Iced fruit loaf on marble slab.

Apple & Plum Honey Spice Loaf Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

08/31/2025 | Bonia Bakery |

There’s something so comforting about baking with warm spices and honey—it immediately makes the whole kitchen feel cozy and inviting. This apple and plum honey spice loaf is one of those recipes that feels like autumn wrapped up in a slice, but I love making it year-round whenever I want something both simple and a little bit special.

What makes this cake stand out is the combination of flavors: rich honey for natural sweetness, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom for warmth, and a touch of orange extract to brighten everything up. The black tea adds depth, almost like the background notes of a classic spice cake, while the dried apples and plums bring chewy, jammy bursts of flavor in every bite. It’s rustic, moist, and beautifully fragrant.

And then there’s the cinnamon drizzle—sweet, spiced, and just the right amount of indulgent. I love how it soaks ever so slightly into the cake, giving you that perfect finish without being overpowering. This loaf is wonderful for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or simply as a treat to keep on the counter for the week. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to settle in.

If you’re looking for a cake that feels nostalgic yet fresh, simple yet layered with flavor, this one is it. A little fruit, a little spice, and a whole lot of comfort.

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) neutral oil (such as avocado)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (170 g) honey
  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ⅛ tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ⅛ tsp orange extract
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) strongly brewed black tea, cooled
  • 1 cup dried apple slices, finely chopped (such as Earth Wake)
  • 1 cup dried French plums, finely chopped (such as Earth Wake)

For the Cinnamon Drizzle:

  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for thickness)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, honey, and brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Add in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, orange extract, and vinegar, whisking to combine.
  4. Sift in the flour, alternating with the cooled black tea, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Fold in the chopped dried apples and plums—the batter will be slightly loose and studded with fruit.
  6. Pour into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling with the cinnamon glaze. Slice and enjoy!