Spicy Honey Cake

Beaten egg whites are gently folded into the batter of this moist and flavorful, honey-sweetened spice cake, giving it a lighter texture.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 cup honey
2 large eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - divided use
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup seedless raisins
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup currants*

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F ( 150°C). Grease and line 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 3-inch loaf pan with parchment paper; grease surface of paper; set aside.
2. In large bowl, cream butter; gradually beat in honey until smooth and creamy. Add yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Reserve 2 tablespoons flour; combine remaining flour with baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add dry ingredients to honey mixture, about 1/3 cup at a time, mixing after each addition.
4. Combine raisins, walnuts and currants with reserved flour; toss until each piece is coated with flour. Fold mixture into batter.
5. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Stir 1/4 of mixture into batter; fold in remaining egg whites.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake about 1 1/2 hours or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean.
7. Let stand on baking rack 5 minutes. Remove cake from pan, remove paper and cool on rack.

Makes 8 servings.

*1/4 cup raisins may be substituted for currants.

Recipe provided courtesy of the National Honey Board.