Soft Glow Honey Pound

Featured in: Warm Bake & Roast Recipes

This tender pound cake features a buttery texture paired with a soft golden crumb, gently sweetened using mild honey. The combination of vanilla and honey gives it a warm, aromatic sweetness that complements afternoon tea or any casual gathering. Its simple ingredients come together with minimal effort to create a moist and delicate crumb. Optional honey glaze enhances its glossy finish, making each slice appealing and flavorful.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 12:17:00 GMT
Golden slice of Honey Pound Cake, moist and golden, ready to enjoy with a cup of tea. Save
Golden slice of Honey Pound Cake, moist and golden, ready to enjoy with a cup of tea. | birchwhisk.com

A tender, buttery pound cake with a delicate golden crumb, sweetened with luscious honey for a comforting, aromatic treat. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, ½ cup (120 ml) mild liquid honey, 4 large eggs, room temperature, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • Optional Glaze: 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 4:
Add honey and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5:
Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 6:
Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined do not overmix.
Step 7:
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 8:
Bake for 50 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9:
Cool in pan for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10:
For an optional glaze melt 2 tbsp honey with 1 tbsp butter and brush over the warm cake.
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Required Tools

9x5-inch loaf pan, Electric mixer, Mixing bowls, Sifter, Cooling rack, Pastry brush (for glaze)

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy). Check all ingredient labels if you have allergies unsalted butter and vanilla extract may contain traces of allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 310 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 40 g Protein 4 g

A close-up of a beautifully glazed Honey Pound Cake, showcasing its tender, airy crumb texture. Pin it
A close-up of a beautifully glazed Honey Pound Cake, showcasing its tender, airy crumb texture. | birchwhisk.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of honey is best to use?

Mild honeys such as clover or acacia work best to add gentle sweetness without overpowering the cake’s delicate flavors.

How should the batter be mixed?

Mix wet and dry ingredients gently and just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the crumb tender.

Can I add a glaze to the cake?

Yes, melting honey with butter and brushing it on the warm cake creates a shiny, flavorful glaze.

What is the best way to store the cake?

Wrap the cooled cake tightly and keep at room temperature for up to four days to maintain freshness.

How can I add a citrus note to this cake?

Incorporating a teaspoon of lemon zest offers brightness that complements the honey’s sweetness.

Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all main ingredients comply with a vegetarian diet.

Soft Glow Honey Pound

A buttery pound cake with golden crumb and sweet honey notes, perfect for teatime or dessert.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
03 ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 ½ cup mild liquid honey
04 4 large eggs, room temperature
05 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
06 ½ cup whole milk, room temperature

Optional Glaze

01 2 tablespoons honey
02 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate Honey: Add mild liquid honey to the butter mixture and blend until fully combined.

Step 05

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in pure vanilla extract.

Step 06

Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Add sifted dry ingredients in three portions, alternating with whole milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 07

Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 09

Cool: Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Apply Optional Glaze: Melt 2 tablespoons honey with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and brush over the warm cake surface.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sifter
  • Cooling rack
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 4 g