Indulge your senses with a slice of heavenly Honey and Pine Nut Cake, a delightful Italian treat that combines the rich sweetness of honey with the nutty crunch of pine nuts. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience that will leave your guests begging for the recipe! With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total of 45 minutes to create this masterpiece, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can bring a taste of Italy into your home. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe that promises to be the star of your next gathering!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and honey. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated, creating a golden, glossy mixture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform and creamy texture.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cake dense.
- Gently fold in half of the pine nuts into the batter, reserving the remaining nuts for topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining pine nuts over the top of the batter, creating a decorative and crunchy surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can optionally drizzle additional honey over the top for extra sweetness and shine.
- Slice and serve at room temperature. The cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of espresso or herbal tea.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your eggs and melted butter are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so measure your ingredients carefully. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and ground almonds.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle!
- Pine Nut Toasting: For an extra layer of flavor, consider lightly toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet before adding them to the batter. This enhances their nuttiness and adds a lovely aroma.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This ensures cleaner slices and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs beautifully with a drizzle of extra honey or a dollop of mascarpone cheese. Serve it alongside a cup of espresso or herbal tea for a truly Italian experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
