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 – Pillsbury & Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 baking flour; 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¾ cup butter or dairy free like Earth Balance Buttery Sticks; 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· 4.4 from 24 reviews

If you’ve been looking for a moist, flavorful cake that skips gluten but never skips joy, you’re going to love this Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that feels cozy and sophisticated at the same time, with warm spices and a luscious honey glaze that seeps into every bite. I’ve made this cake countless times for family gatherings and cozy coffee afternoons, and it never fails to wow—even the gluten lovers ask for seconds! Stick around, because I’m going to share all my secrets to get this perfect every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Moisture: The combination of butter and honey keeps this cake tender but not soggy.
Gluten-Free Blend: Using a blend with xanthan gum ensures structure without the crumbly mess.
Spiced Honey Glaze: That warm, aromatic syrup transforms the cake into a sticky, unforgettable treat.
Nutty Crunch: The chopped walnuts add texture and authenticity, elevating the cake’s flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake, gluten-free honey cake, Greek honey cake recipe, moist gluten-free cake, honey glaze cake - 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

Every ingredient in this Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe plays a key role, especially when it comes to gluten-free baking where balance is everything. I recommend picking a trusted gluten-free flour blend—my favorites include Pillsbury and Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 blends with xanthan gum incorporated, as they yield a tender and cohesive crumb.

Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake, gluten-free honey cake, Greek honey cake recipe, moist gluten-free cake, honey glaze cake - 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: Look for one with xanthan gum included for the best texture and to prevent crumbling.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise to a perfect fluffiness without going cakey.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Cinnamon: Adds that warm, classic Greek spice note we’ve all come to love.
Butter or Dairy-Free Butter Alternative: Provides richness and moisture. Earth Balance is my go-to for a dairy-free option.
White Sugar: Sweetens delicately without overpowering the honey.
Eggs: Bind everything together for structure and tenderness.
Milk or Dairy-Free Alternative: Adds moisture and makes the batter smooth.
Fresh Orange Zest: Brings bright citrus notes which lift the heaviness of the nuts and honey.
Chopped Walnuts: Offer crunch and authentic Greek flair.
Honey: The star of the glaze, infusing sticky sweetness and a floral aroma.
Water, Sugar, Lemon Juice, Cinnamon Stick (for glaze): These build the spiced syrup that’s drizzled over the cake for richness.

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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

I love that this Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe is so versatile—you can easily make it your own. Personally, I sometimes swap walnuts for pistachios when I want a slightly different crunch and a pop of color. And if you like a bit more citrus zing, adding a touch of fresh lemon zest alongside the orange brightens it up beautifully.

Nut Variation: I’ve used pistachios instead of walnuts for a slightly sweeter, nuttier taste with a gorgeous green hue.
Dairy-Free Swap: Earth Balance buttery sticks work wonderfully in place of butter without compromising moistness.
Extra Spices: For fall vibes, I stir in a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg with the cinnamon.
Honey Variety: Try using a flavorful Greek thyme honey for an authentic and deeper honey aroma.

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

Step 1: Prep Everything First

Before you dive in, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch pan, lining it with parchment paper to make cake removal a breeze. This step saved me the first time I made this cake—no crumbled edges when you pull it out!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, so your cake rises and tastes just right.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer, cream your softened butter and sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—that’s where the magic begins to build! A tip: don’t rush this step; it takes about 3-4 minutes and really impacts the texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Milk & Orange Zest

Beat in the eggs one at a time; this helps the batter come together. Then add your milk and fresh orange zest, mixing gently but thoroughly. The zest is such a bright surprise in every bite—it’s my favorite little secret for fresh flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture gradually to the wet mix, blending on low speed so you don’t end up with flour clouds everywhere. Once combined, gently fold in the chopped walnuts by hand. That tender crunch is essential!

Step 6: Bake & Watch Closely

Pour batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, but start checking after 20 minutes to avoid over-baking. I like to jiggle the pan gently—if the center moves just the slightest bit but doesn’t look raw, it’s done! Over-baking leads to a dry cake, so keep an eye on it.

Step 7: Make the Spiced Honey Reduction

While the cake is baking or cooling, prepare the glaze by simmering honey, sugar, and water with lemon juice, orange zest, and a cinnamon stick. It takes about 15 minutes on low heat to thicken. Be vigilant here—it boils over easily, which I learned the hard way! Once it’s reduced slightly, turn off the heat and let it sit until you’re ready to pour.

Step 8: Serve & Drizzle

When your cake has cooled for about 15 minutes, cut it into the shapes you like best—squares, diamonds, or triangles. Pour the honey reduction over the cake, letting it soak in for that signature sticky sweetness. I usually garnish with some toasted walnuts, a sprinkle of orange zest, and sometimes a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

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Pro Tips for Making Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe

Use Room Temperature Butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly, impacting cake texture.
Don’t Overbake: The cake continues to cook a bit as it cools; make sure the center is just set.
Simmer Honey Glaze Gently: Keep the heat low to prevent boiling over and caramelizing too much.
Line Your Pan: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier—trust me on this!

How to Serve Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe

Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake, gluten-free honey cake, Greek honey cake recipe, moist gluten-free cake, honey glaze cake - The image shows a single slice of a dense, nut-filled dessert with a golden brown top layer that looks moist and sticky, placed on a white plate with a slightly decorative edge. The slice is garnished with thin, curly orange peels on top, and the plate has small drizzles of syrup around the dessert. A fork and knife rest above the plate on a white marbled surface, with soft natural lighting highlighting the texture and color of the dessert. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish this cake with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted walnuts—adds that toasty crunch that pairs perfectly with the sticky honey. Sometimes I add extra orange zest on top for a punch of color and zing, and on special occasions, a dollop of lightly whipped cream balances the sweetness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This cake shines with a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or traditional Greek coffee. For a light, refreshing contrast, I recommend a simple fresh fruit salad with pomegranate seeds or slices of juicy oranges.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this cake as mini squares on a rustic wooden board with bowls of chopped nuts, honey, and whipped cream on the side for a “build-your-own” dessert experience. It always sparks conversation and looks so inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature, and it stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. If it absorbs too much syrup and feels sticky, a quick few minutes at room temp usually balances it back out.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully—wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When I take it out, I let it thaw slowly at room temperature for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds just to warm it through—avoid overheating to keep the cake from drying out. You can also enjoy it cold; that sticky honey glaze tastes fantastic either way!

FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts in this cake?

Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional and add a lovely earthiness, pistachios or almonds work well too. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend nicely into the cake texture.
Is it necessary to line the baking pan with parchment paper?

Technically, you can grease the pan well, but lining it with parchment paper guarantees an easy release and keeps the cake edges intact—especially important with gluten-free cakes that can be crumbly.
Can I make this cake vegan?

With some adjustments, yes! Substitute the butter for dairy-free margarine and replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but the honey glaze keeps it moist and flavorful.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The best way is to jiggle the pan lightly—the center should not be liquid but can have a slight wobble. If it jiggles too much, give it a couple more minutes. Overbaking will dry out the cake, so keep that finger on the timer!

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those desserts that brings everyone around the table with smiles. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy night in or a festive occasion, it’s simple yet distinctly delicious, blending tradition with gluten-free goodness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cake that’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to make!