Sunny Swirls: The Ultimate Blood Orange Honey Bundt Cake

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-12 cup bundt pan thoroughly, ensuring all crevices are coated.
2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3

   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add 1/2 cup honey and beat for another minute until well combined.
4. 4

   Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and blood orange zest.
5. 5

   With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the blood orange juice and buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients (e.g., 1/3 flour, 1/2 liquid, 1/3 flour, 1/2 liquid, 1/3 flour). Mix just until no streaks of flour remain; do not overmix.
6. 6

   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release air bubbles.
7. 7

   Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
8. 8

   While the cake bakes, prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup blood orange juice and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
9. 9

   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack. While still warm, brush the entire cake generously with the prepared blood orange syrup. Let the cake cool completely before glazing.
10. 10

    Once the cake is completely cool, prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons blood orange juice, and 1 tablespoon honey until smooth and pourable. Adjust juice or powdered sugar for desired consistency.
11. 11

    Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bundt cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.