Ingredients
Scale
For the Honey Cakes:
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp Firewhisky (optional; omit for a non-alcoholic version)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp Firewhisky (or milk for a non-alcoholic version)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or mini loaf pans.
- In a saucepan, melt honey, butter, and brown sugar over low heat until smooth.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then whisk in eggs, vanilla extract, and Firewhisky.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until batter is smooth.
2. Bake the Cakes:
- Pour batter into prepared tins, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes (for muffins) or 25-30 minutes (for mini loaves), until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before glazing.
3. Prepare the Firewhisky Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar with Firewhisky (or milk) until smooth and pourable.
- Adjust consistency by adding more liquid (if too thick) or more powdered sugar (if too thin).
4. Glaze & Decorate the Cakes:
- Drizzle the glaze over cooled cakes in a zigzag pattern.
- For a true Gryffindor touch, dust with edible gold glitter or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Optional: Add fondant lion motifs or red-and-gold sprinkles for extra flair.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Make-Ahead: Cakes can be frozen (unglazed) for up to a month. Thaw and glaze before serving.
- Fire-Free Option: Replace Firewhisky with apple juice, spiced cider, or caramel syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fantasy-Inspired, British-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian