Name: Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup Gluten Free Flour Blend with xanthan gum; 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¾ cup butter or dairy free alternative; ½ cup white sugar; 3 eggs; 2 tablespoon milk or dairy free alternative; 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest; 1 cup chopped walnuts; 1 cup honey; ½ cup white sugar; ½ cup water; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest; 1 whole cinnamon stick

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 12 reviews

If you’re like me and adore desserts that feel like a warm hug, you’re going to LOVE this Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe. It’s this magical cake that blends the cozy flavors of cinnamon, walnuts, and fresh orange zest, all drizzled with a luscious spiced honey reduction. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or just curious about new flavors, this cake delivers a moist, fragrant treat that feels both rustic and elegant. Stick around—I’ll walk you through everything you need to nail this cake so it turns out perfect every single time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect blend of texture and flavor: The walnuts add crunch while the spiced honey keeps the cake rich and sticky without drying it out.
Gluten-free without compromise: Using a quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum gives you a tender crumb that holds together beautifully.
Layered citrus notes: Fresh orange zest brightens the cake and the honey reduction, balancing sweetness with a lovely zing.
Simple technique: With basic mixing steps and a watchful eye on baking time, it’s straightforward enough for even an inexperienced baker.

Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake, Greek Honey Cake, Gluten-Free Cake, Honey Cake Recipe, Greek Dessert - A square tray filled with golden brown pastry cut into eight triangular pieces, each piece covered with a shiny, thick syrup that glistens under the light. The pastry has a slightly rough texture, visible around the edges of each cut. The tray is white, placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. The syrup pools slightly in the crevices between the sliced pieces, emphasizing the soft layers of the dessert photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s break down the ingredients so you know why each one plays an important role in making this Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe so special. The key here is pairing flavors and textures that complement but don’t overpower each other, plus choosing gluten-free ingredients that truly shine.

Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake, Greek Honey Cake, Gluten-Free Cake, Honey Cake Recipe, Greek Dessert - Flat lay of a small mound of gluten free flour blend, a few scattered whole walnuts, a whole cinnamon stick, a small pile of ground cinnamon powder, three brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl with softened butter, a small white ceramic bowl of white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of honey, a small white ceramic bowl of water, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh orange zest, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Gluten Free Flour Blend: I like Pillsbury or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 blends because they have xanthan gum included, which helps the cake hold together with great texture.
Baking Powder: This gives the cake lift, so it’s nice and fluffy instead of dense.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the soul of this cake – warming and comforting with a little hint of spice that makes the honey topping pop.
Butter (or dairy-free alternative): Butter adds richness and moisture; I often use Earth Balance Buttery Sticks if I’m keeping it dairy-free.
White Sugar: For sweetness and helping create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder and lend structure.
Milk (or dairy-free alternative): Just enough to keep the batter smooth and moist.
Fresh Orange Zest: This brightens everything up – fresh is always best for that aromatic zing!
Chopped Walnuts: They bring crunch and nuttiness for a pleasant contrast to the soft cake.
Honey: Used both in the cake and the honey reduction – real honey flavour is the star here.
Lemon Juice & Cinnamon Stick (for reduction): They add layers of acidity and spice to the syrupy drizzle, keeping it vibrant and balanced.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about making this Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether it’s swapping nuts, playing with spices, or adjusting sweetness, there’s room to make it truly yours.

Walnut swap: I’ve tried pistachios or toasted almonds instead, which adds a nice twist depending on the season or occasion.
Spice it up: Cinnamon is classic, but you could add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a deeper spice profile—just a little goes a long way!
Dairy-free option: Using Earth Balance or another plant-based butter alternative keeps this totally allergy-friendly without losing flavor.
Sweetness level: If you’re watching sugar, try reducing the sugar slightly and rely more on the honey reduction to add sweetness when serving.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always grease my 9×9 pan with a bit of butter or oil and then line it with parchment paper—this makes removing the cake and clean-up so much easier. The parchment also helps the edges stay tender while baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. I like to do this first to make sure the spices and rising agents are evenly distributed—no pockets of baking powder in your cake!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and white sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed. This step is key because it incorporates air that helps give your cake a lovely lift and moist texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Milk & Orange Zest

Beat in the eggs one at a time to really combine, then add the milk and fresh orange zest. Fresh zest is a game changer here—it gives the cake that bright citrus aroma without any bitterness. Mix gently so everything comes together but you don’t overwork the batter.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients & Walnuts

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients gradually on low speed with your mixer. Once incorporated, fold in chopped walnuts by hand to preserve their crunch. This is where you make sure everything is fully combined but don’t mix vigorously or the cake can get tough.

Step 6: Bake & Watch Closely

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes. After 20 minutes, start checking every few minutes—the cake is done when the center’s just barely set and doesn’t jiggle. Overbaking is a downhill slope to dryness, so trust me, keep a close eye!

Step 7: Cool & Add Your Spiced Honey Reduction

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then cut it into squares, triangles, or diamonds—the traditional Greek shapes are lovely, but you do you. Pour the spiced honey reduction over the cake and watch it soak up the sweet, citrus-spiced magic. You can also serve the reduction on the side to drizzle liberally or sparingly as desired.

Step 8: Make the Spiced Honey Reduction

While your cake bakes, combine honey, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the sugar dissolves, stir in lemon juice, orange zest, and add a whole cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil carefully—this stuff loves to bubble over! Reduce heat and let simmer gently for 15 minutes until reduced and syrupy. Let it cool to room temp before using.

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Pro Tips for Making Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe

Don’t overbake: I can’t stress this enough—the moment you see the center not jiggling is the sweet spot to pull it out.
Use fresh citrus zest: Pre-packaged zest just doesn’t compare; fresh orange zest really brightens this cake.
Simmer honey reduction gently: Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over, which can be messy and wasteful.
Line your pan with parchment: Makes cutting neat and helps the cake release cleanly, avoiding broken edges.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing this cake with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted walnuts or pistachios because they add a beautiful crunch and a pop of color. Fresh orange zest on top amplifies that citrus aroma. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or a little thick Greek yogurt to cut the sweetness—makes it feel indulgent but balanced.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this at a gathering, I pair it with a lightly brewed herbal tea or a strong Greek coffee to balance all the sweet flavors. A handful of fresh fruit, like sliced figs or berries, makes a refreshing side that complements the nutty, spiced cake perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these honey cakes layered on pretty platters, drizzled with extra reduction and scattered pomegranate seeds for vibrant contrast. You can also serve them in mini baking ramekins for single portions or stack as mini cake towers with nuts and zest as garnish—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover honey cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It actually gets better after a day or so when those flavors really mingle! Just keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Freezing

Freeze leftover pieces individually wrapped in parchment and then sealed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature—it stays moist and delicious without turning crumbly or dry.

Reheating

If you want to warm it up, I recommend reheating in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes or so to gently warm without drying. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry out gluten-free baked goods faster.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts for another nut in this Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Pistachios, almonds, or even pecans are excellent alternatives that bring their own unique crunch and flavor. Just make sure to chop them roughly to keep the texture balanced.
Is it okay to use a different gluten-free flour blend?

Yes, but I recommend one that includes xanthan gum or guar gum for structure. Blends labeled 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour usually work best to mimic regular flour’s texture.
How sweet is this Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe? Should I reduce the sugar?

The cake itself has a moderate sweetness which is balanced by the spiced honey drizzle. If you prefer less sugar, reduce the sugar in the batter slightly—the honey drizzle adds plenty of natural sweetness.
Can I prepare the spiced honey reduction ahead of time?

Definitely! The honey reduction can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Just warm it gently before pouring over the cake to bring those lovely flavors back to life.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it strikes the perfect balance of comfort and elegance, with flavors that feel both familiar and a little exotic. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that good baking doesn’t have to be complicated or full of weird ingredients to be memorable. So grab your gluten-free flour blend and honey, and give it a try—you’ll be rewarded with a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and full of love. Trust me, once you taste it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to gluten-free desserts!