Lends a lot of flavor to the cake. Use a high-quality extra virgin variety that’s not too bitter-I like our Private Reserve Greek for this recipe.
• Nuts: Ground almonds flavor the dough and add crunch to the topping. Use unroasted, unsalted almonds (sometimes labeled “raw”). Pistachios add crunch, creaminess and a pop of color to the top.

How to Make Greek Honey Cake

Though this cake is delicious right away, it’s even better if you let it soak in all the flavor. Ideally, make this cake the night before you plan to serve. Here’s how it’s done:

Make the Cake

• Get ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with oil and dust with all purpose flour (shake the pan a little to get an even coating of flour).
• Make the cake batter. Place 5 large eggs, 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 cups of sugar, 5 tablespoons of ground almonds, the zest of one orange and one lemon, 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour, and 1 cup semolina flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ¾ cup olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon or a whisk to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
• Bake and cool. Bake on the center rack until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the cake completely cool in the pan.

Flavor the Cake

• Make the honey syrup. Once the cake has cooled, toast the pistachios in a large dry non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Once they become fragrant, stir in the honey, orange juice, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and reduce until nice and syrupy, 1 to 2 minutes. (Do NOT taste the hot syrup as it will burn your mouth).
• Soak the cake. Stab the cake all over with a small knife or a skewer to create holes. Pour the honey pistachio syrup all over the cake as evenly as possible. If you need to, use a spoon to distribute the pistachios across the top of the cake. Sprinkle on the shaved almonds, if using. For best results, allow the cake to soak with the syrup for a few hours.
• Serve. Cut the cake into 12 to 15 squares and serve.

What to Serve with Greek Honey Cake

Greek honey cake, like banana bread or Italian carrot cake, perfectly balances sweet and savory to make it welcome at any time of day. Serve for brunch or an afternoon snack with a cup of lemon ginger tea or coffee.
For dessert, serve this honey cake after a Greek-style feast. Start with ice-cold glasses of ouzo and mezze like Tirokafteri and Tzatziki with pita. Move on to traditional Greek salad and something simple like Greek sheet pan chicken. Finish with a sticky square of honey cake, perhaps with Carajillos (Spiked Coffee) on the side.

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Greek Honey Cake with Orange and Pistachios

This light, citrusy honey cake skips all the fuss. It's a simple, not-too-sweet dessert that will easily feed a crowd. Though it’s delicious right away, give it a couple of hours to soak for the best flavor (or make this cake the day before).

Course Dessert

Cuisine Greek

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 15

Calories 514.5kcal

Author Suzy Karadsheh

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt (I used fat-free plain Greek yogurt)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons ground almonds
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 cup coarse semolina (or farina or Cream of Wheat)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan
• Handful of shaved almonds, for topping (optional)

For the Honey Pistachio Syrup

• 1 1 /4 cup shelled salted pistachios
• 1 ¼ cup quality runny honey
• Juice of 2 oranges
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

• Get ready. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with oil and dust with all purpose flour (shake the pan a little to get an even coating of flour).
• Make the cake batter. Place the eggs, yogurt, sugar, ground almonds, orange and lemon zest, AP and semolina flour, baking powder, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon or a whisk to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
• Bake and cool. Bake on the center rack until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the cake completely cool in the pan.
• Make the honey syrup. Once the cake has cooled, toast the pistachios in a large dry non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Once they become fragrant, stir in the honey, orange juice, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and reduce until nice and syrupy, 1 to 2 minutes. (Do NOT taste the hot syrup as it will burn your mouth).
• Soak the cake. Use a small knife or skewer to poke holes all over the cake. Pour the honey pistachio syrup all over the cake as evenly as possible. If you need to, use a spoon to distribute the pistachios across the top of the cake. Sprinkle on the shaved almonds, if using. For best results, allow the cake to soak with the syrup for a few hours.
• Serve. Cut the cake into 12 to 15 squares and serve.

Video

Notes

• You can by the almonds ground or grind whole almonds in a small food processor.
• The syrup needs to be hot when you pour it on the cooled cake so the cake will better absorb it.
• This cake is even better the next day when the flavors and the moisture have settled in.
• Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 514.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 74.1g | Protein: 10.1g | Fat: 21.9g | Saturated Fat: 3.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13.4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 55.4mg | Sodium: 85.7mg | Potassium: 292.3mg | Fiber: 3.3g | Sugar: 53.5g | Vitamin A: 195.4IU | Vitamin C: 10.6mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 2.3mg

*This post has recently been updated with new information for readers’ benefit.

The post Greek Honey Cake with Orange and Pistachios  appeared first on The Mediterranean Dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to lose weight by following the Mediterranean diet

Yes, it's possible to lose weight with the Mediterranean Diet. The Mediterranean Diet's emphasis on whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and high-quality fats like olive oils, can help to reduce calories and provide essential nutrients that will improve your overall health. This eating plan can help you lose weight by incorporating physical activity. Additionally, reducing highly processed foods, red meat consumption, and added sugars can help maintain a healthy weight over time if paired with the right mindset!

Can the Mediterranean diet be gluten-free

Yes, the Mediterranean Diet can be adapted to be gluten-free. Rather than using whole-grain sources of carbohydrates such as wheat or barley, gluten-free grains such as millet and quinoa can be incorporated into meals. Additional gluten-free options include fruits like melon, pears and fresh vegetables as well as legumes, nuts, seeds and nuts. If you are intolerant to dairy or milk, it is possible to opt for lactose-free products. Another option is to have porridge instead.

Is regular olive oil okay to be used in place of extra virgin?

Extra virgin olive oil is not recommended for Mediterranean cuisine. Regular olive oil can be used in place of extra virgin. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is better for its nutritional benefits and higher quality, but regular olive oil is still an option due to its mild flavor. Regular olive oil works well for everyday meals, such as roasting vegetables to stir fry dishes. It is more affordable than EVOO and may be more suited for high heat applications like deep frying. It does not have the same nutrients and positive compounds as EVOO so make sure to get these benefits from other areas of your diet.

What should I eat every day on a Mediterranean diet to stay healthy?

A Mediterranean diet is based on healthy fats, proteins, and plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A Mediterranean diet should have seven to 10 portions of fruits and vegetables each day and at least two to four 3-ounces of lean meats such as fish and chicken. In moderate quantities, nuts and olive oil are good sources of healthy fats. Aim for at least three servings of whole grains, such as quinoa, barley, or oats, to ensure a balanced diet each day.

It is also important to limit the intake of unhealthy foods such as added sugar, unhealthy fats and white bread. Avoiding dairy is a good idea. If you do want to include dairy, it should be done sparingly. Because of the potential for mercury contamination, fish should be limited to three meals per week.

To ensure you're getting the most from your Mediterranean diet experience every day, it can help to plan meals - paying particular attention to ingredients included within chosen dishes that provide the heart and health benefits associated with this dietary pattern accordingly over time.

Mediterranean food is delicious and rich in nutrients. It can be a fun way to eat. High-quality proteins such a wild-caught salmon, grass-fed pork, and organic eggs are recommended to ensure healthy eating habits. You should also include heart-healthy fats such as nuts, olives and avocados, extra virgin oil, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil. You should include lots of fresh and/or frozen fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, such as quinoa or barley, in your meals. Avoid unhealthy fats, added salt, processed foods and starches as well as red meat and processed meats.

Is the Mediterranean diet primarily plant-based?

Yes, the Mediterranean Diet relies mainly on plants. Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds are staples of this ancient diet. However, animal proteins such as poultry, fish, and red meat are also present in smaller portions due to their traceable presence around the Mediterranean Sea historically. For those who choose to live a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, these protein sources may be avoided. Other dairy sources, such as tofu and soy yogurt, are great alternative options for added nutrition and protein.

What are the main dishes in a Mediterranean food plan?

Mediterranean cuisine consists of fruits, vegetables whole grains, legumes as well as nuts. Eating fresh ingredients over pre-packaged processed food items is encouraged whenever possible. You should use herbs instead of salt when flavoring meals. For the best results of this diet, you should include some physical activity into your daily routine. The diet can be made more enjoyable if you share mindful eating methods with family members and friends while sharing food.

Is the Mediterranean diet suitable to people with diabetes?

People with diabetes and other medical conditions will benefit from the Mediterranean Diet. This diet emphasizes whole foods, minimizes refined sugars or carbs, and places more emphasis on healthy fats than butter or oil. This helps lower the risk of developing it in people not yet diagnosed and regulates blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Incorporating moderate exercise into this eating plan can help control and stabilize blood sugar levels. Healthy food swaps such as replacing white bread with whole-grain bread or adding nuts to salads instead of crackers can contribute to a balanced meal plan suitable for managing symptoms of many different health conditions.

Statistics

• Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)
• 1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)
• Choose fat-free or 1% milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
• The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)

External Links

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• Traditional Med Diet | Oldways


• Mediterranean Diet | Oldways

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• (PDF) The Association Between Dietary Patterns And Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Study


• (PDF). Citrus is a part of the Mediterranean Diet

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• Mediterranean Diet

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• NEJM

How To

How to Incorporate Mediterranean-Inspired Foods into Your Daily Meals?

A Mediterranean diet can help improve your health and overall quality of life. This eating style emphasizes healthy fats and whole grains, legumes and fresh fruits, vegetables, in daily meals. This eating style can have many health benefits, including better blood lipids and glucose control, lower risk of certain cancers and better cardiac health, better weight management, and enhanced cognitive function. Incorporating Mediterranean-inspired foods into your diet can be done with ease by following several helpful tips:

1. Swap high-calorie snack foods like chips for nutritious, low-calorie vegetables such as hummus and other traditional greens.
2. Learn how to add spices or other sources of nuts, fruits and vegetables to your diet.
3. You can increase your hunger after eating by incorporating legumes and grains.
4. You can add moderate amounts of milk products such as yogurt, cheese and milk to your diet throughout the day to get additional nutrition.
5. Use olive oil as the primary cooking fat instead of traditional oils;
6. You can also enjoy a glass or two of red wine for a complete Mediterranean experience.

If you are willing to make small changes to your daily meals, you can easily adopt Mediterranean eating habits. You will reap the potential health benefits and still enjoy your food. When combined with regular vigorous exercise, you could experience even greater gains in both short-term results and long-term health benefits.

Resources:

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