Gluten-Free Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix Honey Cake
Transform a simple spice cake mix into an impressive honey cake with rich, warm flavors and a sweet apple glaze. This clever shortcut delivers the complex taste of traditional honey cake without the lengthy process, making it perfect for Rosh Hashanah celebrations or any time you crave the comforting spices and sweetness of this beloved dessert. The addition of honey to the batter and apple cider in the glaze creates layers of flavor that rival from-scratch versions.
Ingredients
- 1 box Duncan Hines Spice Cake mixany spice cake mix1:1vegetarian
works well
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water or cooled brewed coffee
- ⅓ cup oil
- ¾ cup Gefen Honeyany honey1:1vegetarian
flavor may vary
- 1 cup Gefen Confectioners Sugar
- 1 tablespoon margarine, melted
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider or apple juice
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- 2
Mix cake mix, eggs, water or coffee, oil, and honey in mixer bowl or by hand until incorporated
- 3
Spray bundt pan well with cooking spray and transfer batter to pan
- 4
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean
- 5
Cool for 10 to 15 minutes then loosen edges with knife
- 6
Invert onto large plate or cake dome
- 7
Cool completely before icing
- 8
Combine confectioners sugar, melted margarine, apple cider or juice, and apple pie spice in bowl
- 9
Start with 1.5 tablespoons cider or juice and add up to 3 tablespoons as needed
- 10
Pour over cooled cake
Tips
Use cooled brewed coffee instead of water for deeper, richer flavor that complements the honey and spices perfectly.
Make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing to prevent the icing from melting and sliding off.
Spray the bundt pan generously and immediately transfer batter to prevent sticking in the detailed grooves.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can be made 1 day ahead; glaze just before serving for best appearance.
Serve at room temperature, cut with sharp knife in clean slices.
Common Mistakes
Cool cake completely before glazing to avoid melting and sliding.
Spray bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking in detailed ridges.
Substitutions
works well
flavor may vary
FAQ
Can I make this without the glaze?
Yes, the cake is delicious plain or you can dust with powdered sugar instead of making the glaze.
What if I don't have apple pie spice?
Mix 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice as a substitute.
How long does this cake keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week for best quality.