Honeycomb Layer Cake

Honeycomb Layer Cake is a visually stunning and delicious dessert featuring soft vanilla or honey-flavored sponge layers filled and frosted with a rich honey buttercream, then topped with golden honeycomb candy shards. It’s a perfect showstopper for celebrations and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is all about texture and contrast—light, fluffy layers paired with creamy frosting and the irresistible crunch of homemade honeycomb. The rich flavor of honey is infused throughout, and the decorative honeycomb topping adds a dramatic and sophisticated touch. It’s ideal for birthdays, elegant gatherings, or dessert tables where you want something truly memorable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake layers:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Honey
• Vanilla extract

For the honey buttercream:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Honey
• Heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
• Pinch of salt

For the honeycomb candy:

• Sugar
• Honey
• Golden syrup or corn syrup
• Baking soda

Directions

1. Bake the cake layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans. Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, honey, and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Divide into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Make the honey buttercream: Beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar in batches, then honey and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy, adding cream as needed for spreadability.
3. Prepare the honeycomb candy: In a saucepan, combine sugar, honey, and syrup. Bring to a boil without stirring. Once golden and bubbling, remove from heat and quickly whisk in baking soda. Pour into a lined pan and let cool until hardened. Break into shards.
4. Assemble the cake: Layer cakes with buttercream, stacking as desired. Frost the outside with the remaining buttercream.
5. Decorate: Arrange honeycomb candy shards on top and sides. Optionally drizzle with extra honey or garnish with edible gold leaf.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10–12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill/Decorating Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Add lemon zest to the cake or frosting for a citrus twist.
• Flavor the buttercream with browned butter for a deeper, nutty taste.
• Infuse the cake layers with chamomile or Earl Grey for an aromatic variation.
• Use cream cheese in the frosting for a tangier finish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Bring slices to room temperature before serving. Honeycomb should be added fresh if storing long-term.

FAQs

Can I make the cake layers in advance?

Yes, bake and cool the layers, then wrap tightly and refrigerate or freeze until ready to assemble.

How do I keep honeycomb candy from getting sticky?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature in a dry place. Avoid refrigerating.

Can I use store-bought honeycomb?

Yes, if you find packaged honeycomb candy, it can be used for decoration.

What type of honey is best?

Use a mild, floral honey for a balanced flavor that won’t overpower the cake.

Can I make this a two-layer cake?

Yes, adjust the recipe for fewer layers or bake thicker layers and split them.

Can I add nuts or fruit?

Toasted walnuts or slivered almonds pair well; add between layers for crunch.

What frosting alternatives work?

Swiss meringue buttercream or cream cheese frosting both work beautifully.

Is this cake overly sweet?

The honey flavor is balanced by the buttercream’s richness and the light sponge. Adjust honey in the frosting if desired.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend that substitutes 1:1 with all-purpose flour.

How far in advance can I make the full cake?

Assemble up to 1 day ahead. Add honeycomb just before serving to maintain crunch.

Conclusion

Honeycomb Layer Cake is a beautiful and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for showcasing your baking skills. With tender cake layers, a rich honey-infused buttercream, and a dramatic honeycomb topping, it’s a treat that tastes as impressive as it looks. A true centerpiece for any celebration.

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