Little Burnt Honey & Almond Cakes Recipe

Introduction

These little burnt honey and almond cakes offer a delightful combination of rich honey flavor and nutty almonds with a slight caramelized edge. Perfectly golden and tender, they make a lovely treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Ingredients

• 50g butter, plus extra for the tin
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 egg
• 50g golden caster sugar
• 30g plain flour
• 30g ground almonds
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Put the butter and honey in a small saucepan and cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until the butter foams and the mixture turns a mahogany color.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, golden caster sugar, and the honey-butter mixture until well combined.
3. Step 3: Stir in the plain flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt to form a smooth batter. You can use the batter immediately or refrigerate it overnight for deeper flavor.
4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Butter four holes of a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared holes and bake for 12-14 minutes until the cakes are golden and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Dust with icing sugar, if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra touch of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
• You can substitute ground almonds with finely chopped hazelnuts or walnuts for a different nutty taste.
• If you prefer smaller portions, use a mini muffin tin and reduce baking time accordingly.
• Serve these cakes with a hot chocolate espresso sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent finish.

Storage

Store leftover cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave before serving to restore their softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, the batter can be prepared and stored in the fridge overnight, which can help deepen the flavor and make baking more convenient.

What can I use instead of golden caster sugar?

You can substitute golden caster sugar with light brown sugar or white granulated sugar, though the golden caster sugar adds a mild caramel taste that complements the honey.