Medieval Birthday Feast Spiced Honey Cake
Party like it’s 1353!
While birthday cake’s weren’t the staple they are for us in the United States today, no birthday or name day feast is complete without a spiced cake!
This aromatic and dense cake sweetened with honey and scented with exotic spices—perfect for a noble’s table or a feast day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup honey (use a dark floral honey if possible)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 cups stone-ground flour or whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground black pepper (optional, but authentic)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped dried fruits (like figs, dates, or currants)
- Optional: ¼ cup crushed nuts (walnuts or hazelnuts)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small 8” round or square baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and honey together until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the honey-butter mixture and milk.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, and spices.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined. Fold in dried fruits and nuts if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with warm mulled wine or mead. (Check out our mulled wine recipe here)
- Top with a drizzle of extra honey or a spoonful of clotted cream if you’re feeling decadent.
Check out these Medieval Dragon Recipe Cards sold in our shop!
