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 recommended); 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¾ cup butter (or dairy free alternative 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· 4.5 from 8 reviews

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, I’ve got you covered with this Gluten Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe. It’s just the right balance of cozy spices, sweet honey, and a tender crumb that’s perfect for everyone at the table — whether they’re gluten-free or not. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to for special occasions or even a simple weekend treat. Ready to dive into a slice of Greek-inspired joy? Let’s get started!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Gluten Free Texture: Using a trusted gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum gives this cake that lovely tender crumb without the dryness you might expect.
Balanced Sweetness: The spiced honey reduction creates a sticky-sweet finish that’s never overpowering, baking in some richness and moisture.
Warm, Inviting Flavors: Cinnamon, orange zest, and walnuts layer in authentic Greek flavors that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.
Make Ahead Friendly: This cake actually tastes better the next day once the honey soak has fully infused, making it ideal for planning ahead.

Gluten Free Greek Honey Cake, Greek Honey Cake, Gluten-Free Dessert, Honey Cake Recipe, Greek-Inspired 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

These ingredients come together to create a delicate yet flavorful cake that’s bursting with natural sweetness and subtle spices. I always recommend using a gluten free flour blend designed for baking, which helps avoid that crumbly texture you sometimes get. And don’t skip the walnuts — they add that essential crunch that makes every bite interesting.

Gluten Free Greek Honey Cake, Greek Honey Cake, Gluten-Free Dessert, Honey Cake Recipe, Greek-Inspired 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: I prefer Pillsbury or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 baking flour with xanthan gum—it gives the best structure and tenderness without dryness.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise softly; make sure yours is fresh for best results.
Salt: A pinch balances all the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds that warm, familiar spice that makes this cake feel like fall all year round.
Butter (or dairy-free alternative): I love Earth Balance for a vegan swap; it keeps the cake rich and moist.
White Sugar: Sweetens the cake gently without overpowering the honey glaze.
Eggs: They bind everything together and give the cake its tender crumb.
Milk (or dairy-free alternative): Adds a little moisture; I’ve used almond or oat milk with great results.
Fresh Orange Zest: Brightens the cake and pairs beautifully with the honey and cinnamon flavors.
Chopped Walnuts: For that perfect crunch and nuttiness that’s classic in Greek desserts.
Honey, Sugar, Water, Lemon Juice, Orange Zest, Cinnamon Stick: These come together for the spiced honey reduction that soaks into the cake, making it ridiculously moist and flavorful.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this cake classic, but feel free to bring your own spin! Some days, I swap walnuts for pistachios just to change things up and add a pop of color. You can also try turning the cake into individual mini cakes if you want perfect portion control or feel fancy. Don’t be shy about tweaking it to suit your taste!

Nut Variation: I’ve swapped walnuts for chopped pistachios, and it brings a lovely earthiness that’s just as delicious.
Dairy-Free Swap: Using plant-based butter and milk alternatives works perfectly for those avoiding dairy.
Mini Cakes: Baking in muffin tins makes great personal servings for parties or gifts.
Spice Boost: You can add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a richer spice profile if you like it exotic.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, get your oven heating to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 9-inch pan and line it with parchment paper—this makes lifting the cake out later super easy and helps keep those clean edges.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together your gluten free flour blend, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the leavening and flavors are evenly distributed before going into the batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the butter and white sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this traps air that helps give the cake a tender crumb. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed, so don’t rush it.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Milk, and Orange Zest

Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then add the milk and fresh orange zest. This adds moisture and a lovely citrusy brightness that cuts through the sweetness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in parts, mixing on a low speed so you don’t overwork the batter. Once combined, fold in the chopped walnuts by hand. This keeps the nuts evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.

Step 6: Bake and Watch Closely

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes. Start checking around 20 minutes—you want the edges to be set and the center just barely firm. The trick? The middle should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan, or the cake will be undercooked. Avoid overbaking because that can dry out the cake, especially with gluten free flour.

Step 7: Cool and Soak with Spiced Honey Reduction

Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before cutting it into squares, triangles, or even diamonds for a fun twist. You can then either pour the spiced honey reduction over the whole cake to soak in fully (my favorite way!) or drizzle it on individual servings when it’s time to eat. The result is a decadently sticky and sweet cake that’s impossible to resist.

Step 8: Make the Spiced Honey Reduction

While the cake bakes, combine honey, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add lemon juice, orange zest, and a cinnamon stick. Bring it to a boil but watch it carefully—this mixture loves to bubble over if you’re not paying attention! Reduce to a simmer and let it thicken for about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it cool until you’re ready to use.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Fresh Orange Zest: It really makes a difference in brightness—so don’t use pre-packaged zest here.
Don’t Overbake: Gluten free flours dry out quickly, so start checking early and rely on that gentle jiggle test.
Slowly Incorporate Flour: Adds tenderness by preventing overmixing and keeps the cake light.
Watch Honey Reduction Carefully: It boils fast and foams up quickly—stay attentive and stir occasionally.

How to Serve Gluten Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe

Gluten Free Greek Honey Cake, Greek Honey Cake, Gluten-Free Dessert, Honey Cake Recipe, Greek-Inspired 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 love to sprinkle some finely chopped, toasted walnuts or pistachios on top for a little crunch. Adding extra orange zest brightens the presentation and flavor. For an indulgent touch, a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt works beautifully — it balances the sweetness with a fresh tang.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a soothing cup of chai tea. If you want to turn it into a full dessert spread, serve alongside fresh fruit like figs or apricots—both complement the honey’s floral notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the cake pieces on a wooden board, surrounded by small bowls of extra spiced honey reduction and nuts, so guests can drizzle or dip as they please. Another idea? Layer cake squares between sheets of wax paper and stack them in a pretty jar or tin for gifting — it’s a thoughtful and stunning homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover Gluten Free Greek Honey Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The honey soak helps retain moisture, so it never feels dry even after sitting out overnight.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, slice the cake first and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. I’ve had great success freezing for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and you’ll get that same fresh flavor and softness once warmed.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a piece into the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or warm it gently in a low oven (~300°F) wrapped in foil. This refreshes the cake and reactivates the sticky honey glaze beautifully without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I make this Gluten Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based buttery spread like Earth Balance and swap the eggs for flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. Keep in mind the texture may be a bit different, but it’ll still be delicious.
What gluten free flour blend do you recommend?

I’ve had great results with Pillsbury and Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 baking blends that include xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity and crumb of wheat flour.
How do I know when the cake is done?

Instead of a toothpick, I use the jiggle test on this cake—the center should just lose its wobble but not be rock solid. This prevents dry, crumbly texture common with gluten free baking.
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?

Definitely! Pistachios, almonds, or even pecans add delicious flavor and texture. Just make sure to chop them roughly to keep that lovely crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten Free Greek Honey Cake Recipe is a special find—one I often bring out when I want to impress guests or gift something homemade that feels truly thoughtful. It’s not just a cake; it’s a little moment of sweetness with every bite, filled with comforting spices and the natural magic of honey. I genuinely hope you give it a try and make it your own kitchen favorite, just like I have.