Traditional Polish Piernik (Honey Spice Cake) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups honey
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup chopped candied orange peel
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until they're light and frothy. Slowly pour in the cooled honey mixture, beating continuously.
  4. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger in a separate bowl. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg and honey mixture, mixing until just combined.
  5. Stir in the milk until the batter is smooth. Then, fold in the walnuts, raisins, and candied orange peel.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. While the cake is baking, make the glaze by mixing together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
  9. When the cake is done, remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl used for combining the ingredients.
  • Saucepan - Used for heating and melting the honey, sugar, and butter.
  • Whisk - Used for beating the eggs until light and frothy.
  • Spatula - Used for smoothing the batter in the baking dish.
  • Baking Dish (9x13 inch) - Used for baking the piernik in the oven.
  • Toothpick - Used to test the doneness of the cake by inserting it into the center.
  • Cooling Rack - Used to allow the cake to cool completely after baking.

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
  • Instead of walnuts, use pecans or almonds.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Swap the honey for molasses or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
  • Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey variation.
  • Instead of raisins, use dried cranberries or chopped dates.
  • Replace the candied orange peel with chopped dried apricots or pineapple for a tropical twist.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • Make it vegan by replacing the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and using vegan butter or coconut oil.
  • Add a cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for added sweetness.

Recipe overview

Piernik is a traditional Polish gingerbread cake that's rich, flavorful, and perfect for the holiday season. Made with a honey-based batter infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, this cake is a delightful treat that fills the house with an irresistible aroma as it bakes. Adding to its unique character, this recipe also includes walnuts, raisins, and candied orange peel, giving the cake a beautiful texture and depth of flavor. Once baked, the cake is topped with a zesty lemon glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Preparing this cake is a gratifying experience, and its exquisite taste is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy a slice of this delicacy with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy, comforting treat.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour if you prefer a denser texture. However, the result may be slightly different.
  2. Can I replace the honey with another sweetener? While honey is a key ingredient in Piernik, you can substitute it with molasses or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
  3. Can I omit the nuts, raisins, or candied orange peel? Certainly! If you have any dietary restrictions or personal preferences, you can omit these ingredients or replace them with other dried fruits or nuts of your choice.
  4. How should I store Piernik? To keep Piernik moist and fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
  5. Can I freeze Piernik? Yes, Piernik freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
  6. Can I make Piernik ahead of time? Absolutely! Piernik is a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container until you're ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
  • Saucepan - A medium-sized pan for heating and combining the honey, sugar, and butter.
  • Whisk - A utensil used for beating the eggs until light and frothy.
  • Spatula - A tool for smoothing the batter in the baking dish and removing the cake from the pan.
  • Baking Dish (9x13 inch) - A rectangular dish used for baking the piernik.
  • Toothpick - A small wooden or metal stick used to test the doneness of the cake.
  • Cooling Rack - A rack used for cooling the cake after it's removed from the oven.

Origin stories

Piernik, a rich and spicy Polish honey cake, traces its origins back to the Middle Ages, when it was first baked in the city of Toruń. A key port along the spice trade routes at the time, Toruń had access to exotic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which are all key ingredients in the cake. Piernik is traditionally baked during Christmas and is associated with a host of folklore stories. One such tale involves a poor baker who was gifted a magical millstone by a witch. Every time the baker turned the millstone, it produced a different spice for his piernik, making it the most delicious and sought-after cake in the city. The enduring popularity of piernik is a testament to the unique blend of sweet, aromatic spices that make this cake a beloved part of Polish culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.