Baking with Honey: Essential Tips and Tricks

There is a sweet secret to healthier baking with honey! Not only does this natural alternative taste amazing by adding a touch of honey flavor, but it also comes with a range of health benefits. Say goodbye to compromising your well-being for tasty treats, and learn to use raw honey in baking for all your favorite desserts!

You must try making this Honey Lemon Lavender Cake with Cashew Cream Icing

Honey has been used as a natural sweetener for centuries

Honey is known for its numerous health and nutritional benefits. Honey contains more nutrients and antioxidants than refined sugar, making it an excellent alternative for improving health. Whenever a recipe calls for sugar, you can feel confident in replacing honey with sugar up to one cup, as you make this dietary change.

The taste of our Tupelo Honey compliments that of baked goods so well!

One of the main advantages of using honey in baking is its ability to enhance the flavors of other ingredients with proper honey pairing. Honey has a unique floral taste that can add depth and complexity to desserts. Plus, its natural sweetness means you can use less, making your treats lower calories without sacrificing taste in your baking recipes. Understanding the role of sugar in baking is crucial when substituting with natural sweeteners like honey to ensure the best results.

Our Apple Honey Cake is perfect for holidays like Rosh Hashanah

Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t worry if you’re unsure about substituting honey for cane sugar. I’ve found that substituting up to one cup of honey in recipes produces flawless baked goods every time. The trick is to watch the oven temperature, as honey burns faster than granulated sugar, and adjust your stirring techniques accordingly.

With some experimentation adding honey, you can elevate this traditional ingredient to new heights. Find joy in baking with honey and benefit in healthier, irresistibly delicious treats that only honey has to offer.

Honey Ginger Cookies are perfect for all your holiday gatherings

Recipe Calls

Today, I found out that I prefer less sugar in most recipes. Honey will burn faster than cane sugar and add extra moisture into recipes. Because of this, if a recipe calls for more than one cup of sugar, limit honey replacement to one cup of honey.

Because honey adds moisture to your recipe and can make the batter soft, it is essential to decrease the amount of other liquids in your mix to accommodate for the extra liquid provided by the honey. Adding more dry ingredients, like baking soda is essential to help soak up the moisture honey adds.

Our Honey Coffee Cake recipe is delicious - try making it with our Coffee Honey!

Baking soda will make your mix thicker, helping to form the correct consistency of your dessert. It is the most important of all the dry ingredients you could add. Keep your dish tasty with these hacks when you add honey to your cakes!

Baking with Crystallized Honey

There is a phenomenon in the raw honey world called crystallization. Crystallization happens over time, it can be a short period of time, or a long period of time and in short, honey "goes back to" it's original crystalline state. This makes baking with crystallized honey a dream. No melting or amending necessary. Learn more about why honey crystallizes and use it in your baking and in your tea!

Use up to a cup of crystallized honey, and use organic and unprocessed sugar for over one cup. You may want to run the recipe several times to appeal to your own taste buds.

Honey Carrot Bran Muffins are delicious AND nutritious

Why Substitute Honey for Sugar?

Honey is a sweet alternative to regular sugar. It has many health benefits that sugar can’t offer! Honey is rich in:

• Antioxidants
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Amino acids
• Healthy digestion enzymes
• Immune system-boosting enzymes

Sweeten up dessert with Honey Pecan Pie

Additionally, honey has a lower glycemic index than sugar. This means that honey doesn’t cause such a dramatic blood sugar spike, making it more suitable for people with diabetes to consume baked goods, replacing honey with white sugar.

Specifically to baked goods, substituting honey with sugar will increase the moisture of your recipe. This is because honey is hygroscopic, soaking up and retaining moisture. If you’re having trouble making a moist cake, it may be a sign to add some honey!

When you learn about baking with honey, prepare for healthier, moist baked goods!

Our recipe for Cranberry-Orange Biscotti is made with orange zest and Florida Orange Blossom Honey

How to Bake with Honey

Different Honey Varietals = Different Taste

Depending on the type of plants the bees pollinate, each honey varietal has its own unique flavor and taste. When cooking and baking with honey, your outcome may taste different depending on your honey varietal.

Our Honey Gift Set features four different honey varietals for you to try

Here is a simple guide to get you started on picking the best honey varietal to make the most of the honey flavor in your recipe based on a light vs dark color system:

• Light Honey - Lighter honey, such as our Sunflower and Spring varietals, is perfect for keeping your baked good's classic taste. The flavor profiles are sweet and muted so that they won't have too much impact.
• Dark Honey - Darker Honey, such as our Bamboo and Buckwheat varietals, will add a rich, deep flavor to your baked goods. With notes of molasses, we recommend pairing darker honey with rich, chocolaty desserts.

We promise this Honey Cherry Cobbler is better than the original

Do not be afraid to experiment with your honey to get the best flavor for you!

The most important part about choosing honey to bake with is making sure the honey is pure and natural without added sugars or fillers. It is also important to purchase local honey to support the bees and beekeepers in your community!

Kara holding a frame to harvest honey at her Eastern Shore farm

Tips for Baking with Honey

Now that you’ve picked out the perfect honey for your recipe, here are some tips for you when baking with honey to ensure perfect baked goods every time:

• Drop the Temperature - Honey tends to brown faster than regular sugar. To ensure your recipe doesn’t burn, it is recommended that you cook at a lower oven temperature than normal, about 25F less.
• Decrease the Liquids - Since honey collects moisture, it is important to cut down on your other wet ingredients when substituting honey for sugar to maintain a desirable texture. In addition to decreasing liquid, you can also increase dry ingredients like flour. Similarly, when using maple syrup as a substitute for sugar, adjust other liquid ingredients to maintain the desired texture and moisture.
• Oil the Measuring Cup - We all know how sticky honey can be! Brushing a flavorless oil on your measuring utensils will help the honey slip right out.
• The Sweetest Ratio - Since honey is sweeter than sugar, you will not need as much to achieve the same great taste in your baked goods! Using ¾ cup of honey for every cup of sugar you replace is recommended.
• One Cup of Honey - If you are worried about the form of your cake and other baked goods being too soft, we recommend you stir in up to one cup of honey to replace the sugar. For over one cup, use organic, unprocessed sugar. The more you add other liquids, the more you will want to reduce the amount of honey.
• Baking Soda is your Best Friend - Add 1/4 teaspoon per cup of honey, especially if baking soda is not already included in the recipe. Adding baking soda reduces the acidity of the honey, increases volume, and helps prevent burning. By reducing the acidity, you have a better chance of keeping the taste and consistency.
• Room Temperature Ingredients - Always bring the eggs, butter, yogurt, and other refrigerated and liquid ingredients to room temperature. Set eggs in a bowl and cover them with a hot water bath to warm them. The batter may curdle or take much longer to incorporate if these ingredients are used while cold.

Strawberry Scones may look daunting, but they're definitely worth it!

Working with Honey’s Unique Properties

When working with honey in baking, it’s essential to understand its unique properties to achieve the best results. Honey is a liquid sweetener that contains water, which can affect the texture and consistency of baked goods. Here are some key properties to consider:

• Humidity: Honey is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture from the air. This can lead to a more tender and moist crumb in baked goods. If you’re aiming for a moist cake or bread, honey is your best friend.
• Acidity: With a pH level of around 3.2, honey is slightly acidic. This acidity can react with baking soda, which is why it’s crucial to balance it with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or yogurt. This will help maintain the right texture and flavor in your baked goods.
• Viscosity: Honey is thicker and more viscous than sugar, which can affect the mixing and blending process in recipes. To ensure even mixing, you might need to warm the honey slightly or mix it with other liquids before adding it to your batter.
• Flavor: Honey has a distinct flavor profile that can vary depending on the type and quality of the honey. This flavor can enhance or sometimes overpower other ingredients in a recipe. Choose your honey varietal wisely to complement the other flavors in your dish.

To work with honey’s unique properties, it’s crucial to adjust recipes accordingly. This may involve reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe, adding an acidic ingredient to balance the pH, or adjusting the oven temperature to prevent over-browning. By understanding and adapting to these properties, you can create delicious and perfectly textured baked goods every time.

Converting Recipes to Use Honey

Converting recipes to use honey instead of sugar can be a bit tricky, but with some simple guidelines, you can achieve great results. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Reduce the amount of honey: Honey is sweeter than sugar, so you’ll need to use less of it to achieve the same level of sweetness. A general rule of thumb is to use 1/2 to 2/3 cup of honey for every 1 cup of sugar called for in the recipe. This ensures your baked goods are sweet but not overly so.
• Adjust the liquid content: Since honey is a liquid sweetener, you’ll need to reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe to avoid a too-wet or too-dry texture. For every cup of honey used, reduce the other liquids by about 1/4 cup.
• Add an acidic ingredient: Honey’s acidity can react with baking soda, so it’s essential to add an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or yogurt to balance the pH. This helps maintain the right texture and prevents any unwanted chemical reactions.
• Adjust the oven temperature: Honey can caramelize and brown more quickly than sugar, so you may need to reduce the oven temperature by about 25°F to prevent over-browning. This ensures your baked goods cook evenly without burning.

By following these guidelines, you can convert your favorite recipes to use honey and enjoy the unique flavor and texture it provides. Whether you’re making banana oat bran muffins or mee maw’s famous baking recipes, these tips will help you achieve perfect results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with honey in baking, there are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure the best results. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

• Using too much honey: Honey is sweeter than sugar, so using too much of it can result in an overly sweet or bitter flavor. Stick to the recommended conversion ratios to keep your baked goods balanced.
• Not adjusting the liquid content: Honey is a liquid sweetener, so failing to adjust the liquid content in a recipe can result in a too-wet or too-dry texture. Always reduce other liquids when substituting honey for sugar.
• Not adding an acidic ingredient: Honey’s acidity can react with baking soda, so failing to add an acidic ingredient can result in an unpleasant flavor or texture. Adding a bit of lemon juice or yogurt can make a big difference.
• Not adjusting the oven temperature: Honey can caramelize and brown more quickly than sugar, so failing to adjust the oven temperature can result in over-browning or burning. Lower the oven temperature by about 25°F to prevent this.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your baked goods turn out delicious and flavorful. Whether you’re making honey no substitutions needed or experimenting with sugar substitutes, these tips will help you achieve the best results.

Troubleshooting and Variations

If you encounter any issues while working with honey in baking, here are some troubleshooting tips and variations to try:

• Honey is too thick: If your honey is too thick, try heating it gently in a saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl in short increments. This will make it easier to mix into your batter.
• Honey is too thin: If your honey is too thin, try adding a small amount of cornstarch or flour to thicken it. This can help achieve the right consistency for your recipe.
• Baked goods are too sweet: If your baked goods are too sweet, try reducing the amount of honey in the recipe or adding a small amount of salt to balance the flavor. This can help tone down the sweetness without compromising the overall taste.
• Baked goods are too dry: If your baked goods are too dry, try adding a small amount of liquid to the recipe or increasing the amount of honey. This can help retain moisture and improve the texture.

Some variations to try:

• Using different types of honey: Try using different types of honey, such as clover or manuka, to create unique flavor profiles. Each type of honey brings its own distinct taste to your baked goods.
• Adding spices or flavorings: Try adding spices or flavorings, such as cinnamon or vanilla, to create unique flavor combinations. This can enhance the overall taste and make your baked goods stand out.
• Using honey in savory recipes: Try using honey in savory recipes, such as marinades or glazes, to add a touch of sweetness and depth. Honey can complement savory dishes beautifully, adding a unique twist to your meals.

By experimenting with these troubleshooting tips and variations, you can perfect your baking with honey and create a wide range of delicious and unique treats. Whether you’re making traditional baked goods or trying out new recipes, honey can add a delightful touch to your creations.

Our Favorite Baked Goods with Honey are Sweeter

Are you excited to get started on your baking journey with honey? Below, we listed some fabulous recipes to help you get started.

Most of these food recipes require flour, butter, and honey! No eggs give these recipes the option to be vegetarian, too. These recipes have endless options for toppings, including cream, syrup, and even homemade honey syrup!

Our honey is perfect for Rosh Hashanah! Our Wildflower Honey tastes delicious with apples. Find out what other foods are symbols for the New Year.

Heat them up or enjoy them cold; they require just a quick trip to the oven to bake. Don't worry about changing any measurements with these recipes – we accounted for the honey!

• Apple Honey Spice Cake - This honey cake recipe tastes fantastic and doesn't require eggs! The ingredients to maintain consistency include all-purpose flour, coconut sugar, baking powder soda, and ground spices in this cake. Special ingredients, such as lemon juice, orange juice, and warm coffee, are also included to make this cake recipe stand out from all the other cakes! This cake is featured as one of our favorite Rosh Hashanah desserts
• Cranberry-Orange Biscotti - Looking for a pastry prepared to perfection and best served with warm drinks? Look no further than our Cranberry-Orange Biscotti! Made with flour and flaked almonds, this tart treat is easily cooked in the oven. The liquid sugar syrup on top, made with plant-based milk, creates the perfect glaze for this warmed sweet.

Our limited edition Cranberry Honey tastes great drizzled over your favorite baked goods!

• Honey Cherry Cobbler - Get ready to mix this gluten-free substitute for any cake! One cup of any kind of milk when baking, the option to add vegan butter, and no egg required will help this fluffy food appeal to all. To make it even sweeter, garnish with whipped cream!
• Strawberry Scones - Bake these scones in the oven, store them, and heat them up in the morning to enjoy their sweetness for breakfast! The liquid glaze requires you to stir one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of Bee Inspired Honey with a spoon to create honey syrup. Whether you add only a bit or enjoy your scones soaked, this honey recipe is perfect for any time of day!

Our Raw Honeycomb is made by the bees! Perfect for pairing with food or eating on its own.

If you try any of our honey recipes or decide to cook and bake your own, don't forget to thank the bees! Without the bees, the sweetness of baking with honey would be impossible. Baking with honey will make you feel good on the inside, and with our other honey skincare tips and tricks, like dry brushing, you'll feel good on the outside, too!