Honey Cake Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of rich cheesecake and the warm, spiced flavors of traditional honey cake. Perfect for celebrations or as a luxurious dessert, this recipe combines layers of creamy cheesecake with the aromatic sweetness of honey. Here’s how to make this irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp honey
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Honey Cake Layer:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and honey. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, honey, and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Cake Layer
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in honey and eggs one at a time.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan.
- Add the honey cake batter on top, smoothing it evenly.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the honey cake layer.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes or until the center is set and slightly jiggly.
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- Drizzle honey over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
- Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the Honey Cake Cheesecake chilled for the best flavor and texture. Cut into slices with a warm knife for clean edges.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. Prepare and chill it a day before serving for optimal flavor.
2. Can I substitute the graham cracker crust with another base?
Absolutely. You can use a digestive biscuit base, a nut-based crust, or even ginger snaps for added spice.
3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
While honey is the key flavor, you can experiment with maple syrup or agave nectar, but the taste will differ slightly.
4. How can I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
To prevent cracks, bake the cheesecake in a water bath, avoid overmixing the batter, and ensure the cheesecake cools gradually in the oven with the door slightly open.
PrintHoney Cake Cheesecake Recipe
This Honey Cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious, honey-sweetened cream cheese filling. It’s topped with fresh raspberries and an extra drizzle of honey, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 2½ pounds (40 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- ¼ cup honey
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
For Garnish:
- Fresh raspberries
- Additional honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese on high speed for 1 minute until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and mix until combined.
- Add sour cream, honey, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
- Prepare a water bath by placing the springform pan into a larger roasting pan and filling the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60-70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Serve:
- Before serving, top the cheesecake with fresh raspberries and drizzle with additional honey.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning to achieve a smooth filling.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
- A water bath helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking.