Honey cake is an iconic tradition of the Jewish New Year, and it’s also an easy dessert you can make ahead of time. And when the cake is so moist and delicious, no one will ever even know that it is missing the wheat — these recipes truly showcase how delicious, creative, and healthy gluten-free baking can be. While most of these recipes call for almond flour, there are a few that require 1:1 gluten-free baking flour or mixing a blend of your own.
The recipes below were created by the best gluten-free and paleo bakers out there. They celebrate bold flavors, new traditions, and creative approaches to living gluten-free. Whether you’re avoiding gluten or not, these recipes are delicious ways to celebrate a sweet new year.
Gluten-Free Honey Almond Cake from The Nosher
This classic recipe calls for rice, millet, and almond flours, and it’s sweetened with cubes of apple.
Gluten-Free Honey Almond Cake with Raspberries, Orange and Pistachio by Cookie + Kate
This almond-meal-based honey cake is as gorgeous as it looks. The sweetness of fresh raspberries and honey is amplified by the orange zest.
Gluten-Free Honey Cake by Elana’s Pantry
Inspired by the chef’s Long Island grandmother’s traditional Rosh Hashanah cake, this paleo-friendly, gluten-free honey cake is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of. In this recipe, decaf coffee balances out the sweetness of honey and raisins.
Orange Honey Almond Cake from May I Have That Recipe
The sisters behind this showstopper were inspired by their fond memories of “Tarta de Santiago,” a Spanish almond-flour cake they grew up with. For Rosh Hashanah they tweaked the classic recipe to include honey and pistachios.
Gluten-Free Honey Cake for Rosh Hashanah from Good For You Gluten Free
Try this recipe if you have some 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour on hand — it’s a nice alternative to measuring out all of your individual gluten-free flours.
Spiced Honey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from Bon Appetit
Take your honey cake up a notch by topping it with buttery, creamy frosting. For a festive touch, add edible flours and fennel fronds.
Gluten-Free Honey Almond Cake with Pistachios, Strawberry + Hibiscus Rose Syrup from My Darling Lemon Thyme
The possibilities are endless with this elegant almond-based cake. Since strawberry season is long gone, try seasonal berries, peach slices, pomegranate seeds, or plums.
Honey Cake from The New Yiddish Kitchen
Deep flavors like black tea and bourbon serve as a perfect contrast to the honey, vanilla, and coconut sugar in this paleo honey cake. It’s topped with a honey-sweetened coconut butter frosting so rich that no one will ever know it’s sugar-free.
