Mary Berry’s Honey Cake recipe is deliciously flavoured with clear honey and made in 6 easy steps. A wonderful option for afternoon tea or a Rosh Hashanah celebration. To ensure a moist, sticky texture that improves over time follow our simple method below.
Jump to RecipeMary Berry Honey Cake Recipe Ingredients
- The Cake Batter:
- 225g (8 oz) butter
- 250g (9 oz) clear honey
- 100g (4 oz) dark muscovado sugar
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 300g (10 oz) self-raising flour
- The Glaze:
- 2 tbsp clear honey (warmed)

How To Make Mary Berry Honey Cake Recipe
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 160°C (140°C fan/325°F/Gas 3). Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) round deep cake tin with baking parchment.
- Melt the base: Measure the butter, honey, and dark muscovado sugar into a large saucepan. Heat gently until the butter has melted and the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes (it must be lukewarm, not hot, or it will scramble the eggs).
- Mix the eggs: Gradually whisk the beaten eggs into the cooled melted mixture until smooth and combined.
- Fold the flour: Sift the self-raising flour into the saucepan. Stir gently but thoroughly until no lumps of flour remain.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. The cake is done when it is well-risen, golden brown, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes.
- Glaze and cool: Turn the cake out onto a wire rack. While it is still warm, brush the top generously with the warmed honey to give it a sticky, shiny glaze. Leave to cool completely.

Recipe Tips!
- Cooling Time: It is crucial to let the honey-butter mixture cool before adding the eggs. If you rush this step, you will end up with sweet scrambled eggs floating in your batter!
- Muscovado Magic: Using dark muscovado sugar is key. It adds a deep treacle-like flavor and fudgey texture that complements the floral honey perfectly. White sugar just won’t cut it here.
- Storage Secret: This cake is famous for getting better with age! Wrap it in greaseproof paper and foil and leave it for 2-3 days before eating. The honey acts as a humectant, drawing moisture in and making the cake stickier.
- Honey Choice: Use a good quality clear honey (like Acacia or wildflower). Set honey creates a different texture and doesn’t melt as smoothly into the glaze.
What To Serve With Mary Berry Honey Cake Recipe?
This Mary Berry Honey Cake Recipe is a sticky, comforting treat that needs a hot drink! A mug of milky Earl Grey Tea or a fresh Coffee is the perfect partner to cut through the sweetness. For a dessert option, serve a warm slice with a dollop of Crème Fraîche or Greek Yogurt to balance the sugar! A sprinkle of toasted almonds on top adds a lovely crunch if you want to dress it up.

How To Store Mary Berry Honey Cake Recipe
- Room Temp: Wrap the cake tightly in baking parchment and then foil. Store in an airtight tin at room temperature. It keeps beautifully for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerate: There is no need to refrigerate this cake; the cold can actually dry out the crumb faster.
- Freeze: You can freeze the unglazed cake for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and brush with warm honey to refresh it before serving.
Mary Berry Honey Cake Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition information is estimated per slice (based on 10 servings).
FAQs
Can I add spices?
Yes! A teaspoon of ground ginger or cinnamon added with the flour gives it a lovely gingerbread-style warmth.
Why did my cake sink?
This usually happens if the oven door was opened too early or if the raising agents in the flour were old. Check the date on your flour!
Is this dairy-free?
You can easily make it dairy-free by swapping the butter for a dairy-free baking block or margarine. The honey flavor is strong enough to mask the difference.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Baileys Cake Recipe
- Mary Berry Manor House Cake Recipe
- Mary Berry Boiled Orange Cake Recipe
Mary Berry Honey Cake Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy10
servings20
minutes1
hour380
kcalA classic melt-and-mix cake that is rich with honey and dark sugar. It creates a sticky, moist loaf that tastes even better a few days after baking.
Ingredients
250g clear honey (plus extra for glaze)
225g butter
100g dark muscovado sugar
300g self-raising flour
Directions
- Melt butter, honey, and sugar; cool 10 mins.
- Whisk in eggs until smooth.
- Fold in sifted flour.
- Pour into lined round tin.
- Bake at 160°C for 50-60 mins.
- Brush warm cake with extra honey.
Notes
- Cool the melted mix so eggs don’t scramble.
- Dark muscovado sugar gives a rich toffee flavor.
- Wrap and store for 2 days for the stickiest texture.
