Latvian Honey Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup honey
• 3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, at room temperature

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the honey and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and vanilla.
4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the honey mixture. Fold in the walnuts, lemon zest, and orange zest.
5. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. In a small bowl, beat the confectioners' sugar and cream cheese together until smooth. Spread over the cake.
7. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Latvian honey cake is a classic Latvian dessert.
• It's made with honey, spices, and a sweet cream cheese glaze.
• This cake is said to have been served at the coronation of the first Latvian president.